2005 Lexus RX recalls and problems

1 recall and 27 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Lexus RX.

1
recalls
27
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
1
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2005 Lexus RX recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components, master cylinder

NHTSA campaign 10V499000 · reported October 21, 2010 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 728,544 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 avalon, model year 2004-2006 highlander, model year 2004-2006 lexus rx, and model year 2006 lexus gs and is vehicles. Brake fluid containing polymers is used that acts as lubricants for certain brake system components. If replacement brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers, or that contains only small amounts, a part of the rubber seal located at the rear of the brake master cylinder may become dry, and the seal may curl during movement of the piston. If this occurs, a small amount of brake fluid could slowly leak from the seal into the brake booster.
The risk
A leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and overtime a degradation in braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the seal with a newly designed one. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 15, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331 and lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Nov 20, 2025 · Engine · fire reported

My vehicle caught fire a few days after being repaired by a licensed repair shop in California. The repair was performed by: Brodie's Tire & Automotive Address: 1276 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma, CA 94952 Phone: […] After the fire, the repair shop admitted in writing that: • The intake manifold melted after the fire •…

Oct 4, 2025 · Tires

Unexpectedly found steel cable has snapped off & the spare tire was gone Like to report this could be a safety issue leading to an accident for fellow driver.

Sep 5, 2025 · Air bags · 80,000 miles

The contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX 330. The contact stated that there were horizontal and vertical cracks on the dashboard near the passenger’s side air bag housing. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned about the safety of the driver’s and passenger’s side air bags. The local dealer was…

Jan 31, 2024 · Air bags

Over past month Dashboard where airbag is under has become discolored and is CRACKING as if AIRBAG wants out. Other 2005 Toyota vehicles have been recalled bc of Dangerous AIRBAG issues. Should the AIRBAGS in 2005 Lexus’ be too? Afraid to drive now.

Nov 30, 2023 · Service brakes, hydraulic · 210,000 miles

The contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX330. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle was slow to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the Duralast brake master cylinder…

RX model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2002 01230
2003 0410
2004 14011
2005 12711
2006 13212
2007 05811
2008 07052

Across all years, the 2010 RX has the most complaints (77). All Lexus RX years →

Questions

Does the 2005 Lexus RX have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2005 Lexus RX, the most recent reported on October 21, 2010 (Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components, master cylinder). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Lexus RX?
Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (5 complaints), followed by unknown or other (5).
How many 2005 Lexus RX complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 27 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received November 20, 2025.