Most common 2005 Lexus RX330 problems
Share of the 165 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus RX330 complaints by model year
Best RX330 years: 2007, 2006. Years to avoid: 2004, 2005. Compare all years →
2005 Lexus RX330 recalls (3)
Engine and engine cooling
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004 avalon vehicles; 2004 and 2005 camry, camry solara, highlander, and sienna vehicles, 2006 highlander hybrid; 2004 and 2005 Lexus es330 and rx330; and 2006 Lexus rx400h vehicles manufactured from June 1, 2004 through March 31, 2005, equipped with the 1mz-fe or 3mz-fe engine.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will check the crankshaft pulley to identify whether it was produced by the U.S. Supplier. If so, the dealer will replace the pulley with a new one at no charge.
Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 highlander, highlander hybrid, and model year 2004-2007 Lexus rx330, rx350, and rx400h vehicles. If the forward retention clip used to secure the floor carpet cover, which is located in front of the center console, is not installed properly the cover May lean toward the…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the floor carpet cover with a newly designed one free or charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during March 2011. Owners May contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
On certain sport utility and hybrid vehicles, the two retaining clips for the driver's side forward center console can become loose. If both clips separate from the floor carpet cover, the cover May lean toward the accelerator pedal, causing interference with the accelerator pedal rod.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the two floor carpet cover retaining clips free of charge. The recall began on July 24, 2006, and should be completed by early September 2006.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2005 Lexus RX330:
Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration
On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I.
What 2005 Lexus RX330 owners say
Lights all 32 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX330. The contact stated that the headlights seized without warning. The failure was persisent. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the entire headlight assembly failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX330. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the headlight dimmer created poor visibility. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The dealer stated that the headlight assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 03/24/15 updated 9/18/2017
Body & structure all 32 →
Lexus had a recall to repair cracks rapidly developing in the dashboard. When the recall came out I was in the hospital having cancer surgery. The date for the recall had just passed. I called Lexus and was told to bring the car to9 the dealer. The dealer found the problem and wrote of an estimate to summit from headquarters for coverage. Headquarters got back to me and said I was too late to have it fixed under the recall. This was after the dealer said they would. I wrote to the ceo of Lexus USA and never even got the courtesy of a reply. Now the dashboard is cracking worse.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Lexus RX330. The contact stated that the dashboard was fractured near the passenger's side air bag housing. The dashboard fracture expanded throughout the dashboard and caused the front passenger's air bag outline to be visible. The manufacturer informed the contact that the dashboard replacement warranty had expired in 2018. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 70,000. The VIN was not available. Carfax states that according to the VIN number, the vehicle is actually a 2005 Lexus RX330 not a 2010.\
Steering all 29 →
I have been experiencing issue with my steering control, and a unique noise on sharp turns, so during my next oil change at the Lexus dealership they examined and informed me that my steering rack is seeping oil, and would need a replacement to a cost of $1,800. I drive my car over the weekends with my kids on outdoor trips over the weekend and have only 70K miles, so was a complete shock to learn about this issue. Research has shown me that this is a know issue, and many consumers have similar complain. On contacting Lexus, I was informed that since my car is out of warranty period, there not much they can do although they are well aware of the issue, there was a channel 2 san diego, ca clip on Toyota motors having a recall, but I was informed no such recall is in force, so I am confused. …
The alignment has always been an issue and has been adjusted more often then any other car I've ever owned. Until recently I noticed the steering getting stiffer and harder to handle. Changed the fluid several times and it doesn't seem to be the problem. Took it in to get checked, it's the rack and pinion and will cost over $1000 to repair. After speaking with the mechanic he stated "this is a common defect in your Lexus, but they aren't putting in a recall on it." that's ridiculous. As most of us here, we have the safety of our families in our cars. I'm not even finished paying this thing off and it's falling apart. This should be taken much more seriously and should be recalled considering that it looks as if most of these models are having the same issues. It's very scary to drive. But not in my budget...food and clothing first...not fixing a manufacturers error. …
2005 Lexus RX330 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 23 / 20 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 22 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Lexus RX330 a good car?
Based on 165 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 RX330 rates use caution: 1.7× as many complaints as a typical year of the RX330 at the same age. It is one of the RX330 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Lexus RX330?
The lights — 32 complaints, 19% of all complaints for this model year, most often about headlights. Next are the body & structure (32) and steering (29).
How many recalls does the 2005 Lexus RX330 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2005 Lexus RX330, the most recent from November 9, 2011 (engine and engine cooling). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus RX330?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2007 and 2006. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2004 and 2005. See the full Lexus RX330 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Lexus RX330 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 25% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.