Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Lexus RX330 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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
I own a 2005 Lexus rx 330. I have been having a problem with the condensation build up within the headlight for about 6 months. I went to the Lexus dealer to find out the problem they charged a $110.00 service charge to tell me that I need to replace my headlight assembly. The cost to replace is about $2,200. This is a disgrace. My headlight does not work at all. I have not been able to drive my vehicle at night for sometime now. I contacted Lexus customer care and explained to them that this seems to be a major problem and they should have done a recall on this vehicle. The response from Lexus is that they would review my case and someone would call me back with a decision. Someone did call me back offering to pay 25% of the total bill of 2,200 from the Lexus dealership. I was livid. Lexus sells defective vehicles and expects customers to pay the repairs. …
Tl contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX330. He stated that there was a massive amount of condensation in the driver side head lamp which caused the light bulb. The dealer was notified and the repair was made; however, he noticed that the passenger side lights intensity was different from the driver's side. The dealer stated that the lights were aligned correctly and should not affect the intensity. The contact provided photos to prove the difference in the driver and passenger side lights. The dealer repaired the both of the lights per the warranty. The failure mileage was 16000 and the current mileage was 53000. Updated 10/13/09. Updated 10/15/09
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX330. The contact stated that water was entering into the driver side headlight. The dealer was contacted and they advised him that the failure was normal and referred the contact to the owners manual. The headlight eventually failed completely after nothing was done to repair the failure. The vehicle was inspected a second time by the dealer and they advised him that the entire unit would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised him that they will review the case and contact him at a later date. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.
Condensation in headlamp assembly causing headlight to blow. Headlamp assembly costs $1,900 ea. To replace. Lexus RX330. Vehicle has been off warranty for almost 2 mos. 62,700 miles on vehicle. Lexus customer satisfaction says they are not responsible for repair. Lexus dealership will give us a discount (few hundred dollars). Cannot drive vehicle with no headlights at night. Research shows a number of Lexus RX330 headlamp problems. Vehicle cannot be repaired by anyone other than Lexus as this is a computer assembly replacement. Rain heavy, condensation builds up inside assembly causing short and blowing out headlight.
I will add my complaint to previous reporter. I have had to replace the headlamp 2 times due to water in the assembly of the headlamp. The right side headlight failed. There is moisture under the glass which shorted out the light. Online I have seen hundreds of complaints about this happening to the same model Lexus. The repair for this headlight runs over $1,500. Lexus corporation refuses to take responsibility for an obvious design flaw. [redacted]
Tl contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX330. The contact stated that in the past six months that the front headlights have burned out because the rubber seal used was not of good quality. The dealer stated that was the trim and it was not covered under warranty. Each head lamp had a computer and the lack of seal allowed water into the head lamps and short circuit the computer. The passenger side head light was replaced and the driver side has condensation inside of it. The failure mileage was 88000 and current mileage was 96000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX330. The contact stated that there was an excessive build-up of condensation in the passenger headlight. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer two years after the contact noticed the failure the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a local repair shop where the mechanic was able to remove the moisture from the headlight. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000 and the current mileage was 44,000.
Certified 2005 Lexus rx 330 has headlight condensation one week after I brought it home. Notified the dealer and they told me that its not covered under the certified warranty. I have the HID headlights that turn with you around corners, which will cost $1800 to replace! From what the dealer told me, they used to honor this defect but there were too many and it got too costly for them! A certified Lexus should not have defective headlights.
Headlight complaints in other RX330 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2005 Lexus RX330?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the lights of the 2005 Lexus RX330, 19% of the model year's 165 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Lexus RX330 headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2005 Lexus RX330, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Lexus RX330 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 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.