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).
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. …
Owner took car in for routine 110,000 mile service (told it would be about $150). Next day was informed by dealer that power steering pump and high pressure power steering hose needed replacement. Had not noticed any symptoms prior to this, no leaking noted beneath car other than water from ac. Dealer said a leak would be from same pan as ac, but power steering fluid would be oily not watery. I explained that I did not have any sign of power steering leak. Parts ($665.94) and labor ($217) for pump = total ($882.94) parts ($528.99) and labor ($294.50) for high pressure steering hose = total ($831.48) this cost was $1700 on top of my 110.000 maintenance charge. Has this been a problem for other owners of 2005 rx 330 ?
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX330. While the vehicle was in park, the steering wheel felt loose and a noise was coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. In addition, while in park, there was a noise when the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician stated that the steering shaft and the rack and pinion nut needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,594.
Dealer mentioned power steering leak in 2014, again in 2015 and previous owner of vehicle took it in to have it looked at due to complaint of problems with power steering in 2012 with water pump and timing belt were changed. My local dealer is stating the repair will cost at least $1000 to repair. Despite recalls on the internet, it seems that the investigation of the 2005 Lexus rx 330 needs to include vehicle manufactured in Canada (mine states Canada). Please help I want to be safe driving my family in this vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX330. The contact stated that the brake system failed and the brake warning indicator illuminated. The contact also stated that the steering wheel made a loud noise while being turned. The vehicle was taken to Lexus of annapolis (121 ferguson road, annapolis, md 21409, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the brake master cylinder failed and caused the brake fluid to leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 130,100.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX330. The contact stated that the vsc indicator illuminated intermittently. Also, while the vehicle was at a complete stop, the steering wheel would vibrate uncontrollably. In cold weather, the steering wheel would become difficult to maneuver. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failures. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 220,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX330. While driving various speeds, there was an abnormal noise coming from the power steering. The contact also observed evidence of a power steering fluid leak. The dealer diagnosed that the power steering pump and the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
I am having serious quality problems with my 2005 RX330. The vehicle is kept in the garage and being taken care of like a family member. I took the SUV to a Lexus dealer for routine maintenance and was told that the steering column was leaking and need to be replaced - approximate cost $1800. I was also told the front differential was leaking and need to be replaced - cost another $1000. This is not the end! Approximately six months ago my water pump failed at the middle of a busy intersection, and I had to replace my water pump, timing belt, drive belts, etc only at 65K miles - cost $1200. Why every major key components are failing so early? I drove a car made by a competitor upto 110K miles without any of these issues. Lexus/Toyota is using defective/cheap parts at the expense and safety of consumers. …
My dashboard began to show signs of cracking about a year ago. It started to crack around the radio/audio components and spread quickly like a spider web. Lexus agreed to replace the dashboard at no charge, but not the labor costs. While replacing it, they advised me that the power steering rack and pinion had severe fluid leakage on right side, boot deteriorated. The cost of this repair was $1,856.00. There was also an issue with the left front cv axle inboard joint boot, an additional $412.00. In reading all the complaints on this website and on the internet, it appears that the dashboard and the rack and pinion are a common problems that Lexus is aware of. A service representative also told me that the rx 350 has a significant problem with the rack and pinion, but Lexus is not willing to do anything about it. …
Steering complaints in other RX330 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2005 Lexus RX330?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Lexus RX330, 18% of the model year's 165 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2005 Lexus RX330 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 108,000 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.