Headlight complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
This is an ongoing problem with the Lexus rx models caused by moisture and condensation forming inside the headlight there has been a Lexus TSB regarding this however dealers apparently are free to decide if they rectified it or not. The computer module in the headlight is damaged by the condensation leading to a repair costing almost $3,000 the part alone being $1,900. Mine ultimately failed at about 54800 miles though it was reported to dealer as a condensation when the dealer chose to do nothing about. This is a known issue with the Lexus rx so much so it has created a whole sub-market in buying the faulty ones removed by Lexus refurbishing and reselling even those are selling for $1,100 if you can even find one. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Lexus RX330. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, he noticed that the front passengers low beam light was not functioning. Upon examining the headlight, the contact noticed that moisture accumulated inside of the headlight housing, disabling the low beam. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing or to be repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000. The VIN was unavailable. Note: auto was taken to Lexus dealer 9/22/2011- est $ 705.00 for repair parts are on order. Updated 10/18/2011
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 purchased a used Lexus 2004 rx 330 from a Lexus dealership and a 4 months after I noticed a large amount of condensation in the drivers front headlight1 month later while driving at night the 1 headlight went out completely and I discovered a technical service bulletin issued from Lexus but no recall. This is clearly a widespread problem and a safety issue, Toyota has yet to fix they want me to pay $500 out of a $1800 repair!
Defects in headlamp assembly caused water from rain to accumulate inside the lamp, overtime, the water caused the hi-voltage unit to short out and the headlamp is in-operative (this is for the low beam HID lights). Replacement cost is $1,800 per lamp assembly (dealers quote). This is a safety issue since the low beam is not available for driving at night.
Related recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Certain passenger vehicles May be equipped with an improperly designed brake light switch. A silicon oxide build-up occurs on the contacts inside the brake light switch, which can make it inoperable.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake light switch. The recall began during December 2004. Owners should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Frequently asked questions
Which Lexus RX330 years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (32), 2004 (22) and 2006 (9) model years. Headlight complaints make up 19% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for Lexus RX330 headlight problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 04V-558 (switch, Nov 22, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Lexus RX330 headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles; 30% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (20 mentions), followed by the tail lights (1).
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.