Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Lexus RX350 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My car never leaked oil, and no sensor lights were on. Regular maintenance was performed on the car. While I was driving on the freeway on cruise control about 70 MPH (2,000 RPM) engine suddenly revved up to 3,000-3,500 RPM. I was able to exit the highway within 0.25 miles, the oil pressure sensor came on at the end of the exit ramp. I drove approximately 100 yards away from the exit ramp to reach a side street and by then the car was barely moving, it was very difficult to turn the steering wheel, and several other sensor lights were also on. I had the car towed to a service garage that told me the oil coolant lines had leaked causing the low pressure condition in the engine. …
I took my RX350 for regular service and asked for the steering to be checked since it made noise and did not feel secure when making hard or sharp turns and when parking in tight spots. I was informed that my rack & pinion assembly was leaking power steering fluid and it could be hazardous if not addressed. It needed to be replaced. The Lexus estimate was $2000! Given the age, I had less than 80K mostly local and highway miles on the SUV. When I researched cost estimates I found that this was a common occurrence. I believe Lexus should accept responsibility and recall these vehicles and reimburse the owners who had to pay out of pocket! After I saved up to pay for the repair the cost was $2058.11!
While getting my inspection at the Lexus dealer, they showed me that my steering rack is leaking with less than 32,500 miles on the car. The car has never been damaged or driven recklessly and garaged kept. The car has been maintained and includes records. My Volvo 240 racks last 20-25 years. Shame on Lexus/Toyota on a common, serious issue involving a premium brand. This should be a recall issue because the power steering could fail. The Lexus dealer noted it as a "caution task" with a recommendation to replace the rack and pinion assembly. I have written in the date of 14 dec 2016 as being observed. It appears to have started leaking sometime this year.
During routine oil change at Lexus dealership I was informed the rack and pinion steering boot was leaking and the entire assembly needed replacing soon as it poses a safety issue. Learned this is a very common recurring issue with this make/model/year and validated as such on-line. Estimated cost of repair that I was quoted: $1,536.88. Due to the potential safety issue and number of occurrences I do not see how this is not a recall issue and that the cost should be the responsibility of the manufacturer as it is obviously a manufacturing defect.
During routine oil change at Lexus dealership I was informed that the steering rack was leaking and the entire rack needed replacing soon as it poses a safety issue. Learned this is a very common reoccurring issue with this make/model/year and validated as such on-line. Estimated cost of repair that I was quoted: $1,678.85. Due to the potential safety issue and number of occurrences I do not see how this is not a recall issue and that the cost should be the responsibility of the manufacturer as it is obviously a manufacturing defect.
Took to dealer for regular oil change. The 25 point check - right side rack and pinion leaking, right rear strut leaking front brakes low battery fail test from a battery I received from Lexus in 2012. Brake fluid flush need 4 wheel alignment. The corporation needs to do a recall I've researched to many of these vehicles are being cited with this rack and pinion. They recalled prior years why not the 2009 and up? I am to receive assistance with the labor, but as we know labor is the bulk of charges.
While have my car serviced, the shop informed me that the steering rack was leaking fluid and needed to be repaired at a cost (parts & labor) of $1562. This seems outrageous to me given that the car has about 33K miles on it. When I check the blog on arfc.org, it appears that this is a common problem. Why has Lexus not been required to issue a recall for this problem?
My Lexus has just 50,000 miles on it garage kept, just was told my rack&pinion gear was leaking to the tune of 1800.00 dollars. I was looking up Lexus forums on line, there is quite of Lexus owner's that have the same problem. And if you don`t take care of this problem it could be quite dangerous. I think Lexus should reimburse owner's for there out of pocket expenses.
My Lexus has under 20,000 miles on it and it has been garage kept and not seen winters. My dealer just told me that the steering gearbox needs to be replaced immediately. This car is in perfect shape and has hardly been driven. If there is a problem with this, Lexus should be paying for it, not me. The quote is for $1450.
Serious steering rack power steering failure/leakage, mechanic says common Lexus and Toyota products and can lead to catastrophic accident by losing steering at high speeds. Thank god, no accident yet, just facing $1600 repair. Parts and labor, one year warranty. Do many people have to die before this is addressed??
Steering complaints in other RX350 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2009 Lexus RX350?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Lexus RX350, 29% of the model year's 97 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2009 Lexus RX350 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2009 Lexus RX350. 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 2009 Lexus RX350 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 13% 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.