Steering complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
We noticed a squeaking noise while turning the wheel while in motion on 12/19/16 and we told the dealer ray catena of nj and they took the car to their shop and told us they found the problem with the wheel and it was fixed. On 1/16/17 we noticed the noise again when we turn the wheel and we think it is unsafe to drive the car. We asked the dealer to replace it. VIN your email has been submitted. A member of our support team will get back to you soon. Use this reference number for follow-up: #[redacted]
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that the steering wheel would lock without warning and the vehicle would pull to the right. The power steering warning indicator illuminated. The dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 26,000. Updated 01/26/2017 carfax cannot process VIN updated 7/12/18
The steering column rattles whenever you go over a bump. It shakes and makes a louder clinging noise on the highway. This is a daily occurence. The manufacturer acknowledged issue but claims it has been fixed once. Same problem reoccurs again. Clearly a deffective part. Manufacturer offered a replacemant part but refuse to be responsible for installation cost. I offered to cover half of the installation cost. Manufacturer refused my offer. Sent an appeal letter of reconsideration twice but was rejected. I strongly believe this is a manufacturing / defective part problem. Regardless of how old or how many miles the vehicle has. If something is fixed once and same problem reoccurs again, then it's not fixed. Concern of my family safety and very disturbed about the manufacturers attitude. Please kindly help.
Took vehicle in to Lexus dealership and was notified of "rack & pinion" issue, quoted $1256.00 to fix. After talking to several people I have realized how common this problem has always been in these vehicles and it has not been addressed by Lexus even after so many people with same issue keep coming forward. The dealership just says its part of maintenance, this has never been the case before in any other car I have owned. This needs to be addressed
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!
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Lexus RX350. While reversing, the vehicle spontaneously accelerated and crashed into three trees. The steering wheel became uncontrollable/inoperable and the brake pedal was applied, but traveled to the floorboard. The contact turned off the ignition to stop the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. There were no injuries. The police department arrived, but a report was filed 3 days later. The air bags did not deploy. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: [redacted]. The manufacturer inspected the vehicle and stated components were working properly and consumer made no attempt to stop or steer. The vehicle was unable to be driven. The failure mileage was 103,000. Vehicle also crashed into 1 car. …
I had my foot on the brake pulling into a parking space when I felt a quick acceleration surging my car forward, locking my steering wheel causing me to plow onto a parked truck. I had to be towed to repair shop. Steering became difficult.
Frequently asked questions
Which Lexus RX350 years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2009 (28), 2007 (25), 2008 (18) and 2010 (5) model years. Steering complaints make up 29% of all complaints for the 2009.
Is there a recall for Lexus RX350 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for any Lexus RX350 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Lexus RX350 steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles; 32% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the rack and pinion (1 mentions).
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.