2005 Lexus RX 330 Reliability
The 2005 Lexus RX 330 has 192 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA, most often about body structure and exterior lighting. Compared with nearby RX 330 model years (2004–2007), it rates as a caution year: complaints run above the RX 330's typical year, while the 2006 has a cleaner record.
By CarWhere Research · Updated 2026-11-04 · Source: NHTSA
192
NHTSA owner complaints
3
Recall campaigns
17
Complaints citing a crash
2
Complaints citing a fire
2005 Lexus RX 330 complaints by component
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2005 model year, filed between 2005 and 2025. A complaint can name more than one component.
| Component | Complaints | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Body structure | 36 | 19% |
| Exterior lighting | 34 | 18% |
| Steering | 31 | 16% |
| Powertrain / transmission | 21 | 11% |
| Unknown or other | 20 | 10% |
| Air bags | 19 | 10% |
| Service brakes | 16 | 8% |
| Speed control / throttle | 16 | 8% |
2005 Lexus RX 330 recalls
3 recall campaigns on NHTSA record for the 2005 model year, by the date NHTSA received the manufacturer's report. Recall repairs are free at a dealer.
| NHTSA campaign | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06V253000 | Jul 13, 2006 | Speed control / throttle — accelerator pedal | On certain sport utility and hybrid vehicles, the two retaining clips for the driver's side forward center console can become loose. If both clips separate from the floor carpet cover, the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal, causing interference with… |
| 11V112000 | Feb 24, 2011 | Speed control / throttle — accelerator pedal | Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 highlander, highlander hybrid, and model year 2004-2007 Lexus rx330, rx350, and rx400h vehicles. If the forward retention clip used to secure the floor carpet cover, which is located in front of the center… |
| 11V539000 | Nov 9, 2011 | Engine & cooling | Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004 avalon vehicles; 2004 and 2005 camry, camry solara, highlander, and sienna vehicles, 2006 highlander hybrid; 2004 and 2005 Lexus es330 and rx330; and 2006 Lexus rx400h vehicles manufactured from June 1, 2004 through… |
How the 2005 compares with nearby RX 330 years
Verdicts compare these RX 330 model years with each other.
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 327 | 5 | Powertrain / transmission | Avoid |
| 2005 (this page) | 192 | 3 | Body structure | Caution |
| 2006 | 99 | 1 | Body structure | Solid |
| 2007 | 5 | 1 | Air bags | Too few reports |
Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA and are not adjusted for how many of each year were sold, so they compare years of the same model rather than different models.
What to check on a used 2005 Lexus RX 330
- Body: look under the car for rust or damaged subframe and rocker areas, and check panel gaps for signs of repair.
- Lights: check headlights (low and high), brake lights and turn signals; condensation inside the housings is worth noting.
- Steering: check for a steering warning light, heavy or notchy steering and clunks over bumps; power-steering faults show up at low speed.
- Transmission: test-drive from cold through every gear, feel for slipping, harsh or delayed shifts and shudder, and ask whether the fluid has been serviced.
- Recalls: confirm each of the 3 campaigns above was completed on this VIN; open recalls are repaired free at a dealer.
- History: run the VIN for salvage, theft and odometer records, and have an independent mechanic inspect the car before you pay.
Check this exact car
Any 2005 Lexus RX 330 can be better or worse than its model year. The CarWhere Used Car Report checks one VIN for salvage records, salvage-auction records (with damage photos when the auction published them), stolen-vehicle records, the odometer trail and its listing and price history since 2015. Free preview first; the full report is $12.99, one time.
2005 Lexus RX 330 reliability FAQ
Is the 2005 Lexus RX 330 reliable?
The 2005 Lexus RX 330 has 192 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA, most often about body structure and exterior lighting. Compared with nearby RX 330 model years (2004–2007), it rates as a caution year: complaints run above the RX 330's typical year, while the 2006 has a cleaner record.
What are the most common 2005 Lexus RX 330 problems?
The most-reported problem areas in NHTSA owner complaints for the 2005 Lexus RX 330 are body structure (36), exterior lighting (34), steering (31), powertrain / transmission (21). One complaint can name more than one component.
Does the 2005 Lexus RX 330 have recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2005 Lexus RX 330, including 06V253000 (speed control / throttle — accelerator pedal) and 11V112000 (speed control / throttle — accelerator pedal). Recall repairs are free at a dealer, and whether one was done is tracked by VIN.
How does the 2005 Lexus RX 330 compare with the 2004 and 2006 models?
By NHTSA records, the 2004 has 327 complaints and 5 recalls (avoid); the 2006 has 99 complaints and 1 recall (solid). The 2005 has 192 complaints and 3 recalls.
How do I check a specific used 2005 Lexus RX 330?
Run its VIN. The CarWhere Used Car Report checks one VIN for salvage records, salvage-auction records (with damage photos when the auction published them), stolen-vehicle records, the odometer trail and its listing and price history since 2015, with a free preview first and the full report at $12.99, one time. Pair it with an independent pre-purchase inspection.
More Lexus RX 330 research
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation owner complaints (all body-style listings for the 2005 RX 330, de-duplicated by complaint number) and NHTSA recall campaigns, retrieved 2026-11-04.