2005 Lexus RX Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2005 Lexus RX has a complaint index of 5, the second-lowest among 21 model years, and carries a Good verdict (capped due to incomplete records for 2005-2009). It ranks 20th worst out of the years tracked, with 27 complaints and one recall covering a brake fluid seal issue.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 5/100
- #20 of 21 RX years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 27
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Airbags
Top 2005 Lexus RX problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other6 (22%)
- Airbags5 (19%)
- Brakes5 (19%)
- Structure & Body5 (19%)
- Electrical System4 (15%)
- Engine3 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (11%)
- Fuel System2 (7%)
- Steering2 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (7%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners report the vehicle surging forward unexpectedly while braking at low speed, including a case with foot still on the brake pedal.
- Transmission hesitation of several seconds when accelerating from a stop, including incidents where the vehicle would not accelerate past 40 mph.
- A vibration in the steering wheel accompanied gear-engagement problems in some cases.
- The rear liftgate opened on its own while driving despite appearing closed, triggering a warning light.
- Chrome wheel trim reportedly bubbled and delaminated, leading to slow tire pressure loss and tire failure.
- Water intrusion into headlight assemblies after washing or rain reduced nighttime visibility for some owners.
2005 Lexus RX recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 10V499000Oct 21, 2010Brakes728,544 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 avalon, model year 2004-2006 highlander, model year 2004-2006 lexus rx, and model year 2006 lexus gs and is vehicles. Brake fluid containing polymers is used that acts as lubricants for certain brake system components. If replacement brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers, or that contains only small amounts, a part of the rubber seal located at the rear of the brake master cylinder may become dry, and the seal may curl during movement of the piston. If this occurs, a small amount of brake fluid could slowly leak from the seal into the brake booster.
Risk: A leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and overtime a degradation in braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seal with a newly designed one. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 15, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331 and lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
2005 compared with other RX years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Lexus RX reliable?
- NHTSA data shows a complaint index of 5 for the 2005 RX, one of the lowest among the 21 model years tracked. Its verdict is Good, though capped because complaint records for 2005-2009 are less complete.
- What problems does the 2005 Lexus RX have?
- Owners most often reported issues in Airbags, Brakes, and Structure & Body, each accounting for 19% of complaints. There were also reports of transmission hesitation and headlight water leaks.
- Does the 2005 Lexus RX have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 10V499000) covers brake fluid seals that could allow polymer buildup, affecting 2005-2006 model year RX and related Toyota/Lexus vehicles.
- How does the 2005 RX compare to other RX model years?
- The 2005 RX ranks 20th worst out of 21 years by complaint index, well below higher-complaint years like 2010, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025, which all carry Avoid verdicts.