What years of the Lexus RX330 should I avoid?

NHTSA complaint data points to 2005 and 2006 as the years to avoid. 2005 has a complaint index of 100 with 165 complaints, and 2006 has an index of 75 with 67 complaints.

Which Lexus RX330 year is the best?

Among the years with data, 2007 is the only year rated Good, with just 5 complaints and a complaint index of 25.

Does the 2005 Lexus RX330 have recalls?

Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns tied to the 2005 RX330, covering a floor carpet cover retention clip issue and a crankshaft pulley inspection. None are do-not-drive recalls.

What is the most common problem area across all RX330 years?

Across all RX330 years in this data, Engine, Electrical System, and Structure & Body issues each account for 21% of the 239 total complaints, followed by Steering at 15%.

Is the 2006 Lexus RX330 known for acceleration problems?

Owner complaints for 2006 show Engine issues as the top problem area, with 24 complaints (36% of that year's total) at a median mileage of 55,833, including reports of sudden acceleration.

Lexus RX330 Best and Worst Years (2005–2011)

Avoid the 2005 and 2006 Lexus RX330: 2005 has a complaint index of 100 (worst of the lineup) with 165 complaints, and 2006 sits at 75 with 67 complaints. The 2007 model is the only Good year, with just 5 complaints and an index of 25.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2005 Avoid 2006

Model years: 5; 2005–2011
NHTSA complaints: 239
Recall campaigns: 3
Crashes reported: 21
Fires reported: 1
Top problem area: Engine

RX330 Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Lexus RX330 problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2005	Avoid	100	165	16	1	3	Electrical System	19	—
2006	Avoid	75	67	4	0	1	Engine	19	—
2007	Good	25	5	0	0	1	Airbags	—	—
2009	No verdict	0	1	0	0	0	Airbags	—	—
2011	No verdict	50	1	1	0	0	Airbags	—	—

RX330 years to avoid: what went wrong

2005 Lexus RX330 Index 100 · 165 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2005 RX330 has the highest complaint index (100) of any year in this model, with 165 complaints, 16 crashes, 1 fire, and 9 injuries. Owners most often reported Electrical System problems (38 complaints, 23%, median mileage 65,500), followed by Structure & Body issues (32 complaints, median 65,000 miles) and Steering trouble (29 complaints, median 108,000 miles). Sample complaints describe unintended movement or acceleration and brake failures leading to crashes. Three recall campaigns apply to this year, covering floor carpet cover retention clips and a crankshaft pulley check, none marked do-not-drive.

2005 electrical system problems →2005 structure & body problems →2005 steering problems →

2006 Lexus RX330 Index 75 · 67 complaints · 1 recalls

The 2006 RX330 carries a complaint index of 75, the second-worst year, with 67 complaints, 4 crashes, and 1 injury. Engine problems dominate, accounting for 24 complaints (36%) at a median mileage of 55,833; Structure & Body issues followed at 15 complaints (median 51,000 miles). Sample complaints describe sudden unintended acceleration events during low-speed maneuvers, including one that resulted in a crash into a garage. One recall campaign, addressing a loose floor carpet cover retention clip, applies to this year and is not a do-not-drive recall.

2006 engine problems →2006 structure & body problems →

Most common Lexus RX330 problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine51 (21%)
Electrical System50 (21%)
Structure & Body49 (21%)
Steering37 (15%)
Other27 (11%)
Transmission & Powertrain21 (9%)
Airbags19 (8%)
Brakes19 (8%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (4%)
Fuel System7 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Lexus RX330 should I avoid?: NHTSA complaint data points to 2005 and 2006 as the years to avoid. 2005 has a complaint index of 100 with 165 complaints, and 2006 has an index of 75 with 67 complaints.
Which Lexus RX330 year is the best?: Among the years with data, 2007 is the only year rated Good, with just 5 complaints and a complaint index of 25.
Does the 2005 Lexus RX330 have recalls?: Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns tied to the 2005 RX330, covering a floor carpet cover retention clip issue and a crankshaft pulley inspection. None are do-not-drive recalls.
What is the most common problem area across all RX330 years?: Across all RX330 years in this data, Engine, Electrical System, and Structure & Body issues each account for 21% of the 239 total complaints, followed by Steering at 15%.
Is the 2006 Lexus RX330 known for acceleration problems?: Owner complaints for 2006 show Engine issues as the top problem area, with 24 complaints (36% of that year's total) at a median mileage of 55,833, including reports of sudden acceleration.