2005 Lexus RX330 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 5 RX330 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2005 Lexus RX330 has 165 owner complaints and 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 100 out of 100 — the highest of 5 RX330 model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is electrical system (38 complaints, 23% of the total). Complaints report 16 crashes, 1 fire, and 9 injuries.
- Complaints
- 165
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 16 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 9 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 16.5 city / 22.5 hwy
Top 2005 Lexus RX330 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System38 (23%)
- Structure & Body32 (19%)
- Steering29 (18%)
- Engine27 (16%)
- Other18 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain18 (11%)
- Brakes15 (9%)
- Airbags14 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (4%)
- Fuel System4 (2%)
2005 Lexus RX330 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 11V539000Nov 9, 2011Engine420,326 vehicles
Engine and 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 march 31, 2005, equipped with the 1mz-fe or 3mz-fe engine. The amount of adhesive agent applied between the outer ring and the torsional rubber damper (inner ring) in the crankshaft pulley may be inadequate. If the adhesive is insufficient, there is a possibility that the outer ring may become misaligned and it may not properly rotate with the inner ring, causing noise and/or illumination of the battery discharge indicator light.
Risk: In some cases, the belt for the power steering pump may become detached from the pulley which could result in a loss of power steering and a sudden increase in steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will check the crankshaft pulley to identify whether it was produced by the u.s. Supplier. If so, the dealer will replace the pulley with a new one at no charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during early january 2012. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
- NHTSA 11V112000Feb 24, 2011Engine769,379 vehicles
Vehicle speed control: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 console, is not installed properly the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal and interfere with the accelerator pedal arm.
Risk: If this occurs, the accelerator pedal may temporarily become stuck in a partially depressed position rather than return to the idle position. A stuck accelerator pedal may result in unintended and sustained vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the floor carpet cover with a newly designed one free or charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during march 2011. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
- NHTSA 06V253000Jul 13, 2006Engine367,594 vehicles
Vehicle speed control: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 the accelerator pedal rod.
Risk: This condition may interfere with the accelerator pedal returning to the idle position increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the two floor carpet cover retaining clips free of charge. The recall began on july 24, 2006, and should be completed by early september 2006. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
2005 Lexus RX330 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16.5 MPG
- Highway
- 22.5 MPG
- Combined
- 19 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,400
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other RX330 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Lexus RX330 a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Lexus RX330 ranks worst among RX330 model years (Complaint Index 100/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 165 complaints and 3 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Lexus RX330?
- The most reported problem areas are electrical system (38 complaints), structure & body (32 complaints), and steering (29 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 80,000 miles.
- Does the 2005 Lexus RX330 have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2005 Lexus RX330, most recently reported 2011, covering engine.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Lexus RX330?
- EPA rates the 2005 Lexus RX330 at 19 MPG combined (16.5 city / 22.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,400. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.