2006 Lexus RX330 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2006 Lexus RX330 has a Complaint Index of 75, ranking 2nd-worst out of 5 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. Engine problems dominate with 24 complaints (36% share) and a median failure mileage of 55,833, plus one recall for a floor carpet clip issue.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 75/100
- #2 of 5 RX330 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 67
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 16.5 city / 22.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2006 Lexus RX330 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine24 (36%)
- Structure & Body15 (22%)
- Electrical System12 (18%)
- Steering8 (12%)
- Other7 (10%)
- Brakes4 (6%)
- Fuel System3 (4%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Vehicles reportedly accelerated on their own while parking or backing out, leading to crashes into garages or fixed objects.
- Some owners describe the accelerator sticking, causing excessive speed and collisions.
- Engine hesitation occurs intermittently, including during attempts to merge onto highways or change lanes.
- Brake fluid was reported leaking into the brake booster, causing increased stopping distance and master cylinder failure.
- Owners describe tail light and headlight lens designs they felt reduced visibility to other drivers.
- Transmission hesitation was reported as severe enough that owners felt unsafe accelerating in traffic.
2006 Lexus RX330 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- 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.
2006 Lexus RX330 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16.5 MPG
- Highway
- 22.5 MPG
- Combined
- 19 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,200
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- 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.
2006 compared with other RX330 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 Lexus RX330 reliable?
- Compared with other RX330 years, 2006 ranks poorly. It has a Complaint Index of 75 and sits 2nd-worst among 5 model years, earning an Avoid verdict.
- What is the main problem with the 2006 Lexus RX330?
- Engine issues are the top problem area, accounting for 24 of 67 complaints (36%), with a median failure mileage of 55,833.
- Does the 2006 Lexus RX330 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall, campaign 11V112000, covering a floor carpet cover retention clip that could interfere with the accelerator pedal.
- What year Lexus RX330 should I avoid?
- Among RX330 years with data, 2005 has the worst Complaint Index at 100, followed by 2006 at 75. The 2007 model year scores much better with an index of 25.