2006 Lexus RX recalls and problems

The 2006 Lexus RX has 1 safety recall and 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Lexus dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
32
Crashes / fires
1 / 2
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2006 Lexus RX vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2006 Lexus RX recalls

Recall 10V-499: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Oct 21, 2010 · 728,544 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2006 Lexus RX problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System10
Engine8
Service Brakes7
Fuel/Propulsion System6
Steering5
Structure3
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)3
Seats2
Air Bags2
Unknown or Other2
Power Train2
Hybrid Propulsion System1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 130,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2006 Lexus RX complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Sep 6, 2026
My vehicle runs hot after just five minutes and steam or smoke starts emitting from engine with a strange smell. It left me stranded on a narrow and busy highway where I felt unsafe
Service Brakes · reported Jan 13, 2026
Brake system sets a high tone pitch indicating failure accompanied by all Brake, ABS, PS, Traction Control Lights. This is an know failure for Hybrid systems. It can occur completely random, while driving without notice. Complete brake pressure is lost with exception of a hard feel to the pedal that allows some incomplete breaking to occur and can also cause locking of the brakes at slower speeds. We replaced The brake actuator as recommended with factory new in March of 2024 Started much earlier. Problem has returned Summer of 2025.
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Oct 2, 2025
After adding gasoline to the tank, gasoline begins dripping from the left rear of the vehicle to the rear of the left rear wheel well. This happens even if the tank is only filled to 2/3 of a tank. I have stopped filling up since when the tank is filled up a LARGE amount of gasoline leaks out onto the ground. FIRE HAZARD while parked or driving. I have seen HUNDREDS of reports of this problem reported online.
Vehicle Speed Control · reported Jun 12, 2025
2006 Lexus RX 400h didn't stop even after breaks were applied, it did continue to move forward and slowly push another car for about 15 feet until another car hit a pile of dirt.
Electrical System · reported Mar 17, 2025
From what I have been reading on that year and model, there seems to be major issues with the invertors. Like many I was driving on the highway and the vehicle just quits. This put me and many others in a very dangerous situation and I could have been hit at high rates of speed. If as many people are having these issues, then Lexus needs to step up and recall this part before someone gets killed

Other Lexus RX years

Compare all Lexus RX years · All Lexus models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2006 Lexus RX have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2006 Lexus RX: 10V-499 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2006 Lexus RX?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (10 reports), followed by engine (8). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 130,000 miles.

Are Lexus recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Lexus dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.