2005 Lexus RX330 recalls and problems

The 2005 Lexus RX330 has 3 safety recalls and 165 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Lexus dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
165
Crashes / fires
16 / 1
Injuries / deaths
9 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Lexus RX330 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 Lexus RX330 recalls

Recall 11V-539: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Nov 9, 2011 · 420,326 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 11V-112: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Feb 24, 2011 · 769,379 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 06V-253: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Jul 13, 2006 · 367,594 vehicles affected · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Exterior Lighting32
Structure32
Steering29
Power Train19
Unknown or Other15
Vehicle Speed Control14
Air Bags14
Engine11
Electrical System7
Service Brakes, Hydraulic6
Service Brakes5
Visibility4

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 11
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 10
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 8
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly — 2
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 2
  • Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate — 1
  • Suspension › Front › Shock Absorber — 1
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 80,000 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 2005 Lexus RX330 complaints

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

Structure · at 65,000 miles · reported Apr 28, 2021
The contact owns a 2005 lexus rx330. The contact stated the dashboard was cracking. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Air Bags · at 70,000 miles · reported Aug 20, 2020
The contact owns a 2010 lexus rx330. The contact stated that the dashboard was fractured near the passenger's side air bag housing. The dashboard fracture expanded throughout the dashboard and caused the front passenger's air bag outline to be visible. The manufacturer informed the contact that the dashboard replacement warranty had expired in 2018. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 70,000. The VIN was not available. Carfax states that according to the VIN number, the vehicle is actually a 2005 lexus rx330 not a 2010.\
Steering · at 220,000 miles · reported Dec 9, 2019
The contact owns a 2005 lexus rx330. The contact stated that the vsc indicator illuminated intermittently. Also, while the vehicle was at a complete stop, the steering wheel would vibrate uncontrollably. In cold weather, the steering wheel would become difficult to maneuver. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failures. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 220,000.
Engine · at 205,000 miles · reported Feb 25, 2019
Timing belt broke on the expressway driving 65 MPH causing me to loose power and almost cause an accident. The water pump was leaking causing the car to heat up. The timing belt broke and the mechanic said the car had extensive damage to the motor and is not worth fixing.
Unknown or Other · at 42,000 miles · reported Dec 23, 2018
Hello, this complaint is not of lexus vehicle I own. I AM filing the compliant about the firestone destination le 2 tires I purchased from local firestone store couple years again. I purchase 5 tires including a full size spare. I did first tire rotation this month at the same store location. This morning while driving on the high way. The brand new spare tire rotated to the rear passenger side had a sudden blow out. I almost lost control of my vehicle. By the time I stopped on the shoulder, on side of the tread was completely separated from the wall. I think the tire has manufacture defect…

Other Lexus RX330 years

Compare all Lexus RX330 years · All Lexus models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Lexus RX330 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 Lexus RX330: 11V-539 (engine and engine cooling), 11V-112 (vehicle speed control), 06V-253 (vehicle speed control). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Lexus RX330?

Owners report exterior lighting problems most often (32 reports), followed by structure (32). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 80,000 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.