2005 Lexus RX Problems

An AutoZone, Durlast brand brake master cylinder failed in less than one year. The piston in the master cylinder dislodged, preventing proper braking in at least two of the four disc brake calipers. The Duralast master cylinder has been retained for inspection. The safety of the driver, passengers, other motorists and pedestrians were placed at risk due to the malfunction of the shoddily manufactured brake component. Braking distance and stopping efficiency were adversely affected. The problem was confirmed by the automobile repair center. The manufacturer has, so far, failed to contact me about the defective brake component. No warning lamps or messages were associated with the master cylinder failure.

The contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX330. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle was slow to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the Duralast brake master cylinder was inoperable. The contact was informed that the piston in the brake master cylinder had become dislodged, causing the braking system to become less efficient. The mechanic replaced the part. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.

The contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX 330. The contact stated that there were horizontal and vertical cracks on the dashboard near the passenger’s side air bag housing. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned about the safety of the driver’s and passenger’s side air bags. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Over past month Dashboard where airbag is under has become discolored and is CRACKING as if AIRBAG wants out. Other 2005 Toyota vehicles have been recalled bc of Dangerous AIRBAG issues. Should the AIRBAGS in 2005 Lexus’ be too? Afraid to drive now.

2005 LEXUS RX 330 Vin# [XXX] Problem: Dashboard crack and peel all over the surface happened on January 2021.I might be eligible for Lexus to cover this approximate $ 800.00 repair at no charge to me. This is WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT NOTIFICATION. Letter I never get from LEXUS. List of Models Lexus IS covering under this warranty Enhancement 2007-2008 ES 350 2003-2008 GX 470 2004-2006 RX330 2007-2009 RX 350 2005-2008 RX 400h My warranty expire on august 2017 The Dash start cracking and peeling on 2021. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

THE DASHBOARD IS STICKY AND CRACKING. IT STARTED BACK IN 2009-2010 WHEN MY FINGERNAIL WOULD CATCH IN THE PLASTIC WHEN TURNING KEY IGNITION. NOW THERE ARE CRACKS COMPLETELY ACROSS THE DASH AND PIECES HAVE FALLEN OFF. IT IS ALSO STICKY TO THE TOUCH. HAVE BROUGHT BACK TO LEXUS DEALER AND TWICE THEY HAVE NOT COME BACK TO ME WITH A RESOLUTION FROM CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. HAVE SEEN PROBLEM WITH OTHER LEXUS AND TOYOTA VEHICLES AND HAVE HAD OTHER CARS IN FL THAT HAVE NOT HAD NEVER HAD ISSUES WITH THE HEAT SUCH AS THIS. I AM THE SOLE OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE SINCE 2005. *TR

My vehicle caught fire a few days after being repaired by a licensed repair shop in California.
The repair was performed by: Brodie's Tire & Automotive
Address: 1276 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone: [XXX] After the fire, the repair shop admitted in writing that: • The intake manifold melted after the fire
• The engine became “not repairable”
• The fire occurred shortly after their repair
• They offered to “fix it for free,” which indicates awareness of responsibility The fire caused severe heat damage to the engine compartment, electrical wiring, and surrounding components. The vehicle became unsafe to drive, and the engine can no longer operate. This incident presents a serious safety hazard because the fire happened shortly after a repair that involved components near the engine and fuel system. Improper or unsafe repair work may cause similar fires for other consumers. This incident is already under active investigation by: • California Department of Insurance (CDI) – Complaint #XXX• California Bureau of Automotive Repair (DCA/BAR) – Case No: XXX I am reporting this to NHTSA because the fire and melted engine components indicate a dangerous defect tied to improper repair work, which may pose a risk to other drivers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY PARKING PLACE IN OUR UNDERGROUND GARAGE I PUT ON THE BRAKE TO GO FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. WHEN I PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE THE ENGINE RACED UP AND THE CAR SURGED FORWARD. I WAS ONLY 15 FEET FROM A BRICK WALL OF WHICH I HIT AT AN ANGLE. I BOUNCED OFF THIS WALL AND WENT 10 FEET FURTHER HEAD ON INTO ANOTHER WALL. I DID NOT TOUCH THE GAS PETAL, THE MATS ARE RUBBER AND WERE NOT A PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE JUST SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AS SOON AS I COULD BUT GIVEN THE FACT THAT THE TOTAL TRAVEL LENGTH WAS AROUND 30 FEET THIS WAS NOT POSSIBLE. THIS IS A KNOW PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA!! WE LOVE OUR CAR BUT WE ARE NOW AFRAID OF IT. MY INSURANCE RATES WILL BE GOING UP BECAUSE OF A FACTORY DEFECT AND ALL I HAVE SEEN ARE EXCUSES IN REGARDS TO THIS PROBLEM. *TR

My vehicle caught fire a few days after being repaired by a licensed repair shop in California.
The repair was performed by: Brodie's Tire & Automotive
Address: 1276 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone: [XXX] After the fire, the repair shop admitted in writing that: • The intake manifold melted after the fire
• The engine became “not repairable”
• The fire occurred shortly after their repair
• They offered to “fix it for free,” which indicates awareness of responsibility The fire caused severe heat damage to the engine compartment, electrical wiring, and surrounding components. The vehicle became unsafe to drive, and the engine can no longer operate. This incident presents a serious safety hazard because the fire happened shortly after a repair that involved components near the engine and fuel system. Improper or unsafe repair work may cause similar fires for other consumers. This incident is already under active investigation by: • California Department of Insurance (CDI) – Complaint #XXX• California Bureau of Automotive Repair (DCA/BAR) – Case No: XXX I am reporting this to NHTSA because the fire and melted engine components indicate a dangerous defect tied to improper repair work, which may pose a risk to other drivers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

PULLING IN TO A PARKING SLOT AT DENTAL OFFICE, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR SUDDENLY REVVED AND ACCELERATED FORWARD AT A HIGH SPEED. WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR DID NOT STOP UNTIL HITTING THE ROCK WALL SIDE OF THE BUILDING. *TR

The contact owns a 2005 Lexus RX 330. The contact stated that there were horizontal and vertical cracks on the dashboard near the passenger’s side air bag housing. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was concerned about the safety of the driver’s and passenger’s side air bags. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LEXUS RX 330. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS LIFTGATE HAS AN AUTOMATIC PNEUMATIC DOOR LIFT DEVICE. HE COULD NOT SEE THAT THE LIFTGATE WAS OPENED AND WAS CERTAIN THAT IT WAS FULLY CLOSED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FOR THE LIFTGATE. THE LIFTGATE HAD AUTOMATICALLY OPENED. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAS NOT FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44,000.

HEADLIGHT LOWBEAM FAILURE DUE TO EXCESS WATER CONDENSATION INSIDE LIGHT ASSEMBLY. IT IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT LEXUS HAS KEPT SECRET THROUGHOUT THE YEARS. INSTEAD IF ISSUING AN EXPENSIVE RECALL ON ALL THE YEARS AFFECTED, THEY SIMPLY FIXED AS THE CARS CAME IN WITH THE PROBLEM. THEY KNOW THAT IT IS CHEAPER FOR THEM TO DO SO IN THAT MANNER BECAUSE MOST LEXUS OWNERS GARAGE THEIR VEHICLES AND WONT HAVE THE FAILURE UNTILL IT IS TOO LATE. THEIR PROGRAM TO FIX THE PROBLEM ENDS WITHIN A 10 YEAR PERIOD. CAN YOU INVESTIGATE AND FORCE LEXUS TO ISSUE A RECALL ON ALL CARS AFFECTED REGARDLESS AGE OR OWNERSHIP. MY LIGHTS FAILED DURING THE RAIN AT NIGHTWHILE GOING HOME. IT REALLY IS A VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE.

LEXUS RX 330 HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY IS DEFECTIVE. EVERYTIME I WASH MY RX330 OR IF IT RAINS, WATER LEAK IN THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY CREATES MOISTURE INSIDE THE HEADLIGHTS. THIS CAUSES LESS VISIBILITY AT NIGHTS AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THERE ARE SEVERAL HUNDRED COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME ISSUE ON THE WEB; HOWEVER, LEXUS/TOYOTA WILL NOT RECALL THEIR DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. THEY ARE EVEN RELUCTANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE. WILL APPRECIATE IF NHTSA INVESTIGATES THIS ISSUE AND TAKE NECESSARY ACTION AGAINST LEXUS ASAP. *TR

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PAST 40 MPH. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE DID NOT ENGAGE GEARS AUTOMATICALLY. THE PROBLEM WAS ACCOMPANIED BY A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHERE SEVERAL UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND REFUSED FURTHER SERVICE TO THE VEHICLE.

TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS (HUNTING FOR GEARS, JERKING AND HESITATION) ON A 2005 LEXUS RX330 - AWD. HAVE EXPERIENCED NEAR ACCIDENTS DUE TO VEHICLE HESITATION WHEN MERGING INTO TRAFFIC, CROSSING INTERSECTIONS, OR MAKING TURNS. WHEN DEPRESSING ACCELERATOR, VEHICLES HESITATES FOR 3-5 SECONDS. HAVE HAD "FLASH" SERVICE DONE TO ECU. SAME ISSUES STILL EXIST. *NM

PULLING IN TO A PARKING SLOT AT DENTAL OFFICE, WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR SUDDENLY REVVED AND ACCELERATED FORWARD AT A HIGH SPEED. WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR DID NOT STOP UNTIL HITTING THE ROCK WALL SIDE OF THE BUILDING. *TR

WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY PARKING PLACE IN OUR UNDERGROUND GARAGE I PUT ON THE BRAKE TO GO FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. WHEN I PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE THE ENGINE RACED UP AND THE CAR SURGED FORWARD. I WAS ONLY 15 FEET FROM A BRICK WALL OF WHICH I HIT AT AN ANGLE. I BOUNCED OFF THIS WALL AND WENT 10 FEET FURTHER HEAD ON INTO ANOTHER WALL. I DID NOT TOUCH THE GAS PETAL, THE MATS ARE RUBBER AND WERE NOT A PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE JUST SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AS SOON AS I COULD BUT GIVEN THE FACT THAT THE TOTAL TRAVEL LENGTH WAS AROUND 30 FEET THIS WAS NOT POSSIBLE. THIS IS A KNOW PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA!! WE LOVE OUR CAR BUT WE ARE NOW AFRAID OF IT. MY INSURANCE RATES WILL BE GOING UP BECAUSE OF A FACTORY DEFECT AND ALL I HAVE SEEN ARE EXCUSES IN REGARDS TO THIS PROBLEM. *TR

My vehicle caught fire a few days after being repaired by a licensed repair shop in California.
The repair was performed by: Brodie's Tire & Automotive
Address: 1276 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone: [XXX] After the fire, the repair shop admitted in writing that: • The intake manifold melted after the fire
• The engine became “not repairable”
• The fire occurred shortly after their repair
• They offered to “fix it for free,” which indicates awareness of responsibility The fire caused severe heat damage to the engine compartment, electrical wiring, and surrounding components. The vehicle became unsafe to drive, and the engine can no longer operate. This incident presents a serious safety hazard because the fire happened shortly after a repair that involved components near the engine and fuel system. Improper or unsafe repair work may cause similar fires for other consumers. This incident is already under active investigation by: • California Department of Insurance (CDI) – Complaint #XXX• California Bureau of Automotive Repair (DCA/BAR) – Case No: XXX I am reporting this to NHTSA because the fire and melted engine components indicate a dangerous defect tied to improper repair work, which may pose a risk to other drivers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

WHILE BACKING OUT OF MY PARKING PLACE IN OUR UNDERGROUND GARAGE I PUT ON THE BRAKE TO GO FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. WHEN I PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE THE ENGINE RACED UP AND THE CAR SURGED FORWARD. I WAS ONLY 15 FEET FROM A BRICK WALL OF WHICH I HIT AT AN ANGLE. I BOUNCED OFF THIS WALL AND WENT 10 FEET FURTHER HEAD ON INTO ANOTHER WALL. I DID NOT TOUCH THE GAS PETAL, THE MATS ARE RUBBER AND WERE NOT A PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE JUST SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AS SOON AS I COULD BUT GIVEN THE FACT THAT THE TOTAL TRAVEL LENGTH WAS AROUND 30 FEET THIS WAS NOT POSSIBLE. THIS IS A KNOW PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA!! WE LOVE OUR CAR BUT WE ARE NOW AFRAID OF IT. MY INSURANCE RATES WILL BE GOING UP BECAUSE OF A FACTORY DEFECT AND ALL I HAVE SEEN ARE EXCUSES IN REGARDS TO THIS PROBLEM. *TR

THE RX330 WAS SEEN AT THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AROUND 121,000 MILES FOR BRAKE PADS AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE & INSPECTION. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THERE WAS A POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK AND IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE RACK/PINION TO A TUNE OF AROUND $2,000! THE SERVICE WAS DECLINED AND THE OWNER WAS INFORMED IT MIGHT BE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE STEERING COULD LOCK UP, MAKING IT MORE PROBABLE FOR AN ACCIDENT TO OCCUR. AT PRESENT, THE OWNER IS ADDING PS FLUID TO THE VEHICLE WHEN IT RUNS LOW AND HOPING FOR THE BEST. A FEW MECHANICS HAVE COMMENTED THIS MIGHT BE THE LESS EXPENSIVE OPTION. HOWEVER, WITH A BROKEN RACK/PINION, IT MAKES THE VEHICLE VERY DIFFICULT TO RESALE. MECHANICS ARE BECOMING MORE AND MORE AWARE OF THIS COSTLY MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE 2005 LEXUS. ONE MECHANIC COMMENTED THERE IS A WEAK SPOT IN THE R&P WHICH GIVES, CAUSING THIS PROBLEM.

I WAS TOLD BY THE LEXUS DEALERSHIP THAT I HAVE A POWER STEERING RACK LEAK ON MY 2005 LEXUS RX330. TO REPAIR THE LEAK WILL COST APPROXIMATE $1700. I HAVE CONTACTED THE LEXUS MANUFACTURER DIRECTLY ABOUT THE FAILURE AND WAS INFORMED THAT WAS A RECALL ON THE POWER STEERING BACK IN 2011 BUT UNFORTUNATELY MY CAR IS NOT PART OF RECALL. I HAVE DONE EXTENSIVE RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON PROBLEM THAT MOST LEXUS OWNERS WERE HAVING. THIS CONFIRMS THAT THE POWER STEERING LEAK IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT AND SHOULD BE INCLUDED AS PART OF THEIR POWER STEERING RECALL. I HOPE NHTSA CAN INVESTIGATE INTO THIS PROBLEM FURTHER AND REQUEST LEXUS TO INCLUDE THE POWER STEERING RACK LEAK AS PART OF THE RECALL. YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU. *TR

ERROR MESSAGE HAS APPEARED REGARDING PASSENGER AIR BAG. AIRBAG ON/OFF INDICATOR GOES ON AND OFF WHEN SOMEONE IS SITTING ON FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. SEATBELT WARNING SIGNAL STARTING RINGING WHEN PASSENGER REMOVED SEATBELT AND EXITED THE CAR. STOPED WHEN I PRESSED DOWN ON PASSENGER SEAT.

THE CHROME IN THE INTERIOR OF THE WHEELS BUBBLE AND DELAMINATE. THIS CAUSED THE TIRE TO LOSE PRESSURE SLOWLY, UNTIL TIRE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE TIRE FAILURES RENDERED THE TIRES IRREPARABLE, EVEN IF THE TIRE WAS ONLY 3 MONTHS OLD. SO FAR THIS HAS OCCURRED ON THREE OF THE FOUR WHEELS SUPPLIED BY LEXUS AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. ALL FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF EACH OTHER. THE LEXUS HAS A LOW PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR, BUT IT HAS NOT ACTIVATED DURING THESE TIMES. THE TIRE PRESSURES ARE REGULARLY CHECKED. *TR

Unexpectedly found steel cable has snapped off & the spare tire was gone Like to report this could be a safety issue leading to an accident for fellow driver.

UPON SLOWING FROM 40MPH TO A STOP OR ALMOST A STOP, TO MAKE A TURN, THE CAR HESITATES BEFORE ACCELERATING. THIS HESITATION HAS CAUSED BOTH ME AND MY WIFE TO ABRUPTLY ABORT LEFT TURNS. THIS BEHAVIOR IS PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS FOR DRIVERS IN THE CONGESTED NY METROPOLITAN AREA. WE HAVE EXPERIENCED SOME FRIGHTENING CLOSE CALLS WHEN THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE, CAUSING AN EMERGENCY ABORT OF A TURN. THIS HESITATION ALSO MANIFESTS ITSELF WHEN YOU LIFT FROM THE ACCELERATOR TO SLOW DOWN AND THEN GET BACK ON THE GAS. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE THE CAR WAS NEW. THE DEALER HAD A FIELD SERVICE ENGINEER CHECK THE CAR: HE SAID ITHE CAR PERFORMED AS DESIGNED. *TR