NHTSA — Unknown Or Other Problems

4.4

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
25,455 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2009 Lexus RX 350 miscellaneous problems

miscellaneous problem

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2009 Lexus RX 350 Owner Comments

problem #18

May 142021

RX 350

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The dashboard cracked badly this is so common with this generation of Lexus

- Binghamton, NY, USA

problem #17

Oct 042022

RX 350

  • miles
Oil leaked substantially while driving on the Highway. As we were slowing down on WB I-94 due to construction, our red oil light was on, and then flashing. The car was driven for about 1.5 miles from the initial lit to a safe location (local Honda dealership) where it was determined that the vehicle was no longer drivable. Engine light and all other warning lights were also on as we arrived in the Honda service garage. Upon inspection, 4 quarts of oil were lost and Lexus service center later confirmed that the rubber oil cooler tubes were broken and had to be replaced by the metal ones. Both Lexus Service & Lexus Corp had confirmed that the defective parts for Lexus RX350 year models 2007 - 2011 were installed. They later issued a campaign to have them replaced with the metal tubes. The incident was quite a safety hazard to us (my wife and I) because had we maintained our normal highway speed, there could have been a catastrophic engine failure due to low or no oil. If this happened at night, we would have been stranded on the highway and in the worst case scenario, the engine would have blown up and could have caused fire. After filing a complaint with Lexus Corp and seeking reimbursement for the repairs, Lexus refused to accept the claim, saying that my car was out of warranty. They claimed that notices were sent out, but we never received such notices. The initial representative said the notice was sent out September 2014, but the case manager later said it was October 2015 (very inconsistent here). Meanwhile, I had another recall service done on April 4, 2016, which overlapped with their extended warranty campaign period (01.31.16 to 03.02.19) for these defective tubes, but we were never notified about this. The fact that Lexus did not issue a recall campaign for this is erroneous. Sudden catastrophic engine failures or potential failures is definitely a safety concern. This issue has been documented widely online and is prevalent within the Lexus community.

- Caledonia, MI, USA

problem #16

Jan 012020

RX 350 6-cyl

  • miles
The dashboard in my car has been sticky and cracked for years. This became a safety issue and liability by posing a real risk in relation to airbags. One area of concern is the cracks will interfere with the deployment of the airbag. Either by triggering the airbag warning light or snagging the airbag on its way out. That puts my safety and safety of others at risk. This problem - cracked and sticky dashboards, has been confirmed by a dealer and warranty replacement program was available for short time back in 2018. The company had to notify it's customers but I did not get any letters, emails or calls. Therefore I did not know about that warranty repair and missed it. The vehicle was inspected by a local mechanic and safety concerns were raised. The airbags warning lights first started to appear on and off about 2 years ago. I have contacted the dealer several times about dashboard warranty replacement program explaining that I wasn't notified but they did not offer any solutions or repair reimbursement.

- South Amboy, NJ, USA

problem #15

Sep 012020

RX 350

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The dashboard of our 2009 Lexus RX350 has developed multiple severe cracks horizontally and vertically. The dashboard has also become very hard. The cracks are deep and appear to extend the full depth of the dash down to the underlayment. We are concerned that, in the event of an accident, the dashboard will shatter, and shards will effectively become missiles, cutting through whatever or whoever they contact. In 2015 we received a Warranty Enhancement Notification from Lexus concerning a 'cosmetic' problem involving 'cracked and/or sticky/melting dashboards'. Lexus offered to replace the dashboard free of charge, but only through May 31, 2017. We did not experience our problem until late 2020 when we started parking the Lexus outdoors. Lexus now says that this is still a cosmetic problem and has offered to cover half of the dashboard replacement. We do not understand why Lexus was willing to pay the full cost of replacing a 'cosmetic' problem but now offers only 50% for a safety problem.

- Gainesville , FL, USA

problem #14

Apr 022021

RX 350

  • 5 miles
Mechanic/car inspector found leakage of power steering and rack and pinion faulty, needing replacement rack and pinion assembly when I took car for Maryland inspection. It failed. Car purchased at dulles motorcars/ Kia Subaru in leesburg, Virginia with 56,000 miles. Cost of repair is $1800. Dealer said there was nothing wrong with the car, however failed inspection. Car was bought on $/1/2021 and inspection on 4/2/2021.

- Rockville, MD, USA

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problem #13

Jan 022019

RX 350

  • miles
My dash is cracked and falling apart. I was told there was a recall on them but I never received it. When I asked the dealership about it, they told me that it was past the allotted time frame to get it fixed or replaced. I park in the garage at home and at work.

- Spring, TX, USA

problem #12

Sep 222020

RX 350

  • 125,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving, my dash lights will come on for no reason. ABS, brake, vsc off, tire pressure and the car stability. When taken to a local oreally store, no codes were detected. Once I turned off the car at home and restarted, the lights turn off. This has happened twice while driving on the highway.

- Bixby, OK, USA

problem #11

May 242019

RX 350

  • miles
In motion.I repeatedly asked for the paperwork stating the full vehicle inspections completed and my contract but firsttx Honda sales refused. Responded but alerted the sales rep after going in person for the paperwork. Inspection paperwork to match their word. From my research this common issue has been ongoing for years back prior to my purchase in Nov 2017. Over a week ago the car suddenly splashed massive oil everywhere while driving long distance (have pic). Spoke with Lexus austin dealership service dept and immediately they knew the issue but referred me to corporate office. Recall dept also immediately identified the problem and advised me to seek mechanic. Because the warranty enhancement vzl for free repair by Lexus expired Feb 2019 this year. Therefore, it's no longer their responsibility to repair this ongoing common problem with Lexus rx 350 Lexus I'm stranded plus, I have a finance ca that will also negatively affect my credit rating due to this ongoing common problem Lexus and first tx Honda fail to own responsibility. The car cannot be driven at all due to life threatening, . yet somehow, I'm placed in the position to pay repairs (with money I don't have) finance note for Lexus and/or wherever else erroneous behalf. It's not my fault this problem occurred after the Feb 2019 expiration date for Lexus to take full responsibility and repair. However N website:https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/Lexus/rx-350/owners stating, ' Lexus is also offering free replacement of the variable valve timing (vvt-I) oil supply hose for 2007 through 2009 models until December 2021'. although Lexus is unaware and still refuse to take responsibility of this issue. There needs to be some type of manually override to repair this ongoing Lexus for free. Plus reimbursed tow fees, any other costs pertaining to this issue, etc. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Pflugerville, TX, USA

problem #10

Mar 012019

RX 350

  • miles
Dashboard melting and cracked

- Rowlett, TX, USA

problem #9

Sep 072014

RX 350

  • 80,000 miles
Dash is sticky, cracking and crumbling. Tailgate handle so sticky it has to be replaced at my expense of $180. Vehicle is garage kept. I have been on a waiting list for over a year. I would like a new car but no one will take this one.

- Stuart, FL, USA

problem #8

Aug 172016

RX 350

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle has a melting and cracking dashboard that has a pending recall. I have registered my vehicle with the Lexus dealer twice. The first time I registered my vehicle, was in February of 2016 and never heard from the dealer again. I returned to the dealer and they did not have any record of my registration. I re-registered in August of 2016 and they said that an order for the dashboard has been placed. It is now six more months and they can not tell me when they expect to replace the dashboard. I would like to know what my options are.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #7

May 012016

RX 350

  • miles
My dash is cracked in a couple of places. Online research shows this is a common problem, however I see no recall notice. This should be replaced by Lexus as it greatly reduces the resell value of the car.

- Fuquay Varina, NC, USA

problem #6

Jul 012016

RX 350

  • 97,000 miles
Back door opener melted rubber boot handle cover for the rear latch. Its part in the garage when not in used and the car is being driven about 1000-2000 miles a month.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #5

Jun 012012

RX 350

  • 45,000 miles
The dashboard melts and has a very gummy and sticky feel. Also it now has cracked and likely substantially reduce the value of the vehicle not to mention how terrible it looks.

- Mandeville, LA, USA

problem #4

Jul 232016

RX 350

  • 70,000 miles
2009 rx 350 lift gate rubber melted while vehicle parked in driveway in 88 degree heat North Florida. All previous posts by car owners who had same issue were told this was due to a chemical or electrical issue which I am now concerned may be a fire hazard. Rubber is dripping off onto back of my car, I am pregnant and do not want to touch this melted rubbery liquid and therefore cannot manually open my trunk. Have been told dealer will not cover the problem, which is clearly a defective material.

- Jacksonville Beach, FL, USA

problem #3

Nov 112008

RX 350 6-cyl

  • miles
2009 Lexus rx 350. Consumer writes in regards to dispute with Lexus regarding lease agreement and excessive wear and use charges for vehicle

- Woodbridge, VA, USA

problem #2

Mar 262010

RX 350

  • 30,121 miles
2009 Lexus 400H hybrid brakes disengage when braking over rough surface, it gives the impression of accelerating. I had this same problem with 2006 Lexus 400H, but the 2009 recently has been having more frequent problem with this situation.

- Fair Grove, MO, USA

problem #1

Mar 132010

RX 350

  • 11,072 miles
The navigation system map icon does not match actual location of vehiclle as the map is of a different area and often icon is not on a road.

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

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