NHTSA — Steering Problems

2009 Lexus RX 350 (Page 1 of 2)

3.1

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
44,785 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 steering problems

steering problem

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2009 Lexus RX 350 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #33

Apr 022021

RX 350

  • 5 miles

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

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

problem #32

Sep 272019

RX 350

  • miles
My 2009 Lexus RX350 has 84000 miles on it and I have just found out that the rack and pinion is leaking oil. The car has been well taken care of and carefully driven since it was bought brand new so it is a surprise. After searching online, it turns out it is a very common problem and a safety issue. A lot of people have voiced their concern while Lexus has not recalled this 2009 model as they have done for 2008.

- Milpitas, CA, USA

problem #31

Nov 122018

RX 350

  • miles
My dealer just told me that the steering rack kit leakingand needs to be replaced immediately. This common problem in Lexus, if there is a problem with this, Lexus should be paying for it, not me. The quote is for $1315

- Mission Viejo, CA, USA

problem #30

Aug 202018

RX 350

  • 19,278 miles

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

My Lexus has under 20,000 miles on it and it has been garage kept and not seen winters. My dealer just told me that the steering gearbox needs to be replaced immediately. This car is in perfect shape and has hardly been driven. If there is a problem with this, Lexus should be paying for it, not me. The quote is for $1450.

- Grandville, MI, USA

problem #29

Aug 032018

RX 350

  • 103,000 miles
My car never leaked oil, and no sensor lights were on. Regular maintenance was performed on the car. While I was driving on the freeway on cruise control about 70 mph (2,000 RPM) engine suddenly revved up to 3,000-3,500 RPM. I was able to exit the highway within 0.25 miles, the oil pressure sensor came on at the end of the exit ramp. I drove approximately 100 yards away from the exit ramp to reach a side street and by then the car was barely moving, it was very difficult to turn the steering wheel, and several other sensor lights were also on. I had the car towed to a service garage that told me the oil coolant lines had leaked causing the low pressure condition in the engine. After the technician replaced the oil cooler lines and performed an oil and filter change they found "large quantities of metal shavings in oil filter cartridge indicating internal damage of engine." Severe internal engine damage has occurred and engine needs to be replaced. In my experience, it seems that a large quantity of oil was lost very quickly, and if I had not been able to exit the highway within a matter of seconds the car could have seized up and I could have gotten in an accident.

- Cleveland Hts, OH, USA

problem #28

Jan 112018

RX 350

  • 50,026 miles
My Lexus has just 50,000 miles on it garage kept, just was told my rack&pinion gear was leaking to the tune of $1800 dollars. I was looking up Lexus forums on line, there is quite of Lexus owner's that have the same problem. And if you don`T take care of this problem it could be quite dangerous. I think Lexus should reimburse owner's for there out of pocket expenses.

- Jamison, PA, USA

problem #27

Sep 212017

RX 350

  • 76,500 miles

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

Serious steering rack power steering failure/leakage, mechanic says common Lexus and Toyota products and can lead to catastrophic accident by losing steering at high speeds. Thank god, no accident yet, just facing $1600 repair. Parts and labor, one year warranty. Do many people have to die before this is addressed??

- Thompson's Station, TN, USA

problem #26

Jul 162015

RX 350

  • 79,000 miles
I took my RX350 for regular service and asked for the steering to be checked since it made noise and did not feel secure when making hard or sharp turns and when parking in tight spots. I was informed that my rack & pinion assembly was leaking power steering fluid and it could be hazardous if not addressed. It needed to be replaced. The Lexus estimate was $2000! given the age, I had less than 80K mostly local and highway miles on the SUV. When I researched cost estimates I found that this was a common occurrence. I believe Lexus should accept responsibility and recall these vehicles and reimburse the owners who had to pay out of pocket! after I saved up to pay for the repair the cost was $2058.11!

- Gwynn Oak, MD, USA

problem #25

Aug 302017

RX 350

  • miles
Inspection at Lexus dealer revealed leaks and torn boot on steering rack and pinion. Dealer said repair not possible.must replace entire rack and pinion assembly.58,000 gentle miles.

- Chandler, AZ, USA

problem #24

Dec 142016

RX 350 6-cyl

  • 32,500 miles
While getting my inspection at the Lexus dealer, they showed me that my steering rack is leaking with less than 32,500 miles on the car. The car has never been damaged or driven recklessly and garaged kept. The car has been maintained and includes records. My Volvo 240 racks last 20-25 years. Shame on Lexus/Toyota on a common, serious issue involving a premium brand. This should be a recall issue because the power steering could fail. The Lexus dealer noted it as a "caution task" with a recommendation to replace the rack and pinion assembly. I have written in the date of 14 Dec 2016 as being observed. It appears to have started leaking sometime this year.

- Sugar Land, TX, USA

problem #23

Jun 212016

RX 350

  • miles

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

I brought my RX350 in for a "free" yearly inspection and was told that my rack and pinion steering assembly was leaking and needed to be totally replaced at a cost of $1800. This car has low mileage, always garaged, and always serviced at a Lexus dealership (2). I was told that the rack and pinion pressure was checked every time it was brought in for regular maintenance and it just happened for no reason. I am disappointed with Lexus and have researched that this is a common problem with the rx's. should this be part of a recall as it is a clear safety issue that has no warning. My car was running in excellent condition. This was the most expensive "free" inspection of all time.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #22

Jan 212016

RX 350

  • 53,000 miles
During vehicle service, I was told that the rack of power steering is leaking, which costs around $1500 for replacing power steering rack. After looking on line, I found this is a common problem for rx 350 with low mileage. This is a safety issue Lexus should recall and to fix the problem.

- Sugar Land, TX, USA

problem #21

Jul 292015

RX 350

  • 57,700 miles
Took to dealer for regular oil change. The 25 point check - right side rack and pinion leaking, right rear strut leaking front brakes low battery fail test from a battery I received from Lexus in 2012. Brake fluid flush need 4 wheel alignment. The corporation needs to do a recall I've researched to many of these vehicles are being cited with this rack and pinion. They recalled prior years why not the 2009 and up? I am to receive assistance with the labor, but as we know labor is the bulk of charges.

- Queens, NY, USA

problem #20

May 222015

RX 350

  • 33,645 miles
While have my car serviced, the shop informed me that the steering rack was leaking fluid and needed to be repaired at a cost (parts & labor) of $1562. This seems outrageous to me given that the car has about 33K miles on it. When I check the blog on arfc.org, it appears that this is a common problem. Why has Lexus not been required to issue a recall for this problem?

- Mclean, VA, USA

problem #19

May 222015

RX 350

  • 47,794 miles
During routine oil change at Lexus dealership I was informed that the steering rack was leaking and the entire rack needed replacing soon as it poses a safety issue. Learned this is a very common reoccurring issue with this make/model/year and validated as such on-line. Estimated cost of repair that I was quoted: $1,678.85. Due to the potential safety issue and number of occurrences I do not see how this is not a recall issue and that the cost should be the responsibility of the manufacturer as it is obviously a manufacturing defect.

- Naperville, IL, USA

problem #18

Mar 212015

RX 350 6-cyl

  • miles
I bought the vehicle in for service of an oil change on March 21, 2015. I was informed by my advisor that the power rack & pinion assy. Is leaking fluid. The entire assy. Has to be replaced at a cost of $1, $900 (really). If the fluid is leaking that would affect my steering the vehicle and turning (god forbid). The vehicle is only 6 years old how can this possibly be. Due to the potential safety hazard I am concerned about driving this vehicle with my family. I called customer service and reported the matter was informed that isn't a recall on the part. The manufacturer should be held liable for this safety hazard and defect of part. I am asking for assist in this pressing (dangerous) matter. I will contact any one I know that is looking to purchase this model vehicle. I will let them know the circumstances of this model vehicle. Any assistance you can give would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- New Orleans, LA, USA

problem #17

Mar 212015

RX 350

  • 89,100 miles
During routine oil change at Lexus dealership I was informed the rack and pinion steering boot was leaking and the entire assembly needed replacing soon as it poses a safety issue. Learned this is a very common recurring issue with this make/model/year and validated as such on-line. Estimated cost of repair that I was quoted: $1,536.88. Due to the potential safety issue and number of occurrences I do not see how this is not a recall issue and that the cost should be the responsibility of the manufacturer as it is obviously a manufacturing defect.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #16

Jul 162014

RX 350 6-cyl

  • 66,500 miles
While being serviced for brakes for 3rd time, dealer noticed torn/leaking rt front boot. Appears to be a major problem with this car. $15 part, $475 labor. Fortunately this was covered due to 3rd party extended warranty but with the number of complaints and tsb's on this issue, the dealer should have covered. This negligence shouldn't happen on a premium brand, this will be our last Lexus.

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

problem #15

Oct 272014

RX 350 6-cyl

  • 54,576 miles
During vehicle service today, I was told that the rack of power steering is leaking. I was charged $1750 for replacing power steering rack. After looking on line, I found this is a common problem for rx 350 with low mileage. This is a safety issue Lexus should recall and to fix the problem.

- Schenectady, NY, USA

problem #14

Sep 302014

RX 350

  • 59,100 miles
I took car in for regular servicing and the mechanic said there is a power steering leak and the rack and pinion would need to be replaced. Apparently, this is a very common problem with the Lexus Rx 350. Why hasn't there been a recall?

- Lake Forest, IL, USA

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