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2009 Lexus RX350 problems

The most common problem on the 2009 Lexus RX350 is steering, typically around 54,744 miles. It has 2.9 times the complaints of a typical RX350 model year.

Year to avoid2.9x the typical complaints
Year score
36/100
Owner complaints
97
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
160
Worst area
Steering

The worst 2009 Lexus RX350 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Steering
    28
  • Body
    17
  • Engine
    15
  • Transmission
    8
  • Airbags
    7
  • Electrical
    7
  • Acceleration
    6
  • Brakes
    6
  • Lights
    4
  • Tires
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2009 Lexus RX350 160

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 160 bulletins for the 2009 Lexus RX350

What 2009 Lexus RX350 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 18, 2022 · Body · 75,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2009 Lexus RX350. The contact stated she notice a crack across the dashboard near the airbag on the passenger’s side that had started to expand. The contact notified the dealer and was informed that there was nothing they could do to assist because the recall had already expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

Filed Jul 20, 2021 · Body · 90,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2009 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that a crack had formed on the dashboard extending horizontally from the driver’s side instrument panel to the passenger’s side air bag housing. The contact also stated that the dashboard was sticky and appeared to be melting. The contact notified the dealer of the failure and was insured that the dashboard would not affect any safety features in the vehicle. The manufacturer had also been notified of the failure and was informed that an extended warranty had been placed on the vehicle however, the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. The contact mentioned concerns about whether or not the airbags would deploy on their own without an accident because of the crack.

Filed Jul 25, 2019 · Engine · 132,000 miles · IA

Upon arriving home and parking in my driveway, a trail of oil lined my path. As soon as it was in park, oil began gushing out into a puddle under the car. Upon further research, it was found that lexus had issues with the oil cooler hose used during manufacturing, being rubber and leaking or bursting. The vehicle was towed directly to the nearest authorized lexus dealer. Upon contacting lexus corporate in regards to the issue, they stated that they had issued and extended warranty for this problem, that expired in december of 2018. Since the issue occurred after the expiration date, there was no assistance available. My concern is, that this is and should be a safety recall, due to the nature of the problem. Had I been driving on the interstate, which I commonly do, this could have caused an accident, engine failure, and worse, a fire. Please, please, please issue a safety recall for this issue. It is absolutely a matter of safety.

Filed Jul 13, 2019 · Body · AR

My dash board is melting and falling apart!!! My fingers & hand stick to the dashboard and everything that is up there gets stuck to it!!!! I can touch it and leave a mark or push in it & it will leave an imprint!!! Something is so wrong with this dashboard, it's totally defective and has caused my important legal documents to stick to it and even get ripped when I try to take them off the melting dashboard! It gets shiney and glare is hard to see because if this issue. Also my eye glasses actually got stuck to it too and I couldn't see very well to drive. Lastly, it's cracking and splitting in many places too, simply falling apart for no reason!! It's just melting and totally defective. This is a safety issue that needs rectified please!!

Filed Jun 14, 2019 · Lights · 98,000 miles · IL · fire

Tl* the contact owned a 2009 lexus rx350. The contact was alerted by a neighbor that the rear passengar side tailgate glass was broken. The contact opened the door and the vehicle was wet inside, including contents inside the vehicle. A police report was attached to the door of the vehicle, indicating there was a fire that was put out by the fire department. There were no occupants at the time of the failure. That was all the contact knew at the time and the insurance company counted the vehicle as a total loss since there was fire and water damage. The manufacturer was not contacted. The dealer (land rover schaumburg 920 w golf rd, schaumburg, il 60194 (847) 252-7800) apologized and offered to sell the contact another vehicle. The failure mileage was 98,000.

Filed Jun 3, 2019 · Engine · 92,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 lexus rx350. While at a fuel station, the contact was alerted by another person that there was oil leaking under the vehicle. The contact had aaa tow the vehicle back home. The vehicle was then towed to lexus of rockville centre (700 sunrise hwy, rockville centre, ny 11570, (516) 665-0166) where it was determined that a hose was leaking oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency. The failure mileage was 92,000.

Filed May 31, 2019 · Engine · TX

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).

Filed May 15, 2019 · TX

Dashboard melting and cracked

Filed Feb 12, 2019 · Transmission · 141,000 miles · CA

I was driving on the highway, going 65 MPH and straight, and someone flagged me down to let me know that my car was smoking. None of my safety lights had appeared on my dash. I pulled over and saw that the back of my car was completely covered in oil and I had a fast oil leak underneath my car toward the front passenger side. I certainly sprayed oil on the cars behind me on the highway, potentially causing visibility issues for other drivers. I also leaked oil on the highway, causing a potential concern for other drivers. In some circumstances, this malfunction, coupled with highway speed, could cause the engine to seize and power steering and power brakes would have been instantly lost. Found a nearby auto shop and checked my oil dip stick - it was completely dry. Nearly all of my oil had leaked out. I was towed 100 miles home and took my car to the local auto repair shop. They did an assessment and determined that there was a gross oil leak coming from the oil cooler pipe (made of rubber) which runs from the filter adapter to the engine block. Lexus is aware of this issue and issued a warranty enhancement notification (attached) for the faulty part, but the part has not yet been recalled.

Filed Jan 20, 2019 · Lights · 88,500 miles · OK

Headlights fill with water

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Questions about the 2009 Lexus RX350

Is the 2009 Lexus RX350 reliable?

Owners have filed 97 complaints about the 2009 Lexus RX350, 2.9 times a typical RX350 model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2009 Lexus RX350 year score?

The 2009 Lexus RX350 scores 36 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Lexus RX350: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Lexus RX350?

Steering, with 28 complaints, typically around 54,744 miles. Next is body (17).

How many recalls does the 2009 Lexus RX350 have?

No recalls on record.

What year does the Lexus RX350 have bad steering?

The Lexus RX350 model years with the most steering complaints are 2009 (28 complaints), 2007 (25 complaints) and 2008 (18 complaints).

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