2009 Lexus RX Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Feb 18, 2026 · 34 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other RX years
About as many complaints as other years 11th of 28 for complaints
Safety recalls
None on file
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 34 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Lexus RX. That ranks 11th out of 28 RX model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is unknown or other (10 complaints, 29%), typically at around 80,000 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash, 1 injury. There are no safety recalls on file for this model year.

Lexus RX
2023 Lexus RX 350 Premium Plus (AWD) in Matador Red Mica with Black leather interior. 8-Speed automatic, 2.4-litre PDI Turbocharged DOHC 16V inline-four (LEV3-S. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2009 Lexus RX problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Unknown or Other10 · ~80,000 mi
Engine9 · ~133,000 mi
Steering5 · ~59,100 mi
Air Bags3 · ~76,000 mi
Electrical System3 · ~211,250 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling2 · ~157,500 mi
Structure2 · ~87,500 mi
Tires2
Vehicle Speed Control2 · ~16,688 mi
Fuel System, Gasoline1 · ~33,300 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Unknown or Other1029%80,000——
Engine926%133,000——
Steering515%59,100——
Air Bags39%76,000——
Electrical System39%211,250——
Engine and Engine Cooling26%157,500——
Structure26%87,500——
Tires26%———
Vehicle Speed Control26%16,688——
Fuel System, Gasoline13%33,300——
Power Train13%61,500——
Seats13%32,000——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic13%190,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2023, with 5 complaints
2010: 2201022014: 4201442015: 3201532016: 1201612017: 2201722019: 4201942020: 4202042021: 4202142022: 2202222023: 5202352025: 1202512026: 220262

n = 34 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2009 Lexus RX recalls (0)

No safety recalls are on file for the 2009 Lexus RX.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2009 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that the dashboard was cracked. The crack initially developed on the passenger’s side near the air bag enclosure and progressively spread across the dashboard toward the driver’s side. The surface of the dashboard was also sticky. The…

Structure · received Feb 18, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11718862

The contact owns a 2009 Lexus RX 350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment with the check engine oil warning light illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an…

Engine and Engine Cooling · received Feb 6, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11716172

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2009 Lexus RX 350. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 123,676, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 250,000.

Electrical System · received Sep 12, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11686965

The contact owns a 2009 Lexus RX350. The contact stated that the dashboard had started to crack, causing the dashboard to become sticky. Over time, there was a glare coming from the dashboard which obstruct the contact’s vision while driving. The contact stated that there was condensation in the…

Engine and Engine Cooling · received Oct 3, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11548068

Oil line ruptured spilling causing loss of most engine oil on road and potentially ruining engine. Vehicle currently is at Toyota dealership being rep[aired so is available for inspection. Oil on road of course a safety hazard. Oil line rupture was confirmed by Toyota service department. Vehicle…

Engine · received Sep 25, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11546358

Other Lexus RX years

← 2008 RX · 2010 RX →

See all Lexus RX problems by year, every Lexus model, or the Lexus VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Lexus RX?

Owners most often report unknown or other, engine, steering problems. The top one, unknown or other, accounts for 10 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2009 Lexus RX?

No safety recalls are on file for this model year.

Was the 2009 Lexus RX a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other RX model years, the 2009 has about as many complaints as a typical year. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.