2009 Lexus RX problems
NHTSA has received 42 complaints about the 2009 Lexus RX, and 26% of them involve engine. After that come steering (12%) and air bags (7%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 42 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Engine 26% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 1 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 1 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 67,000 miles 27 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 3 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 4 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 2 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 5 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 3 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 0 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 5 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 1 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 1 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 2 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Among the 27 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 67,000 miles.
Safety-related details: 1 complaint mentions a crash; 1 injury reported. Its complaints are less severe on average than those of 85% of model years in our database.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2009 ranks 13th most-complained-about out of 23 model years of the Lexus RX with enough data (9 complaints in that window).
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 lexus rx. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, she unexpectedly swerved off the road and crashed into a guard rail. The driver's side air bag that was mounted inside of the steering wheel failed to deploy. The contact sustained bruises to the chest and neck area. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a salvage facility. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 lexus rx. The contact was driving approximately 15 MPH on normal road conditions, proceeding to turn at an intersection. There was pressure applied to the accelerator pedal, followed by no power response. The vehicle resumed operation after two seconds of a delay. In addition, the vehicle exhibited an unintended forceful and aggressive acceleration. The failures occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on four separate occasions for the identical failures.
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.
Water pump failed on 2009 lexux rx350 at 61500 miles and just 4 months over the powertrain warrenty. Lexus declined the claim. Engine overheating caused head gasket failure and warped cylinder head. 1.as per local mechanic who replaced water pump , there were indication of coolant leaking from water pump seal and it must be leaking for quite long time, even when vehicle was under warranty.
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.