2006 Lexus RX problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
32 owner complaints analyzed
1 distinct recall campaigns
130,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2006 model year. Data snapshot: . 13 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 10 of 32 complaints (31.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 9 | 28.1% |
| Steering behavior | 8 | 25.0% |
| Engine operation | 4 | 12.5% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 4 | 12.5% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 3.1% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 10 |
| Engine | 8 |
| Service Brakes | 7 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 |
| Steering | 5 |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 |
| Air Bags | 2 |
| Power Train | 2 |
Electrical System: 10; Engine: 8; Service Brakes: 7; Fuel/Propulsion System: 6; Steering: 5; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 3; Air Bags: 2; Power Train: 2
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 2 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 3 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 6 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 3; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 6
150,000 and above miles has the most reports with usable mileage (6). 19 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 2 |
2011: 1; 2012: 1; 2014: 3; 2016: 3; 2019: 2; 2020: 5; 2021: 2; 2022: 2; 2023: 5; 2024: 1; 2025: 5; 2026: 2
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 9 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 8 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 4 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10928159 · 2016-11-27 (November 27, 2016)
THE BRAKES MAKE A STRANGE CHIRP-TYPE NOISE WHEN I APPLY PRESSURE, USUALLY IT HAPPENS WHEN I AM STOPPED AND MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. HOLDING MY FOOT STEADY ON THE BRAKE AND IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY AND OFTEN. I HAD MY BRAKES CHECKED AND THE PADS AND ROTORS ARE FINE; THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE ACTUATOR AND WAS A KNOWN LEXUS PROBLEM. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AND I HAVE NEVER GOTTEN A NOTICE FROM LEXUS STATING IT IS A PROBLEM.
Owner-reported narrative. 151,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10928159 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11271327 · 2019-10-27 (October 27, 2019)
CAR TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THIS RESULTS IN LOSS OF POWER BRAKES AND STEERING.
Owner-reported narrative. 83,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11271327 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10436411 · 2011-11-18 (November 18, 2011)
I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE POWER STEERING RACK HAS DEVELOPED A SEVERE LEAK AND WILL COST $1,800 TO REPAIR. I HAVE SEARCHED THE WEB AND FOUND OTHER OWNERS WITH A SIMILAR DEFECT WITH THEIR LEXUS 330'S. IT DOES NOT SEEM THAT THE STEERING RACK IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE FAILING LIKE THIS EVEN THOUGH THE CAR IS 5 YEARS OLD. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 87,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10436411 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10477014 · 2012-09-25 (September 25, 2012)
STEERING FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE RACK AND PINION. MAKING IT HARD TO STEER.THE RACK AND PINION MUST NOW BE REPLACED. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 41,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10477014 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11542555 · 2023-09-05 (September 5, 2023)
Hello, I had this issue on my Lexus RX400H recently, and it was diagnosed and repaired by a third party auto repair shop at my expense. I want to know if I have any recourse to recover my cost Approx $700. Thanks! VIN Recall Consequence: THE VEHICLE MAY ENTER A FAIL-SAFE/LIMP-HOME MODE THAT LIMITS THE DRIVABILITY OF THE VEHICLE. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE HYBRID SYSTEM WILL SHUT DOWN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL UNEXPECTEDLY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. Recall Summary TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11542555 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11435153 · 2021-10-01 (October 1, 2021)
My car exploded- huge fire. I was not driving- it had been parked. The fire marshal indicated that it was an electrical problem located near the battery. There we no indicators of any issues. I only had liability on the car- so i am out of luck. but the NYFD inspected. It happened on Wednesday 9/29/21. Was inspected on 9/30.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11435153 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11439933 · 2021-11-09 (November 9, 2021)
Engine dies out as per recall but already did recall and still has same problem and code coming. Out took to Lexus Dealer to check they came out to be battery cooling fans being defective. Got estimates and was crazy amount told them don't repair suv. After talking to Dealer they state the fans has nothing to do with recall and warranty is over.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11439933 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11374985 · 2020-11-17 (November 17, 2020)
CAR DIES AFTER DRIVING FOR A BIT. WE'VE SPENT OVER $3K FIXING FUEL PUMP, BATTERIES, AND OTHERS. FROM WHAT I'M READING IT SOUNDS LIKE MY CAR SHOULD BE ON THE INVERTER RECALL LIST, BUT IT'S NOT.
Owner-reported narrative. 130,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11374985 at NHTSA ↗