Is the 2005 Lexus RX 330 a bad year?
165 owner complaints to NHTSA. Engine and transmission complaints are in line with other RX 330 years.
Keep it
Engine and transmission complaints for the 2005 Lexus RX 330 are in line with other RX 330 years.
The verdict moves with mileage: the same car reads differently at 30,000 and at 150,000 miles.
What 2005 RX 330 owners report, by mileage
Each system owners named in five or more complaints, with the mileage range where the middle half of those complaints were filed. Read at 65,000 miles.
| SYSTEM | COMPLAINTS | MIDDLE HALF FILED AT | TYPICAL US REPAIR BILLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body structure | 32 (19%) | 50k–100k miles · around this mileage | — |
| Exterior lighting | 32 (19%) | 40k–92k miles · around this mileage | — |
| Transmission and drivetrain | 18 (11%) | 3k–78k miles · around this mileage | CV axle / CV joint replacement (one side) $300–$1,500 · Automatic transmission replacement $2,500–$7,000 |
| Air bags | 14 (8%) | 50k–100k miles · around this mileage | — |
| Speed control | 14 (8%) | 24k–106k miles · around this mileage | — |
| Engine | 12 (7%) | 59k–111k miles · around this mileage | Valve cover gasket replacement $110–$500 · Timing chain replacement $1,000–$4,000 |
| Steering | 29 (18%) | 83k–130k miles · ahead | Steering rack and pinion replacement $700–$2,100 |
| Brakes | 11 (7%) | 7k–54k miles · mostly behind | — |
| Electrical system | 7 (4%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Equipment | 5 (3%) | too few with a mileage | — |
Bills are typical US ranges from the sources named in the tool (J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, CarParts.com and others), printed only for systems that stand out or sit at or ahead of 65,000 miles. Not a quote.
What owners reported alongside their complaints
Of 165 complaints: 16 mention a crash · 1 mentions a fire · 7 report an injury · 4 say the car was towed.
No complaints in the last 12 months; the newest was filed in Apr 2021.
Counts of what owners wrote in their complaints, not verified by anyone.
Recalls for the 2005 Lexus RX 330: 3
The amount of adhesive agent applied between the outer ring and the torsional rubber damper (Inner ring) in the crankshaft pulley may be inadequate. In some cases, the belt for the power steering pump may become detached from the pulley which could result in a loss of power steering and a sudden increase in steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
If the forward retention clip used to secure the floor carpet cover, which is located in front of the center console, is not installed properly the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal and interfere with the accelerator pedal arm. If this occurs, the accelerator pedal may temporarily become stuck in a partially depressed position rather than return to the idle position.
On certain sport utility and hybrid vehicles, the two retaining clips for the driver's side forward center console can become loose. If both clips separate from the floor carpet cover, the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal, causing interference with the accelerator pedal rod. This condition may interfere with the accelerator pedal returning to the idle position increasing the risk of a crash.
A recall may cover only some cars of a model year; the campaign size counts every model and year it lists. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls: dealers fix open recalls free.
Service bulletins from Lexus: 53
Repair instructions Lexus sent its dealers for symptoms seen in the shop on the 2005 Lexus RX 330. Ask a dealer or mechanic for a bulletin by its number.
Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components
The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic…
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues…
Warranty Enhancement Program: Update: Technician requirements and parts order processes have been updated
NHTSA defect investigations: 1
Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration
Neighbouring years
2004 RX 330: 286 complaints, keep it · 2006 RX 330: 67 complaints, keep it.
Every Lexus RX 330 year
2004 · 2005 · 2006 · 2007 · 2009 · 2011 · All RX 330 years side by side
Other Lexus models: Lexus ES · Lexus ES 300 · Lexus ES 330 · Lexus ES 350 · Lexus GS 300 · Lexus GS 350 · Lexus GX · Lexus GX 470 · Lexus IS · Lexus IS 250 · Lexus IS 350 · Lexus LS · Lexus LS 430 · Lexus LS 460 · Lexus NX · Lexus RX · Lexus RX 300 · Lexus RX 350 · Lexus RX Hybrid. All makes and models.
Questions
Is the 2005 Lexus RX 330 a bad year?
165 owner complaints to NHTSA. Engine and transmission complaints are in line with other RX 330 years. At 65,000 miles the tool says: Keep it.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Lexus RX 330?
By owner complaints to NHTSA: body structure (32), exterior lighting (32), transmission and drivetrain (18), air bags (14), speed control (14).
How many recalls does the 2005 Lexus RX 330 have?
3 recall campaigns list this model year: Engine (NHTSA 11V-539), Speed control (NHTSA 11V-112), Speed control (NHTSA 06V-253). A recall may cover only some cars; check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Method: counts of unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA, compared only with other years of the same model (sales volumes are unknown, so no failure rate is computed). A system stands out at 40+ complaints and at least twice the model's quiet (lower-quartile) year, or twice the share across every vehicle of that model year. The mileage range is the 25th to 75th percentile of the mileages owners reported. Data received by NHTSA through November 5, 2026. Repair prices are typical US ranges from named sources, not quotes. Not a diagnosis and not financial advice. PulsCar is not affiliated with NHTSA. Check this car at your own mileage.