2009 Lexus RX: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
The 2009 Lexus RX 350 closes the second generation with refinement and proven reliability; inspect the V6 oil-cooler hose and aging dashboard on higher-mileage cars. 5 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2009 Lexus RX listed at $37,500 base MSRP (350 trim, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
The 2009 Lexus RX 350 closes the second generation with refinement and proven reliability; inspect the V6 oil-cooler hose and aging dashboard on higher-mileage cars.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=lexus&model=RX350&m…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/lexus/rx350
Known issues
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Engine oil-cooler hose can rupture without warning and dump all engine oil within minutes, risking catastrophic engine damage on the V6 (RX 330/350).
commonly reported · 37 NHTSA complaints · typically 80k–130k miles · engine
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Reports of unintended acceleration tied to the floor-mat/pedal-entrapment recall; the vehicle can surge at low speed despite braking.
occasional · 31 NHTSA complaints · other
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ABS brake actuator assembly can fail, making the brake pedal hard to press and braking inconsistent; replacement is expensive and often out of warranty.
occasional · 32 NHTSA complaints · brake
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Dashboard surface can become sticky, shiny, and melt in hot climates, causing glare and embrittling the panel around the passenger airbag; Lexus extended warranty coverage for it.
commonly reported · 31 NHTSA complaints · body
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Power-steering rack-and-pinion seals can leak, eventually requiring a costly rack replacement.
occasional · 29 NHTSA complaints · steering
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=lexus&model=RX350&m…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/lexus/rx350
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Quiet, comfortable, plush ride that prioritizes isolation.
- Smooth, refined V6 (RX 350); available RX 400h hybrid for better economy.
- Outstanding long-term reliability with easy, widely available service.
- Strong resale value for its class.
Cons
- Expensive ABS-actuator and steering-rack repairs out of warranty.
- Sticky or melting dashboard in hot climates.
- Oil-cooler-hose failure can cause sudden total oil loss on higher-mileage V6s.
- Dated infotainment and numb, uninvolving steering.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 | $37,500 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2009-lexus-rx_350-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at base MSRP, before options and destination charges.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/lexus-rx-350/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $550–600/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~250k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/lexus/rx350
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/34778
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2009 Lexus RX have?
Documented issue patterns include: Engine oil-cooler hose can rupture without warning and dump all engine oil within minutes, risking catastrophic engine damage on the V6 (RX 330/350); Reports of unintended acceleration tied to the floor-mat/pedal-entrapment recall; the vehicle can surge at low speed despite braking; ABS brake actuator assembly can fail, making the brake pedal hard to press and braking inconsistent; replacement is expensive and often out of warranty; Dashboard surface can become sticky, shiny, and melt in hot climates, causing glare and embrittling the panel around the passenger airbag; Lexus extended warranty coverage for it. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2009 Lexus RX reliable?
The 2009 Lexus RX 350 closes the second generation with refinement and proven reliability; inspect the V6 oil-cooler hose and aging dashboard on higher-mileage cars.
How much did the 2009 Lexus RX cost new?
$37,500 base MSRP for the 350, before options and destination charges.
Is the Lexus RX expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $550–600/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.