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Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

2009 Lexus RX350Recalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 131 owner complaints for the 2009 Lexus RX350. Most complaints involve steering (33) and engine (21). The EPA rates it 19–20 mpg combined.

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Combined MPG
19–20mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
131
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$3,850est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2009 Lexus RX350 as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

131 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2008 – Feb 2026
  1. Steering33
  2. Engine21
  3. Structure19
  4. Electrical system10
  5. Air bags10
  6. Power train9
  7. Vehicle speed control8
  8. Engine and engine cooling5
  9. Service brakes, hydraulic4

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each RX350 model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2007225
2008196
2009131
2010171
201154
201245
201378
201427
201562
201686
201794
201844
201965
20230
Crashes reported
8
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
3
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Steering

33 reports
“MECHANIC/CAR INSPECTOR FOUND LEAKAGE OF POWER STEERING AND RACK AND PINION FAULTY, NEEDING REPLACEMENT RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY WHEN I TOOK CAR FOR MARYLAND INSPECTION. IT FAILED. CAR PURCHASED AT DULLES MOTORCARS/ KIA SUBARU IN LEESBURG, VIRGINIA WITH 56,000 MILES. COST OF REPAIR IS $1800.00. DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR, HOWEVER FAILED INSPECTION. CAR WAS BOUGHT ON $/1/2021 AND INSPECTION ON 4/2/2021.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 4, 2021Steering, Unknown or otherODI 11406335

Engine

21 reports
“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 had to be towed into repair shop. Rupture occurred spontaneously while drive at 45 MPH on road. No warning lamps on prior to episode and car was driving fine.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 25, 2023EngineODI 11546358

Structure

19 reports1 crash
“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 ignition switch was sticky, leaving a residue on the contact's fingers. The contact associated the failure with Technical Service Bulletin: L-SB-0011-15; and the related Warranty Enhancement Program. The local dealer was contacted and advised the contact that there was no recall coverage available. The contact called another local dealer Westminster Lexus (13590 Beach Blvd., Westminster, CA 92683); and was informed that the repairs would be at the expense of the vehicle owner. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 18, 2026StructureODI 11718862
All 2009 RX350 problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S5) · Automatic 5-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
RX 350 2WD
Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
182320$3,850444
RX 350 2WD
Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
182320$3,850444
RX 350 4WD
Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
172219$4,050468
RX 350 4WD
Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
172219$4,050468
  • RX 350 2WD
    Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    18 city · 23 hwy · $3,850/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • RX 350 2WD
    Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    18 city · 23 hwy · $3,850/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • RX 350 4WD
    Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    17 city · 22 hwy · $4,050/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • RX 350 4WD
    Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    17 city · 22 hwy · $4,050/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Lexus RX350 as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 5372
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2009 RX350 questions

How many recalls does the 2009 Lexus RX350 have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.

What are the most common 2009 Lexus RX350 problems?

Owners filed 131 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (33), engine (21), structure (19). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2009 Lexus RX350 get?

The EPA rates the 2009 Lexus RX350 at 19–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026