2005 Lexus RX Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 11%of 27 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 5,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Lexus RX, 11% of the 27 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 5,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Upon slowing from 40mph to a stop or almost a stop, to make a turn, the car hesitates before accelerating. This hesitation has caused both me and my wife to abruptly abort left turns. This behavior is particularly dangerous for drivers in the congested ny metropolitan area. We have experienced some frightening close calls when the vehicle failed to accelerate, causing an emergency abort of a turn. This hesitation also manifests itself when you lift from the accelerator to slow down and then get back on the gas. I have complained to the dealer numerous times since the car was new. …”
NHTSA complaint #10319919, filed 2010-03, 200 miles“Transmission problems (hunting for gears, jerking and hesitation) on a 2005 Lexus rx330 - awd. Have experienced near accidents due to vehicle hesitation when merging into traffic, crossing intersections, or making turns. When depressing accelerator, vehicles hesitates for 3-5 seconds. Have had flash service done to ecu. Same issues still exist.”
NHTSA complaint #10160788, filed 2006-06, 5,000 miles“The contact stated the vehicle would not accelerate past 40 MPH. When the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle did not engage gears automatically. The problem was accompanied by a vibration in the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer, where several unsuccessful attempts were made to duplicate the problem. The manufacturer was contacted, and refused further service to the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10165114, filed 2006-08, 13,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10179697Aug 5, 2020TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a…
- 10179601Aug 5, 2020TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a…
- 10205346Oct 16, 2014Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 17% |
| 2025 | 1 | 4% |
| 2024 | 5 | 8% |
| 2023 | 13 | 21% |
| 2022 | 4 | 14% |
| 2020 | 1 | 2% |
| 2019 | 2 | 6% |
| 2017 | 1 | 2% |
| 2016 | 4 | 14% |
| 2015 | 3 | 15% |
| 2014 | 1 | 8% |
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 8% |
| 2011 | 1 | 3% |
| 2010 | 3 | 4% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 5 | 7% |
| 2007 | 3 | 5% |
| 2006 | 2 | 6% |
| 2005 | 3 | 11% |
| 2004 | 5 | 13% |
| 2002 | 5 | 42% |
| 2001 | 14 | 74% |
| 2000 | 25 | 86% |
| 1999 | 29 | 83% |
Other parts of the 2005 Lexus RX
5 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Lexus RX
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology