2009 Lexus RX Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 26%of 34 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 133,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine of the 2009 Lexus RX, 26% of the 34 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 133,000 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.
“Water pump failed without any indication of failure. I was going on highway and all of sudden vsc light came up . After driving a mile engine light came up. Since next exit was 3 miles I drove through exist and pull car on safe parking lot. By the time I stopped vehicle, I saw smoke coming out of engine. I had to call aaa and get it towed to local mechanic for primary diagnostic before I towed it over to Lexus dealership 25 miles away. …”
NHTSA complaint #10731442, filed 2015-07, 61,000 miles“Noticed huge puddle of oil under car after parking in driveway. Had car towed to Lexus dealer. Found oil cooler rubber hose ruptured. Replacement line is now constructed of metal. This appears to be a common issue on these vehicles as evidenced in various Lexus forums.”
NHTSA complaint #11254860, filed 2019-09, 133,000 miles“The oil cooler line is made from rubber and failed. This failure LED to the loss of all engine oil and can cause catastrophic engine damage. This happened while car was in motion on a city street.”
NHTSA complaint #11291067, filed 2019-12, 133,506 miles“Rubber oil cooler line developed a leak causing loss of most engine oil within a day. This is a known defect to Lexus who replaces this part with a metal part. However, Lexus has gotten away with a limited time extended warranty when they should be required to recall all vehicles and fix this known defect. To further harm the consumer, their repair book time is five hours when the actual repair time is closer to one hour for one mechanic! My repair costs were close to $1,000!!! Lexus should be required to recall all affected vehicles and fix this part at no cost to the consumer.”
NHTSA complaint #11302845, filed 2020-01, 148,365 miles“Water pump failed on 2009 lexux rx350 at 61500 miles and just 4 months over the powertrain warrenty. Lexus declined the claim. Engine overheating caused head gasket failure and warped cylinder head. 1.as per local mechanic who replaced water pump , there were indication of coolant leaking from water pump seal and it must be leaking for quite long time, even when vehicle was under warranty. There was enough volume of coolant when this incident happened, indicates that leakage was very minor and my not appear on the floor where car was parked. …”
NHTSA complaint #10747528, filed 2015-08, 61,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 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…
- 10164328Jul 1, 2019TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev1: G1668 Applicability has been updated to include 2019 ? 2020 model year Lexus vehicles. G2158 The Techstream Preparation and Process…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 17% |
| 2025 | 4 | 18% |
| 2024 | 8 | 13% |
| 2023 | 11 | 18% |
| 2022 | 3 | 10% |
| 2021 | 2 | 3% |
| 2020 | 5 | 11% |
| 2019 | 7 | 21% |
| 2018 | 4 | 15% |
| 2017 | 10 | 21% |
| 2016 | 5 | 18% |
| 2015 | 5 | 25% |
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 3 | 25% |
| 2011 | 10 | 34% |
| 2010 | 21 | 27% |
| 2009 | 9 | 26% |
| 2008 | 15 | 21% |
| 2007 | 8 | 14% |
| 2006 | 8 | 25% |
| 2005 | 1 | 4% |
| 2004 | 2 | 5% |
| 2002 | 1 | 8% |
| 2001 | 1 | 5% |
| 1999 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2009 Lexus RX
10 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 Lexus RX
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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