2005 Lexus RX330 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 18%of 165 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 108,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Lexus RX330, 18% of the 165 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 108,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle starting making noise, took it into an auto repair shop, and was told the power steering fluid was very low. They also stated I needed to replace the rack and pinion. I looked online, and it seems to be an issue with 2005 RX330's. Obviously, reading the complaints, there should be a recall for this known problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10643465, filed 2014-10, 108,000 miles“During routine state inspection, dealer informed me the power steering rack was leaking and must be replaced. The cost to replace the rack is estimated at $1600. From reading similar stories for Lexus vehicles, I understand the leak could lead to catastrophic failure of the steering system and possible fires from fluids on the alternator.”
NHTSA complaint #10298173, filed 2010-01, 40,000 miles“There is a problem with the power steering of the vehicle. Took it to the Lexus dealer who stated that there was a leak in the power steering system. I am not a tecnical person but was explicitly told that if I do not get it fixed the steerin wheel could get stuck leading to an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10441185, filed 2011-12, 34,800 miles“My dashboard began to show signs of cracking about a year ago. It started to crack around the radio/audio components and spread quickly like a spider web. Lexus agreed to replace the dashboard at no charge, but not the labor costs. While replacing it, they advised me that the power steering rack and pinion had severe fluid leakage on right side, boot deteriorated. The cost of this repair was $1,856.00. There was also an issue with the left front cv axle inboard joint boot, an additional $412.00. …”
NHTSA complaint #10593782, filed 2014-05, 128,772 miles“Dealer mentioned power steering leak in 2014, again in 2015 and previous owner of vehicle took it in to have it looked at due to complaint of problems with power steering in 2012 with water pump and timing belt were changed. My local dealer is stating the repair will cost at least $1000 to repair. Despite recalls on the internet, it seems that the investigation of the 2005 Lexus rx 330 needs to include vehicle manufactured in canada (mine states canada). Please help I want to be safe driving my family in this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10749457, filed 2015-08, 144,572 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10177783Jun 23, 2020TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE June 23, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0023-20.
- 10133733Mar 18, 2014A new repair procedure and overhaul kit have been developed for repairing the power steering rack to improve the overall serviceability and reduce ownership cost. This repair…
- 10134016Oct 31, 2012Some 2004- 2009 RX North American produced vehicle may exhibit an oil leak from the boots of the steering gear assembly.
- 10050660Oct 31, 2012Lexus: steering gear assembly may be leaking oil from boots and information is provided for repair procedure. Models 2004-2009 rx330, rx350.
- 10017720Dec 21, 2001Repair manual supplement - vehicle pulling to one side. All lexus 2002 - 2006 models. *tt all '02 - '07 models. Lexus.
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2005 Lexus RX330
32 complaintsBody and structure
32 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsOther or unknown
15 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsEngine
11 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Lexus RX330
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