Skip to content
Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2005 Lexus RX330 Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
18about this part
Share
11%of 165 total for the year
Median mileage
78,950miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Lexus RX330, 11% of the 165 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,950 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“One can shift the vehicle into different gears, I.e. Reverse, neutral, drive, without starting the vehicle itself. One can turn off the vehicle while the vehicle is in gear, I.e. Reverse, neutral, drive. Has happened several times before the listed date.”

NHTSA complaint #11091235, filed 2018-05, 80,000 miles

“I was parked in a garage on a ramp and left the car in gear (drive) and after exiting the vehicle, it rolled back into another car. The Lexus 330 is supposed to prohibit one from removing the keys from the ignition when in gear. My car continues to allow me to remove the key (engine off) while in drive.”

NHTSA complaint #10398950, filed 2011-04, 92,000 miles

“My vehicle is a 2005 Lexus rx 330. I purchased it certified pre-owned in 2007. I was coming off the highway and stopped at a light. As I proceeded to take a left hand turn the car started making a loud noise. It was jumping and shifting from side to side. Luckily I was able to control it and pull into a nearby gas station. I couldn't drive it and had it towed to the nearest Lexus service center. I was then told that the transfer case on the front differential went. They opened up the case box and metal shavings fell out! I guess there was no transfer case fluid! …”

NHTSA complaint #10503589, filed 2013-03, 115,000 miles

“I am having serious quality problems with my 2005 RX330. The vehicle is kept in the garage and being taken care of like a family member. I took the SUV to a Lexus dealer for routine maintenance and was told that the steering column was leaking and need to be replaced - approximate cost $1800. I was also told the front differential was leaking and need to be replaced - cost another $1000. This is not the end! Approximately six months ago my water pump failed at the middle of a busy intersection, and I had to replace my water pump, timing belt, drive belts, etc only at 65k miles - cost $1200. …”

NHTSA complaint #10480931, filed 2012-10, 77,900 miles

“My 2005 RX330 hesitates and I feel it's dangerous. There are times that after making a turn and stepping on the accelerator that the car behind me has almost rammed me.”

NHTSA complaint #10227778, filed 2008-05, 20,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200634%
20051811%
20046924%

Other parts of the 2005 Lexus RX330

Exterior lighting
32 complaintsBody and structure
32 complaintsSteering
29 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 30, 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