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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2006 Lexus RX330 Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
4%of 67 total for the year
Median mileage
28,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2006 Lexus RX330, 4% of the 67 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 28,000 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.

“Transmission has a hard time selecting a gear between 2nd and 3rd. It starts to go into 3rd gear then jumps out for a second and then slams back into 3rd. Usually when lightly accelerating. Very noticeable. I have taken it into the dealer 4 times and was told I may just need a new transmission!! It only has 108,000 miles on it. I have never heard of this problem with a Lexus! That and the rear differential was diagnosed as bad as well! It's like the entire drive train is garbage!! Very very disappointed with Lexus and I hope they will make this right with me. …”

NHTSA complaint #10785893, filed 2015-10, 108,000 miles

“We have a 2006 Lexus RX330 SUV. It has a very significant hesitation when trying to accelerate to change lanes or enter highway etc. We have a 3 year old and we are very scared most of the time driving on the highway with this kind of hesitation of the transmission. I have taken the SUV to the Lexus dealer and they have told me that this is a normal operation of these SUV's. We have no where to go except NHTSA to take action against Lexus like recalling these cars before this situation causes the loss of lives. Thank you. Raif caglar”

NHTSA complaint #10238060, filed 2008-08, 28,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200634%
20051811%
20046924%

Other parts of the 2006 Lexus RX330

Body and structure
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2006 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