Lexus RX 330 Years To Avoid

The Lexus RX 330, produced between 2004 and 2006, is a luxury SUV known for its comfort and style. It is considered reliable overall.

However, there are some common problems to be aware of with certain model years. That’s why some models of Lexus RX 330 years to avoid for a smooth ride.

In this guide, we will discuss some typical problems of this model and give you tips on what to look for after you decide to own this vehicle.

Lexus RX 330 Years To Avoid for a Smooth Ride

The Lexus RX 330 is part of the RX line of luxury hybrid crossover SUVs produced from 2004 to 2006. This car is known for being a very reliable SUV by brand standards. 

However, certain years can fall short of this reputation. Below, I have outlined three model years of the Lexus RX 330 that you should avoid and why.

2004 Lexus RX 330

This is the first year for the RX 330, but it has new features and a partial redesign. Known issues include:

• Transmission Problems: Some owners experienced transmission slippage and rough shifting.

• Suspension: I had a problem with my suspension system, which might have resulted in an unpleasant ride or bad alignment.

2005 Lexus RX 330

The 2005 RX 330 brought mainly small improvements over the previous year’s model. Known issues include:

• Electrical Problems: Included faulty lights and power window issues.

• Fuel Economy Concerns: Some drivers noted lower than expected fuel efficiency.

2006 Lexus RX 330

The final year of the RX 330 was the 2006 model, and this iteration was enhanced with several updates but was no less stymied:

• Engine Problems: There were reports of engine knocking and premature wear in some vehicles.

• Transmission Issues: Exactly as was the case with the 2004 model, the 2006 RX 330 still had lingering transmission reliability issues.

Problems of Lexus RX330 

This vehicle can also face problems like any other standard car would. Here are the most common Lexus RX330 problems by model year:

1. Radiator Issues

Radiator problems were the most commonly reported 2006 Lexus RX330 problems. The first symptom the owners of the affected vehicles noticed was a radiator leak.

Upon inspection, most of them discovered a bottom seam split or cracked in a radiator.

2. Vehicle Won’t Start

Several 2005 Lexus RX330 owners have also reported that their vehicle just won’t start for no reason usually around 24,000 miles.

And according to one report, drivers sometimes couldn’t get their car to start after fuelling up.

3. Transmission Issues

The automatic may have issues, such as rough shifting or a sense of lag when accelerating, and some careful owners have had the transmission warranty extended due to such problems.

In fact, the regularity of fluid changes may stave off those issues.

4. Cracked Dashboard

There have been quite a few complaints from Lexus RX330 owners about cracks in their dashboard after approximately 85,300 miles.

Some have stated they had very good quality sun shades, and the sun’s heat was not a factor. I’ve noted in another review that the dash started to peel at around 73,000 miles near the airbag and around the key switch.

5. Engine Oil Sludge

There have been a couple of reports of engine oil sludge problems on some RX 330 vehicles.

However, the problem can be denied by regular oil changes at the recommended synthetic oil and according to the superior schedule maintenance.

6. Windshield Issues

There were multiple complaints about the windshield of the 2005 Lexus RX330 as well, with numerous owners reporting that the vehicle’s window trim fell off at 92,000 miles.

In others, the trim sealing the back side window just fell off. The trim sealing the back doors on many of the affected SUVs fell off, leaving them prone to leaks.

What makes problems with trim frustrating is that when a piece of trim separates from the body, it’s not enough to just replace the trim. Most drivers had to have a new windshield installed as well.

7. Delayed Shifting

Complaints from owners of the 2004 to 2006 model have reported that the SUVs have slow transmissions, and some say that the slowdown occurs when they step on the gas going between 10 and 20 mph.

Lexus has updated the software for the transmission control module to correct the problem.

8. Steering Problems

Owners of the 2004 Lexus RX330 have been reporting steering problems, too. Most said stiff steering occurred around 29,500 miles, usually due to a bent pinion that should be replaced.

9. A/C Heater Issues

In terms of the 2004 Lexus RX330 as well, the most reported issues have been around the A/C heater.

In this case, several owners smelled burning from their RX330’s A/C while the engine was running.

Others heard rattling sounds coming from under the glove box or dashboard. Some of them reported that their A/C died (no more cold air) around 72,000 miles.

Luckily, you can usually resolve common AC issues between the 2004 Lexus RX330 fix when you replace bad air conditioning parts.

10. Brake Actuator Problems

The brake actuator is part of the vehicle’s brake system and is susceptible to failure in certain Lexus RX 330 models, resulting in problems with its Anti lock Braking System (ABS) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).

What is the Best Year for Lexus RX330?

The model year 2006, for example, is regarded as the best for selecting a Lexus RX 330. By then, Lexus had resolved most of the problems associated with its earlier editions.

Overall, the 2006 Lexus RX 330 benefits from various refinements and revamps when compared to earlier editions, thereby delivering much enhanced reliability and performance. Specifically in relation to the 2006 update, the following can be noted:

• Improved Transmission: Addressing earlier issues with rough shifting and slippage.

• Enhanced Suspension: Offering a smoother and more comfortable ride.

• Refined Engine: Reducing instances of engine knocking and premature wear.

 Also, to me, the 2006 RX 330 is more of an all around luxury, comfort, and durability choice for buying a used RX 330.

Either way, a good, detailed inspection of the vehicle and regular service are essential to a used Lexus that you purchase, no matter the year.

Are Lexus RX330s Reliable?

The Lexus RX330 is a reliable car made between 2004 and 2006. It has the added benefit of being a Lexus, which means it was built on a reputation for durability and quality.

The ride is silky smooth, the interior is incredibly comfortable even on long distances, there’s a strong V6 engine to power you along, and reported problems miss this mark slightly.

The occasional failure of the a/c can be a bit of a frustration, but most complaints merely mention some engine oil consumption.

All in all, the RX330 has a good reliability record, and for most people looking to buy a luxury SUV, reliability is the number one quality that needs addressing.

Proper service from your local Lexus dealer and attending to these issues when they crop up in a timely manner can go a long way to keeping your RX330 running in good shape for many years.

FAQs on Lexus RX 330 Years To Avoid

Conclusion

Even with the luxury of the Lexus r330, reliability issues exist in most cars. If you plan to purchase a second hand r330, ensuring it is well maintained and calling a mechanic can save you from a lot of annoying expenses.

Lexus made some relatively easy fixes for the years 2004 and 2005. However, be aware that the 2004 to 2006 RX 330 had a few common problems.