The Lemon Index2009 Lexus RX.
The 2009 Lexus RX is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 30 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 40, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about speed control, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 19 to 20 mpg combined. The best Lexus RX year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 132 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Lexus RX year. 2009 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 31K to 91K miles on the car (97 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- steering complaints mostly came at 45K–68K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 74K–133K miles
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Lexus told dealers about
Lexus sent dealers 191 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Ig1 relay freezing
- Rattle or buzz type noise coming from the driver's side instrument panel area
- The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side ★★★★★ · rollover ★★★★☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $4000–4200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2009 Lexus RX reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 40; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Lexus RX year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2009 Lexus RX problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are speed control (17%), transmission & drivetrain (13%) and body structure (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2009 Lexus RX have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Lexus RX get?
19 to 20 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2009 Lexus RX problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 31,000 and 91,000 miles. The middle report was at 59,000 miles, from 97 complaints.
Does the 2009 Lexus RX have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 13% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2009 Lexus RX cost in fuel a year?
About $4000 to $4200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2009 Lexus RX have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
What Lexus RX year is better than the 2009?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2011 and 2012.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works