Credov's researched list of the 6 faults the Lexus RX350 is known for (2007–2009), 4 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: Look for a rubber (not metal) oil hose near the timing cover and fresh oil below it.
Why it matters: Lexus states the rubber portion of the oil supply hose for the VVT-i actuator may degrade over time and leak, giving abnormal engine noise and an oil pressure warning light. Sudden loss of oil pressure on a V6 is an engine-ending event, so the state of this hose is worth confirming before you buy.
Sources: 1
What to look for: Look under the front of the engine and around the oil filter for wet or swollen rubber oil cooler hoses.
Why it matters: If the hose bursts while driving the engine can lose all its oil within a minute or two, and if the driver keeps going the engine is destroyed. The improved line is a small cost next to a replacement engine.
What to look for: Check the airbag light goes out after start-up, and have Lexus NZ check the VIN for this recall.
Why it matters: The register states the insulation layers of the IC chip in the airbag sensor can peel and open-circuit, lighting the airbag lamp and potentially deactivating side/curtain and/or front airbags. A lit SRS lamp is also a WoF fail.
What to look for: Look inside both headlight lenses for misting, water droplets or rust, especially just after a wash.
Why it matters: A fogged or leaking headlight lens lets water sit against the HID bulb and reflector, which can fail the low beam and cost well over a thousand dollars a side to replace, and foggy lenses mark the car down at resale.
What to look for: Feel the dash top and door tops for tackiness, and look for a shiny glare or cracks near the airbag seam.
Why it matters: Lexus USA ran a warranty enhancement program covering this condition on these model years. A degraded dash causes windscreen glare and is an every-day irritant to the next owner, and a dashboard replacement is a large labour job that the sale price has to absorb.
Sources: 1
What to look for: Lock and unlock every door with the remote and the switch, listening for each to click.
Why it matters: A failing lock actuator is a security and convenience problem rather than a breakdown, but it means replacing a door latch and actuator assembly, and buyers notice it straight away on a test drive.
Got a question about a Lexus RX350? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.