Lexus RX 330 / RX 350 / RX 400h (2003–2009) Buying Guide: Oil Lines, Hybrid Battery and Water Leaks

The second-generation Lexus RX (chassis code XU30, sold in Japan as the Toyota Harrier) is one of the safest bets in old luxury SUVs. Build quality was excellent, and the drivetrains outlast most European rivals. A 20-year-old RX still has known weak points, though, and a few of them can end the engine. This guide covers which RX to buy in your market, the faults that matter, and the cheap checks that separate a good one from a tired one.

Quick verdict

Buy one if you want a comfortable, quiet, five-seat luxury crossover that's cheap to keep on the road, and you don't need low-range off-roading. AWD versions have no low range.

Walk away if an RX 350 rattles on a cold start, there's evidence of water in the footwells or under the rear seats (especially on a hybrid), or a hybrid shows a system warning.

Which RX was sold where

Market note: model names. "RX 300" means different things by market. In the US, it's the first-generation RX (1999–2003). In the UK, the second-generation XU30 was also sold as the RX 300 with a 3.0 V6. Search listings by year and body shape, not just the badge.

Market note: UK theft and provenance. RAC's used review warns of a trade in stolen Japanese 4x4s and recommends a full VIN check to confirm provenance.

Market note: emissions zones. These are petrol and petrol-hybrid models with no diesel option, which generally helps with UK clean-air zones. Confirm the specific registration on TfL's or the local authority's checker.

Recommended engines and years

Best overall: 2007–09 RX 350 (3.5 2GR-FE). It has a timing chain, not a belt, plus more power and better economy than the 3.3. Owners and Australian reviewers both recommend it. Before you buy, confirm the oil-line updates have been done (see below).

RX 330 / RX 300: good cars, but the engine uses a timing belt:

• RX 330 3.3: 150,000 km per ReDriven
• UK RX 300 1MZ-FE: 150,000 km / ~93,000 miles per Haynes

Owners also recommend 2005-on RX 330s for the improved rear valve cover. Earlier PCV baffle designs can clog and cause oil burning.

RX 400h: worth considering if it has a full history and a clean hybrid health check. Treat the hybrid battery, inverter recall status and water ingress as must-checks.

Common problems and red flags

1. RX 350: VVT-i oil hose and oil cooler lines (the engine killer)

What happens: on the 2GR-FE V6, the rubber section of the VVT-i actuator oil supply hose can degrade and leak. Symptoms are abnormal engine noise and the oil-pressure light. A sudden failure can dump oil and destroy the engine. Lexus ran Limited Service Campaign 9LH for 2007–09 RX 350s to replace the hose. The extension expired on 31 December 2021, so an unfixed car now has to be fixed at the owner's cost. On towing-prep cars, the engine oil cooler lines are also rubber, and updated metal lines exist.

Checks:

• Ask for the dealer record for LSC 9LH, or look for the all-metal replacement line on the rear bank.
• Look for oil-cooler line weeps at the front lower engine.
• Look for timing-cover oil leaks on the passenger side: the oil pan and subframe will be wet. Consumer Guide lists timing-cover leaks on some early 2007 production.

2. RX 350: cold-start VVT-i rattle

Owners advise: if it rattles on cold start, don't buy it. Don't accept a car that has already been warmed up when you arrive. Neglected cars can also clog the oil strainer and log VVT faults.

3. RX 330 / RX 300: timing belt and oil leaks

• Timing belt: it's an interference engine. No invoice means it's due. Replace the water pump at the same time.
• Rear valve-cover gasket leaks and oil consumption: the 3.3 is known for both. Its breather design can clog internally. Owners recommend 2005-on cars for the revised rear valve cover.
• Crankshaft pulley recall (2006 RX 330 / 400h): inadequate adhesive between the pulley rings can cause noise, a charging warning or loss of power steering. Check that it has been done.

4. RX 400h: hybrid battery, cooling fan and inverter recall

• Battery cooling: clean the battery cooling-fan screens under the rear seats. A clogged screen or failed fan overheats the pack.
• Pack replacement: UK guidance puts a tired pack at £2,500–3,500. Australian reviewers quote from ~A$3,000 for aftermarket or refurbished units. Ask for a battery health printout.
• Inverter recalls:
• US recall 11V-342 (certain 2006–07 RX 400h): inadequately soldered transistors in the inverter's Intelligent Power Module.
• US recall 13V-396 (2006–08 RX 400h): IPM transistors could overheat and damage solder, causing warning lights, limp mode or, rarely, a stall.
• Confirm completion by VIN.
• 12V battery: if the car has been sitting, a flat 12V battery on a hybrid needs a trickle charge, not a jump start.
• Rear brakes: underused hybrids often have seized pins or corroded discs. Have the rears checked.

5. Water leaks: sunroof drains, tail-light seals and seams

The front sunroof drains end in a boxed body cavity near the front kick panels. Debris collects there, and water overflows into the footwells, where much of the wiring sits. Tail-light seals, tailgate seam sealant and roof-rail bolts can also let water into the cargo floor. On the RX 400h, the high-voltage battery sits under the rear seats, so water there is serious.

Checks: lift the footwell carpets and cargo floor, feel for damp, smell for must, and look for tide marks.

6. Dashboard and interior trim

The dash top can go sticky, crack, or shed pieces, especially in hot, sunny climates like Australia and the US Sun Belt. Lexus ran a satisfaction program, but it has long ended. UK sources put a full dash replacement at £1,000+, and Australian ones at up to ~A$1,800. Covers are the budget fix. The leather on driver bolsters wears, and the early touchscreen may not respond when hot. Because the climate controls run through it on navigation-equipped cars, it isn't a simple swap.

7. Air suspension (optional)

Air suspension was optional on US RX 330/350s (Performance package) and on UK SE-L RX 300s. Air struts can leak, compressors fail, and height sensors seize. Watch the rear ride height after an hour parked and again after a drive. Most used RXs have conventional coil springs.

8. Drivetrain and chassis

• Transfer case seal leak (2004–06): an improved seal is available.
• Transfer case noise or binding: owners say walk away.
• Check CV boots, steering-rack boots, rear diff side seals and the rear main seal.
• UK MOT data shows bushes and ball joints failing at three times the class average at age 6–9.

9. Smaller US bulletins worth knowing

From Consumer Guide:

• Power liftgate popping noises (2004–07)
• Weak hatch struts (2005–06)
• Cruise surging fixed by an ECU reflash (2006–07)
• Cold-weather no-start fixed by an ignition relay/harness on 2007–09 cars in very low temperatures
• Floor-carpet-cover recall for pedal interference (2004–07)
• Brake master cylinder seal recall (2004–06)

Recalls

Check by VIN:

• US: NHTSA
• UK: DVSA
• Australia: ACCC Product Safety
• Elsewhere: a Lexus dealer

Good example vs bad example

Test-drive checklist

1. Insist on a cold start. Listen for VVT rattle (RX 350) or timing-area noise (RX 330/300).
2. Look underneath the passenger-side timing cover, oil pan and subframe for wetness, and at the oil-cooler lines.
3. Lift the carpets in both front footwells and the cargo area.
4. Hybrid: check for no system warnings. The engine should start and stop smoothly, and the EV drive should engage at low speed. Request a battery health check.
5. Drive slowly over broken surfaces with the windows down to listen for clonks from bushes and joints.
6. Check the transmission dipstick where fitted, then drive for smooth shifts.
7. Work every screen function, the power tailgate and the windows.
8. Run the VIN for open recalls.

Price bands (verify against local listings)

South Africa sidebar. SA's high UV is hard on dashboards and leather, so apply the Australian interior checks. Check local listings for ZAR pricing.

Before you buy

• Run the VIN through a history check. Look for odometer discrepancies, accident, flood or theft records, import history and outstanding finance.
• Selling or part-exchanging your current car? Get a valuation first.
• Pay for an independent pre-purchase inspection by a specialist who knows this model, and get a written report.

FAQ

Which second-gen Lexus RX is most reliable? The 2007–09 RX 350 is the most commonly recommended: chain-driven 3.5 V6, more power and better economy. Only buy one with the VVT-i oil line update done.

Does the RX 350 have a timing belt? No. The 2GR-FE 3.5 uses a timing chain. The RX 330 (3.3) and UK RX 300 (3.0) use belts.

What is the RX 350 oil line problem? The rubber section of the VVT-i oil supply hose can degrade and leak, causing noise, an oil-pressure light and potentially engine damage. Lexus replaced it under campaign LSC 9LH, which ended on 31 December 2021.

How long does the RX 400h hybrid battery last? There's no fixed lifespan. Total failure isn't commonly reported, but age degrades capacity and economy. Keep the cooling-fan screens clean, and get a health check before buying.

Why does my RX have water in the footwells? Most often it's blocked sunroof drains that end in a boxed body cavity near the kick panels. Tail-light seals and cracked seam sealant are other causes.

Is the RX good off-road? No. AWD versions have no low range. It's a road-biased crossover.

Sources

1. Lexus / NHTSA, Extension of Limited Service Campaign 9LH, 2007–09 RX 350 VVT-i oil hose (2014): https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2014/MC-10109599-9999.pdf
2. NHTSA recall 11V-342, 2006–07 RX 400h inverter IPM: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2011/RCONL-11V342-6633.pdf
3. NHTSA recall 13V-396, 2006–08 RX 400h inverter IPM: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2013/RCAK-13V396-8484.PDF
4. Consumer Guide Auto, 2004–09 Lexus RX (models, trouble spots, recalls): https://consumerguide.com/used/2004-09-lexus-rx/
5. ReDriven, Used Lexus RX (XU30) review, June 2026 (AU market, faults, prices): https://redriven.com/reviews/lexus/rx/used-lexus-rx-xu30-review/
6. ClubLexus forum, "Advice for buying 2nd generation RX?" (owner reports): https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-2nd-gen-2004-2009/1000301-advice-for-buying-2nd-generation-rx.html
7. Fault File (UK), Lexus RX what to check (DVSA MOT data plus owner reports): https://faultfile.co.uk/cars/lexus-rx/checklist
8. RAC Drive, Lexus RX 300 (2003–2009) used review: https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/car-reviews/lexus/rx/rx-300-2003-2009/
9. Haynes, Lexus RX 2003–2008 maintenance plans (UK): https://uk.haynes.com/pages/maintenance-plans-car-lexus-rx-2003-2008
10. Specialist video, "Buying a used Lexus RX (XU30) – Buying Guide with Common Issues" (sunroof drain cavity, leaks, air suspension): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gt3hjXW895s

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