Power Steering Fluid Problems of Lexus RX

I recently took my newly baught 2008 Lexus Rx 350 in at a Lexus dealership for routine maintenance. I didn't notice and steering issues or leaks but was told I needed a new rack and pinion. Since its Lexus dealership I respect their inspection and recommendation. . . But like many others. . . It turns out the rack and pinion on the Rx 350 is common ( too common ) and I have read many people writing a complaint to NHTSA. I don't see any resolution or explanation to the " same " complaints. I also have to pay $1,800 + and am supposed to pick up my Rx350 July 7 or 8th, 2020. The rack and pinion is obviously a huge safety issue. . . So I echo everyone else. Why is the manufacturer/ dealership not giving us answers as to why this is an ongoing issue. I found this out by researching online. They sure are quick to take the $1800+. Good money maker don't you think. All I'm saying is, if it needs replaced then yes of course I'll replace it and I'll try to somehow find the money to do so. . . But if this has been ongoing for years on the Rx350. . . Why am I and many others coughing up money that I honestly dont have !! to replace the rack and pinion ? I just came in for an oil change and 100,000 mile overall routine inspection. Steering felt good. No leaks noted in my garage floor. . . Other then ac residual fluid which of course is normal.

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Lexus of bellevue service department (in bellevue, wa) completed a routine oil change on my 2008 Lexus Rx 350 and then told me they discovered a gasket power steering fluid leakage on passenger side power steering rack and that this is a critical safety issue that would require a complete replacement of power steering rack and gaskets. This was completed and cost me $1,874. 93 (after applying a Lexus service credit for $237. 99) - so it actually cost me $2,112. 92. As this luxury car only had 71,604 miles on the odometer, I wanted to see if this was a common issue/defect with this car type. I found numerous complaints regarding this safety defect which could potentially cause catastrophic steering failures. . Read more...

Rear caliper blew while driving - almost lost brakes on highway - vehicle was unsafe to drive. Ignition coils failed (twice) while driving - lost power - almost got hit by a truck steering fluid leak - dealer says to get entire steering replaced or may lose steering while driving!! all this started at a mere 42,891 miles - and we narrowly averted possible accidents at high speed!.

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The Rx330 was seen at the Toyota dealership around 121,000 miles for brake pads and general maintenance & inspection. Upon inspection, it was discovered there was a power steering fluid leak and it would be necessary to replace the rack/pinion to a tune of around $2,000! the service was declined and the owner was informed it might be dangerous to drive the vehicle because the steering could lock up, making it more probable for an accident to occur. At present, the owner is adding ps fluid to the vehicle when it runs low and hoping for the best. A few mechanics have commented this might be the less expensive option. However, with a broken rack/pinion, it makes the vehicle very difficult to resale. Mechanics are becoming more and more aware of this costly manufacturing defect in the 2005 Lexus. One mechanic commented there is a weak spot in the r&p which gives, causing this problem.

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I visited the dealer for a regularly scheduled oil change and was told the steering assembly needed to be changed due to several leaks that were not recommended for individual repair. This comes four months after having the power steering fluid flush and maintenance. The vehicle has not been in an accident or experienced anything more than normal wear and tear. Upon reseraching the matter, I noticed thousands of other Lexus owners has had the same issue. My research was prompted by the more than $6,000 I have personally spent on making repairs to the two Lexus vehicles I own over a two year period, 70% of which ended up being recalls. Ii'm a more than fair and reasonable person. However, a luxury vehicle should not require 20% of its value in repairs every year.

As of this date, there has not been an accident or failure to the steering rack on this car. However, when the car was in the Lexus dealership for a routine oil change, I was told by a representative of the service department there is a leakage of fluid from the steering rack boot and if left un-repaired it would be a significant problem. What caught my attention more was their statement that this should be/have been a recall as it is a problem on the Lexus Rx350 spanning several model years. I don't know if by "recall" they meant a voluntary recall or a NHTSA recall. One does not have to let one's imagination wander too far to contemplate the seriousness of a failure while on the highway.

Steering fluid was leaking from the right side of the rack and pinion. Making it hard to steer. The rack and pinion must now be replaced.

See all problems of the 2006 Lexus RX 🔎.