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Lexus RX: Technical Service Bulletins and Recalls

Understanding how Technical Service Bulletins and recalls relate to the Lexus RX vehicle warranty.

By Kristy Sullivan - January 26, 2015

This article applies to the Lexus RX (2005-2013).

Traffic fatalities are the leading cause of death in Americans under the age of 34. While many fatalities are the result of negligence and/or collisions, some are the result of a flawed vehicle. In an attempt to decrease fatalities and promote safer roadways, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) passed The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, which can be found under U.S.C Chapter 301. If a defect in equipment is discovered in any specific make and model, a recall is issued to alert the general public of possible safety risks. In case of a recall issue, the manufacturer must offer the purchaser one of the following three things: repair, replacement, or refund.

Fortunately, there were no recalls made for the Lexus RX after 2002.

Technical Service Bulletin (TSB)

A Bulletin—also referred to as a Technical Service Bulletin or TSB—is a general advisory issued to the customer by the manufacturer. If the manufacturer is made aware of a common or recurring default, they may issue a Bulletin with detailed instructions on ways to avoid or solve the problem. Unlike recalls, these Bulletins may not necessarily pertain specifically to safety issues. Bulletins discuss a wide variety of possible and common complications.

Tips for Drivers

  • Lexus inspects vehicles for recalled defects at no charge.
  • It is recommended that you wait or confirm if your vehicle has been fixed, if it needs to be fixed, or if it is pre-owned.
  • For the seat belt recall, dealers have encouraged drivers to release the seat belt slowly to reduce jamming.
  • Owners must call their local dealership and expect between eleven and a half to two weeks for the parts to arrive.
  • Request a loaner car if repairs are scheduled to take longer than desired.
  • To find the year of manufacture, a label can be found at the bottom of the pillar on the driver's door.
Figure 1. Location of label with manufactured year.

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