Lexus Harrier (early): common faults & what to check
Thinking about buying a used Lexus Harrier (early) (1998–2022) in New Zealand? We've documented 16 known faults for this model spanning suspension, engine, electrical, and brakes. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
16
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$700–$2,500
Typical repair
6
Systems covered
Known Lexus Harrier (early) faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01Front lower control arm ball joint failure
CriticalCommonSuspension $950–$2,500 to fix
RX AL10 and AL20 front lower control arm ball joints are a documented wear item, typically failing between 100,000–150,000 km but sometimes earlier on NZ vehicles exposed to chip-seal and gravel surfaces. The ball joint is integral to the lower control arm assembly on most variants, requiring full arm replacement. A failed joint causes loss of steering geometry and in extreme cases collapse of the front corner — a safety-critical failure that will cause WOF rejection.
Symptoms to notice
Clunking or knocking from the front suspension over bumps or rough road
Steering pulling to one side under braking or on uneven surfaces
Abnormal front tyre wear — particularly outer edge
Loose or vague steering feel at low speed
What to check
Inspect ball joint boots for cracking or grease leakage. Check the lower arm for any impact damage. Test drive over speed bumps and listen for suspension clunks. If a workshop inspection is possible: Lift the front of the vehicle and check for play in each lower ball joint — both vertical and lateral.
Where to look: Front lower control arm — outboard ball joint at the steering knuckle attachment point
Ask the seller
“Has the front suspension been inspected or any components replaced?”
“Has any clunking or knocking from the front been noticed over bumps?”
“Has the vehicle been driven on unsealed or rough roads regularly?”
The U660E 6-speed automatic transmission fitted to RX 350 models develops a characteristic shudder or vibration during light throttle application at highway cruise speeds, caused by degraded torque converter lock-up clutch friction material contaminating the transmission fluid. Lexus and Toyota issued guidance recommending a specific Toyota WS (World Standard) ATF change as a first corrective step; in advanced cases the torque converter requires replacement. Vehicles with infrequent or incorrect-fluid transmission services are significantly more prone to early onset.
Symptoms to notice
Shudder or vibration through the body at 70–110 km/h under light throttle cruise
Vibration disappears when accelerator is fully lifted or pressed firmly
Symptom most noticeable in 4th, 5th, or 6th gear lock-up
May be accompanied by a brief hesitation before the vibration settles
ATF fluid appears dark brown or smells burnt on inspection
What to check
During a test drive, maintain a steady light throttle at 80–100 km/h and feel for a vibration or shudder through the drivetrain lasting 1–3 seconds before the torque converter locks up cleanly. Ask when the transmission fluid was last changed and confirm Toyota WS fluid was used. Check if the fluid on the dipstick (if accessible) is dark or smells burnt.
Where to look: Transmission — torque converter lock-up clutch, accessible only with transmission removal
Ask the seller
“Has the transmission fluid ever been changed, and was Toyota WS fluid specified?”
“Have you noticed any vibration or shudder at highway speeds under light acceleration?”
“Has the vehicle had any transmission servicing or fault codes related to the gearbox?”
EngineCritical
ElectricalMajor
EngineMajor
ElectricalMajor
EngineMajor
BrakesMajor
TransmissionMajor
CoolingMajor
ElectricalMajor
CoolingMajor
SuspensionMajor
EngineMajor
CoolingMajor
ElectricalMinor
14 more documented faults on the Lexus Harrier (early)
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 16 documented faults for the Lexus Harrier (early), the recurring problem areas are suspension, engine, and electrical. A Lexus Harrier (early) with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Lexus Harrier (early)?
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We've catalogued 16 known faults for the Lexus Harrier (early), covering suspension, engine, and electrical. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Lexus Harrier (early)?
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Most single repairs on the Lexus Harrier (early) fall between $700–$2,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 16 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Lexus Harrier (early)?
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Yes. A Lexus Harrier (early) inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.