Victory at Loftus Road would have sent Daniel Farke's side five points clear at the top of the Championship but Leeds left themselves with a mountain to climb after going 2-0 down in the first half.
A loose pass from Brenden Aaronson in his own box led to Koki Saito firing the Rs ahead in the 17th minute and terrible defending then allowed Steve Cook to net with a free header after half an hour.
Leeds, though, hit back just before the interval through a Morgan Fox own goal after a Junior Firpo flick and Jayden Bogle drew the Whites level six minutes after the restart.
Both sides then had chances to bag a winner but the contest ended all square and with QPR down to ten men as goalscorer was shown a straight red for a nasty challenge from behind on Dan James.
The draw still sent Leeds three points clear of second-placed Sheffield United but having played a game more.
Graham Smyth, the YEP’s chief football writer, hands out the scores from an eventful clash at Loftus Road.
7. Ao Tanaka
6 - Made a slow start but worked his way into it. Second half was better than the first. Some nice passes and got stuck in. Photo: Harry Murphy
8. Manor Solomon
7 - Played a role in the first goal, gave Dunne problems but found himself isolated and easily beaten for QPR's second goal. Show of dissent at being subbed wasn't ideal. Photo: Harry Murphy
9. Dan James
7 - A few great deliveries, played a part in the equaliser and worked himself into the ground. Got a player booked and another sent off. Photo: Aaron Chown
10. Brenden Aaronson
2 - Struggled physically, couldn't make an impact in possession and was guilty of a careless giveaway that resulted in QPR's first. Off at the break. Photo: Ben Roberts Photo
11. Joel Piroe
6 - A lot of his performance was about occupying defenders and battling physically. Played a part in the first goal. Photo: Harry Murphy
12. Willy Gnonto (sub)
8 - Did everything that you would want a number 10 to do for a team losing by a goal. Urgent, got on the ball, passed it well to create chances, won free-kicks. Photo: Lewis Storey