U.S. public vehicle records

2000 Lexus RX300: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

216 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

103,750 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2000 model year. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 162 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Power Train:Automatic Transmission is the most frequently named component, appearing in 112 of 216 complaints (51.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Transmission and shifting	130	60.2%
Braking behavior	26	12.0%
Engine operation	7	3.2%
Steering behavior	6	2.8%
Electrical and battery issues	4	1.9%
Fuel system concerns	2	0.9%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission

112

Power Train

Vehicle Speed Control

Engine And Engine Cooling

Engine

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline

Electrical System

Exterior Lighting

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	112
Power Train	27
Vehicle Speed Control	13
Engine And Engine Cooling	10
Engine	6
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline	6
Electrical System	5
Exterior Lighting	5

Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 112; Power Train: 27; Vehicle Speed Control: 13; Engine And Engine Cooling: 10; Engine: 6; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 6; Electrical System: 5; Exterior Lighting: 5

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 5; 25,000 to 49,999: 5; 50,000 to 74,999: 17; 75,000 to 99,999: 43; 100,000 to 149,999: 77; 150,000 and above: 15

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (77). 54 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

1999: 2; 2000: 6; 2001: 11; 2002: 10; 2003: 5; 2004: 7; 2005: 9; 2006: 6; 2007: 19; 2008: 32; 2009: 33; 2010: 27; 2011: 18; 2012: 4; 2013: 5; 2014: 5; 2015: 6; 2016: 7; 2017: 2; 2018: 2

Pattern summary

Power Train:Automatic Transmission leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 130 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 26 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 7 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10000723 · 2003-01-04 (January 4, 2003)

2000 LEXAS RX 300 CAR SKIDED ON ICE AND FLIPPED OVER WHEN TRYING TO CORREST THE SKID

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10000723 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10003221 · 2003-01-22 (January 22, 2003)

MY WIFE NOTICED A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AS SHE WAS DRIVING TO WORK. SHE CALLED ME ON THE CELL PHONE AND WE TOOK THE CAR TO LEXUS OF CLEARWATER. I RECIEVED A PHONE CALL SAYING THEY HAD DETECTED SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE AND IT WOULD NEED TO BE FIXED. THEY TOLD ME THEY MIGHT COVER IT UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE BUT THEY WOULD CALL ME BACK. I ALSO CHECKED THE WEBSITE AND LEXUS KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM AND SAYS THEY WILL STAND 100% BEHIND THE CUSTOMER FOR 8 YRS AND UNLIMITED MILES. NO OTHER REQUIRENMENT IS LISTED. MELISSA THE SERVICE PERSON …

Owner-reported narrative. 36,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10003221 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10022770 · 2003-06-10 (June 10, 2003)

VEHICLE OVERTURNED 3 TIMES DUE TO RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BREAKING. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10022770 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10029083 · 2003-07-24 (July 24, 2003)

AIR BAGS FAILED TO INFLATE AFTER VEHICLE WAS HIT VIOLENTLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE/FRONT RIGHT QUARTER PANEL. VEHICLE ROLLED, STILL NOT INFLATING ANY AIR BAGS. DRIVER SUFFERED INJURY . SEAT BELTS WERE USED.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 26,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10029083 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10038832 · 2003-09-13 (September 13, 2003)

TRAVELING 60 MPH ON MERIT PKY CONNECTICUT, THE FLUID LEAKED OUT OF A BLOWN GASKET IN THE TRANSFER BOX TO THE REAR WHEEL DRIVE. THE REAR WHEELS LOCKED UP AND CAR SKIDDED 150 FT AND SPUN. A MIRACLE NO CARS OR BARRIERS WERE HIT. MOTHER SUFFERED NERVE DAMAGE FROM BEING TWISTED. HAD CAR TOWED DIRECTLY TO DEALER. THE DEALER - LEXUS OF ENGLEWOOD NJ, MADE AN ATTEMPT TO PAY OFF LEASE AND LEASE A NEW CAR BUT DID NOT FOLLOW THROUGH WITH THEIR OFFER. THEY TREATED US HORRIBLY!!! THEY GAVE US NO INFORMATION ON WHAT HAPPENED TO THE TRUCK AND THROUGH A MIRED O…

Owner-reported narrative. 41,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10038832 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10060872 · 2004-03-09 (March 9, 2004)

WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SLOT IN A GARAGE, MY LEXUS RX300 SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND SLAMMED INTO A CONCRETE WALL. BOTH FRONT SEAT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED.

Owner-reported narrative. 47,075 miles reported. Look up ODI 10060872 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10063734 · 2004-03-23 (March 23, 2004)

WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SLOT IN A PARKING GARAGE, MY CAR ACCELERATED SUDDENLY, CRASHING INTO THE CONCRETE WALL. BOTH AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED, FILLING CAR WITH SMOKE AND LEAVING DRIVER'S ARM WITH SOME KIND OF BURN AND SCABBING. DRIVER'S KNEES HIT DASHBOARD FORCEFULLY.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10063734 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10069445 · 2004-01-15 (January 15, 2004)

ENGINE FAILED DUE TO SLUDGING. I WAS UNAWARE OF THE SPA AND HAD A USED ENGINE INSTALLED. LEXUS REFUSES TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR BECAUSE I PERFORM MY OWN MAINTENANCE

Owner-reported narrative. 109,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10069445 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

0 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

No recall campaigns are recorded in this snapshot.

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

216 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

75.0%Usable mileage162 / 216 records

98.1%Valid incident date212 / 216 records

100.0%Valid filing date216 / 216 records

98.1%Ordered incident and filing dates212 / 216 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	11049.8% ODI 10014038 · 88,000 mi I OWN 1999 LEXUS RX300, SINCE FEBRUARY OF THE LAST YEAR, I HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR'S ENGINE (IT HAS SLUDGE), TRANSMISSION, EMISSION SYSTEM, AND OVER USE OF GAS PER MILE. FIRST PROBLEM STARTED DURING THE FIRST MONTH OF MY OWNERSHIP AND SINCE THAT TIME THE VEHICLE HAS SPENT WEEKS IN AUTO REPAIR SHOPS. LEXUS DEALER AND OTHERS CHARGED ME LAVISH FEES BUT NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEMS AND LEXUS DEALERS EVEN NEVER ADMITTED THAT SERIOUS PROBLEMS EXISTED. *JB Look up ODI 10014038 at NHTSA ↗	11251.9% ODI 10125165 · 120,215 mi WHILE TRAVELING ON CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY IN DALLAS US75 GOING ABOUT 65 MY LEXUS RX300 LOST FORWARD ACCELERATION AS CARS ZOOMED PAST ME, THE ENGINE WAS STILL ON AS I MANAGED TO SAFELY EXIT ONTO THE ACCESS ROAD AND INTO A PARKING LOT. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND CHECKED FOR LEAKS OR A BROKEN BELT, BUT FOUND NO PROBLEM. I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND KEPT GOING. I TALKED TO THE LEXUS DEALER IN PLANO BUT SERVICE DEPT. WAS CLOSED AND THEY REFFERED ME TO TAKE IT INTO MY AUSTIN DEALER. I WAS TOLD THAT WITHOUT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NOTHING WOULD BE FOUND. I… Look up ODI 10125165 at NHTSA ↗	8751.5% ODI 10161652 · 98,000 mi TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON A BUSY INTERSTATE AT NIGHT WITH MYSELF, MY HUSBAND AND OUR 8 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER. HAD TO GET THE HIGHWAY PATROL TO FOLLOW US TO AN EXIT. THIS CAR HAD 98000 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME AND ACCORDING TO ALL MY INTERNET RESEARCH THIS IS A COMMON, KNOWN DEFECT WITH THE LEXUS RX300 THAT THEY REFUSE TO ADDRESS. ITS A SAFETY HAZARD. LEXUS OF COURSE REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING SINCE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. COST 3600.00 IN REPAIRS. NEVER HAD A TRANSMISSION GO OUT THIS EARLY, ACTUALLY NEVER HAD ONE GO OUT PERIOD ON CARS WITH MANY MOR… Look up ODI 10161652 at NHTSA ↗	1820.5% ODI 10202584 · 121,326 mi FAILURE OF TORQUE CONVERTER IN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, RESULTING IN TOTAL FAILURE OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE DISABLED ON BUSY FREEWAY. NO PRIOR WARNING, NO ENGINE CHECK LIGHT, NO TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE ALARM. *TR Look up ODI 10202584 at NHTSA ↗	520.0% ODI 10254835 · 78,926 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS RX300. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TRANSMISSION WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND WAS REPLACED AT THE COST OF $3,922.40. A REPORT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE CONTACT DID NOT ESTABLISH A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE DEALER; THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,926 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 79,000. UPDATED 3/9/09 CN THE … Look up ODI 10254835 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	135.9% ODI 10127321 · 68,320 mi THE MANIFOLD SYSTEM ON MY 1999 LEXUS RX300 HAD TO BE REPLACED AT ONLY 68,320 MILES WHICH COST WELL OVER $1,000. USUALLY THE MANIFOLD SYSTEM ON A CAR IS NOT REPLACED. LEXUS SHOULD BE REPSONSIBLE FOR THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM FOR US. I ALSO HAD THE JELLYING PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE. YES, I DO ALL THE REQUIRED ONLY CHANGES AND ETC. Look up ODI 10127321 at NHTSA ↗	2712.5% ODI 10383628 · 159,120 mi I PURCHASED A VEHICLE AT BOND AUTO SALES ON 12/24/2010. AFTER A FEW DAYS, I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO LET THEM KNOW THAT TRUCK WAS NOT RUNNING CORRECTLY. IT WAS RUNNING IN 3RD GEAR IDLING HIGH. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, I CALLED BACK A FEW DAYS LATER, THE CAR WOULD TURN OFF , IT WAS ALSO EATING UP OIL, I WAS TOLD TO BRING IN THE TRUCK SO THAT THEIR MECHANIC COULD LOOK AT IT, AND HE TEST DROVE THE TRUCK AND SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THE SALESMAN SAID THAT HE WOULD SPEAK TO HIS MANAGER AND NOT TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER MECH… Look up ODI 10383628 at NHTSA ↗	3520.7% ODI 10015097 · 27,000 mi THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD AFTER THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF, AND THE KEYS WERE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION, WHICH CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *JB Look up ODI 10015097 at NHTSA ↗	1719.3% ODI 10270198 · 150,000 mi 2002 LEXUS RX300 TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE TRANNY FAILED AT ONLY 150,000 MILES. THE REPLACEMENT WAS $4200. NO TRANSMISSION SHOULD FAIL THAT SOON, AND NOTHING SHORT OF A BENTLEY SHOULD COST THAT MUCH FOR A REBUILT. *TR Look up ODI 10270198 at NHTSA ↗	14.0% ODI 10401788 · 117,000 mi THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST TRANSMISSION ON THE ROAD AND WAS ROLLING FREELY. THE GEARS DOES NOT WORK ANYMORE AND THE VEHICLE ROLLS AS IF ITS IN NEUTRAL. WHEN SEARCH THE INTERNET I LOOKED AT LOT OF THE CUSTOMERS COMPLAINING ABOUT EXACT SAME THING, ABOUT THIS VEHICLE HAVING TRANSMISSION ISSUES ESPECIALLY FOR RX300. NO WONDER TOYOTA HAS THIS MANY RECALLS AND SURPRISED THAT THEIR PREMIUM BRAND HAS THE SAME ISSUES WITH SAFETY. I AM GLAD THAT THIS DID NOT HAPPEN ON A HIGHWAY Look up ODI 10401788 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	133.3% ODI 10307096 · 30,000 mi 1998 LEXUS RX 300 SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND ROLLED OVER. THIS WAS IN 2002 AUGUST AND I HAD CALLED LEXUS TO CHECK IF THERE IS A SUDDEN ACCELERATION OR A ROLL OVER PROBLEM. THEY SAID NONE. I DECIDED NOT TO ENGAGE A FORENSIC ENGINEER TO INVESTIGATE BECAUSE THAT WOULD DELAY THE INSURANCE PAY BACK. MY WIFE WALKED AWAY WITH MINIMAL INJURIES BUT NEVERTHELESS, WE STILL DISCUSS WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE PROBLEM. *CN Look up ODI 10307096 at NHTSA ↗	83.6% ODI 10239492 · 103,000 mi I WAS SLOWLY BACKING UP THROUGH A NARROW EXIT, AND THEN I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, SLOWLY PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR JUST TOOK OFF LIKE A BULLET, I HIT THE WALL OF A HOUSE, I WAS ABOUT 10 OR 15 FEET FROM THE WALL, IT WAS SO UNEXPECTED, FAST AND SCARY THAT I FROZE, I WAS WITH THREE OTHER PEOPLE IN THE CAR, WE WERE LUCKY THAT NOBODY GOT HURT. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THIS IS THE ONLY TIME THIS HAPPENED. *TR Look up ODI 10239492 at NHTSA ↗	136.0% ODI 10060872 · 47,075 mi WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SLOT IN A GARAGE, MY LEXUS RX300 SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND SLAMMED INTO A CONCRETE WALL. BOTH FRONT SEAT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED. Look up ODI 10060872 at NHTSA ↗	169.5% ODI 10063065 WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A BUILDING HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. AK JB Look up ODI 10063065 at NHTSA ↗	1213.6% ODI 10018315 · 24,500 mi THROTTLE BECAME STUCK ON 2002 LEXUS RX300 WHILE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN CAUSING IT TO RAPIDLY ACCELERATE. CAR HAD TO BE TURNED OFF BEFORE IT COULD BE STOPPED. CAR WAS TOWED TO LEXUS DEALER. I WAS TOLD IT WAS JUST A "FREAK" ACCIDENT THAT A TINY PIECE OF PLASTIC HAD GOTTEN SUCKED INTO THROTTLE. I WANT TO BE SURE THIS WAS AN ACCIDENT AND IS NOT A DEFECT. *JB Look up ODI 10018315 at NHTSA ↗	520.0% ODI 10312186 · 38,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS RX300. WHILE DRIVING INTO A DRIVEWAY AT SPEEDS OF FEWER THAN 8 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD REVVING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT INTENT. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE DOOR AND PUSHED THE TWO VEHICLES INTO THE DRIVEWAY THROUGH A CEMENT WALL AND INTO HER HOME. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE REPAIRS WERE COVERED THROUGH HER INSURANCE COMPANY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000. Look up ODI 10312186 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	52.3% ODI 10082354 · 62,000 mi HAD MY 60,000 MILE SERVICE DONE ON MY 1999 RX300. THE WIFE DROVE IT WHEN I GOT HOME AND TOLD ME THE CAR WAS RUNNING SLUGGISH, DIDN'T ACCELERATE LIKE IT DID BEFORE I BROUGHT IT IN. I TOOK THE CAR OUT TO DRIVE IT AND FEEL WHAT SHE WAS TELLING ME AND NOTICED THAT WHEN I WOULD LET OFF THE GAS AND COAST THEM GIVE IT GAS THERE WAS A CLUNKING NOISE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THE MECHANIC HEARD THE NOISE AND SAID HE WASN'T SURE WHAT IT WAS. THE SERVICE PERSON SAID THAT I SHOULD JUST DRIVE IT NORMAL AND NOT TRY TO MAKE IT CLUNK AND IT SHOULD BE OK. IF IT… Look up ODI 10082354 at NHTSA ↗	104.6% ODI 10069445 · 109,000 mi ENGINE FAILED DUE TO SLUDGING. I WAS UNAWARE OF THE SPA AND HAD A USED ENGINE INSTALLED. LEXUS REFUSES TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR BECAUSE I PERFORM MY OWN MAINTENANCE Look up ODI 10069445 at NHTSA ↗	42.4% ODI 10069308 · 40,987 mi OIL SLUDGE IN 3.0L ENGINE CAUSING ENGINE FAILURE. Look up ODI 10069308 at NHTSA ↗	1011.4% ODI 10315825 · 48,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. AFTER THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT IT THE FUEL SENSOR CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FUEL SENSOR. THE ENGINE OIL WAS ALWAYS LOW AND THE CONTACT HAD TO ADD OIL TO THE VEHICLE EVERY WEEK. THE ENGINE ALSO EXHIBITED A LARGE AMOUNT OF DARK SMOKE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER… Look up ODI 10315825 at NHTSA ↗	14.0% ODI 10177278 · 57,000 mi THIS COMPLAINT IS ALMOST IDENTICAL TO OTHERS I HAVE FOUND AND IS VERY SERIOUS. PURCHASED 2003 LEXUS RX300 FROM A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP; APPROXIMATELY 57000 MILES NOW, ABOUT 56000 AT PURCHASE. CAR CHECKED BY DEALERSHIP, OK. NO HARD DRIVING. AFTER FIRST DISTANCE TRIP (ST. LOUIS TO KC) CHECK OIL LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOWED TO LEXUS DEALER WHO KNEW RIGHT WHERE TO LOOK. FOUND GELLED SLUDGE ALL THROUGH AND SAID IT WAS MISUSE. COMPLETE LIE. SAID ENGINE MUST BE REPLACED. NO HELP SO FAR FROM LEXUS. EXPECT TO SEE IF THIS IS HIDDEN DEFECT… Look up ODI 10177278 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	62.7% ODI 10018440 · 39,473 mi INJURIES TO CHEST, ABDOMEN, KNEES, WRIST DUE TO AIR BAGS NON DEPLOYMENT IN COLLISION. OBVIOUS FRONT IMPACT DAMAGE TO VEHICLE IMPACT ESTIMATED @ 40 MPH. NO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. OTHER VEHICLE INVOLVED PULLED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WITH NO CHANCE OF AVOIDANCE. MY SEAT BELT LOCKED AND CAUSED SEVERE BRUISING TO MY STERNUM, ABDOMEN, KNEES. I BOUGHT THIS PREMIUM PRICED VEHICLE BASED IN PART ON THE SAFETY FEATURES THAT DID NOT PERFORM. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. VEHICLE I WAS DRIVING AS OWNER IS 1999 LEXUS RX 300 EQUIPPED WITH FRONT AND SIDE SRS. *JB Look up ODI 10018440 at NHTSA ↗	10.5% ODI 10029083 · 26,000 mi AIR BAGS FAILED TO INFLATE AFTER VEHICLE WAS HIT VIOLENTLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE/FRONT RIGHT QUARTER PANEL. VEHICLE ROLLED, STILL NOT INFLATING ANY AIR BAGS. DRIVER SUFFERED INJURY . SEAT BELTS WERE USED.*AK Look up ODI 10029083 at NHTSA ↗	63.6% ODI 10422398 · 73,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED FRONT END DAMAGE AND THE CONTACT SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES AS HER BREAST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOT NOTIFIED. NEITHER THE DEALER, NOR THE MANUFACTURER, WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000. Look up ODI 10422398 at NHTSA ↗	78.0% ODI 10066605 ANOTHER VEHICLE CUT THROUGH THE CENTER MEDIAN AND TURNED INTO THE CONSUMER'S PATH STRIKING THE LEFT FRONT BUMPER AND FENDER; YET NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. PH VEHICLE IS TRAVELING AT 65 MPH. LA Look up ODI 10066605 at NHTSA ↗	312.0% ODI 10678922 · 180,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS 300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE AIRBAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIRBAG FAILURE WAS DUE TO WATER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. Look up ODI 10678922 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	73.2% ODI 10014038 · 88,000 mi I OWN 1999 LEXUS RX300, SINCE FEBRUARY OF THE LAST YEAR, I HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR'S ENGINE (IT HAS SLUDGE), TRANSMISSION, EMISSION SYSTEM, AND OVER USE OF GAS PER MILE. FIRST PROBLEM STARTED DURING THE FIRST MONTH OF MY OWNERSHIP AND SINCE THAT TIME THE VEHICLE HAS SPENT WEEKS IN AUTO REPAIR SHOPS. LEXUS DEALER AND OTHERS CHARGED ME LAVISH FEES BUT NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEMS AND LEXUS DEALERS EVEN NEVER ADMITTED THAT SERIOUS PROBLEMS EXISTED. *JB Look up ODI 10014038 at NHTSA ↗	31.4% ODI 10003221 · 36,000 mi MY WIFE NOTICED A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AS SHE WAS DRIVING TO WORK. SHE CALLED ME ON THE CELL PHONE AND WE TOOK THE CAR TO LEXUS OF CLEARWATER. I RECIEVED A PHONE CALL SAYING THEY HAD DETECTED SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE AND IT WOULD NEED TO BE FIXED. THEY TOLD ME THEY MIGHT COVER IT UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE BUT THEY WOULD CALL ME BACK. I ALSO CHECKED THE WEBSITE AND LEXUS KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM AND SAYS THEY WILL STAND 100% BEHIND THE CUSTOMER FOR 8 YRS AND UNLIMITED MILES. NO OTHER REQUIRENMENT IS LISTED. MELISSA THE SERVICE PERSON … Look up ODI 10003221 at NHTSA ↗	74.1% ODI 10144305 CONSUMER COMPLAINT REFERENCING 2001 LEXUS RX 300. THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HAD DEVELOPED SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER SHE WILL HAVE TO PAY $13000 TO HAVE A NEW ENGINE INSTALLED. THE CONSUMER HAS FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON VARIOUS WEBSITE IN REFERENCE TO THIS PROBLEM. *NM Look up ODI 10144305 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	28.0% ODI 10146807 · 51,000 mi WHILE TRAVELING OUT TO DENVER FROM OMAHA, RECEIVED LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT ON MY 2003 LEXUS RX300. PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY, HAD CAR TOWED TO LEXUS DEALERSHIP. THEY IMMEDIATELY KNEW WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND SAY..THE CAR HAS BEEN MISUSED, (NO OIL CHANGES) AND OIL GELLING WAS RESULT. WITHIN MINUTES THEY SAID THE ENGINE WAS SHOT AND WOULD REQUIRE NEW ENGINE. THEY SHOWED ME THE SLUDGE WHICH WAS ONLY FOUND ON ONE CYLINDER HEAD, BY THE OIL RETURN LINE. QUANTITY WAS ABOUT ONE HANDFUL AND AS STATED, ONLY NEAR THE RETURN LINE, REMAINDER OF HEAD CLEAN. I HAD C… Look up ODI 10146807 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	133.3% ODI 543373 TRIM AND STRIPPING COMING OFF. Look up ODI 543373 at NHTSA ↗	31.4% ODI 10412327 I PURCHASED USED 1999 LEXUS RX300 IN 2008 AND SO FAR I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO UNEXPECTED CATASTROPHIC FAILURE, BOTH AIR RATIO SENSORS, BOTH KNOCK SENSORS, OXYGEN SENSOR, FRONT STRUT MOUNTS, AND NOW POSSIBLY HAVE TO CHANGE THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN (NOT SHIFTING CORRECTLY). I WAS NOT AWARE THAT THE 1999 TO 2001 RX300S WERE SO PROBLEMATIC. SINCE THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE AND I AM STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON IT, I AM STUCK FOOTING THE BILL FOR ALL THESE REPAIRS. WHICH FROM WHAT I HAVE RESEARCHED ARE ATTRIBUTED TO BAD ENGINEERING. I AM … Look up ODI 10412327 at NHTSA ↗	52.3% ODI 10141199 · 100,000 mi THIS IS AN LEXUS RX300 2000 EDITION; THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. IT STARTED WITH AN UNTRACEABLE PROBLEM IN WHICH THE REAR TAIL BRAKE LIGHT STOPPED WORKING; LATER ON, THE TWO MAIN HEAD-LAMPS STOPPED WORKING; FUSES HAVE BEEN CHANGED, BULBS HAVE CHANGED, BUT NO PROBLEM HAS BEEN FOUND. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS OR DAMAGE. *JB Look up ODI 10141199 at NHTSA ↗	21.2% ODI 10323088 2001 LEXUS 300RX WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF SLUDGE IN THE MOTOR FROM OIL. ALSO CONSUMER STATES THAT THE BATTERY WILL DIE IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT USED FOR A WEEK OR MORE. *KB Look up ODI 10323088 at NHTSA ↗	33.4% ODI 10721153 · 89,000 mi THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ASC LIGHT CAME ON AND NOW ARE CONSTANTLY ON Look up ODI 10721153 at NHTSA ↗	28.0% ODI 10472551 · 68,000 mi I CALLED MY LOCAL LEXUS THREE TIMES PRIOR TO JUNE, 2012 REGARDING LIGHTS SUDDENLY ILLUMINATING ON THE DASHBOARD. I HAD A RECURRING ISSUE WHERE THE CHECK ENGINE AND VSC WARNING LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE. EACH TIME THE CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENT TOLD ME THAT THE LIGHTS WOULD GO OFF WHEN I REFUELED. THREE TIMES THE LIGHTS DID GO OFF (AFTER SEVERAL DAYS), BUT ONCE I HAD TO HAVE THE DEALER RESET THEM. THE MOST RECENT OCCURRENCE RESULTED IN THE DEALER TELLING ME I NEEDED THE AIR FUEL AND AIR FLOW SENSORS REPLACED, A REPAIR WHICH COST OVER $750.00. AS AN A… Look up ODI 10472551 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	41.8% ODI 10501468 · 228,000 mi MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD THE OIL CHANGED FOR THE SECOND TIME WITHIN 30 DAYS BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS AN OIL PROBLEM. THE LIGHT WENT OFF AS I WAS LEAVING THE PLACE. A COUPLE DAYS LATER THE LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN I MADE TURNS, BLINK, THEN GO BACK OFF. A FEW DAYS LATER, IT CAME BACK ON STEADY, AND THE CAR STARTED TO JERK WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. IT WOULD JERK, THEN SLOWLY INCREASE SPEED. LAST SATURDAY, I APPLIED BRAKES, AND THE CAR ROLLED ANOTHER FEW FEET. HAD TO SWERVE LEFT TO KEEP FROM REAR ENDING A VEHICLE. TODAY, UP… Look up ODI 10501468 at NHTSA ↗	62.8% ODI 10505264 · 127,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ONLY GEAR THAT WOULD ENGAGE WAS DRIVE. ALTHOUGH THE CONTACT COULD SHIFT INTO ANY GEAR, THE GEARS WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT APPROXIMATELY FOUR PISTONS MISFIRED AND THE 02 SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILD AND THE O2 SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT REPAIR… Look up ODI 10505264 at NHTSA ↗	42.4% ODI 10465987 · 85,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS HE STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE FAILURE FOR AN ENGINE OIL LEAK. THEY FOUND THE LEAKAGE IN THE NUMBER THREE AND NUMBER FOUR CYLINDER INTAKE VALVES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO STATED THEY WOULD ONLY COVER $2500 OF THE REPAIR COSTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. ....UPDATED 10/11/12 *BF THE CONSUMER THE ENGINE OIL INDICATOR IS ALSO DEFECTIVE. IT DOE… Look up ODI 10465987 at NHTSA ↗	11.1% ODI 11010984 · 65,000 mi ENGINE KNOCKS ON ACCELERATION, BURNS OIL BAD, HARD TO START, TRANSMMISION WILL NOT AUTO SHIFT INTO HIGH RANGE ON FREEWAY, CAR LURCHES WHEN GETTING UP TO FREEWAY SPEED Look up ODI 11010984 at NHTSA ↗	14.0% ODI 11455537 · 106,000 mi The contact owns a 2003 Lexus RX300. The contact stated that the HVAC system was inoperable. Additionally, the VSC and check engine warning lights were illuminated while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed at an AutoZone with a catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000. Look up ODI 11455537 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	90,000–120,215 mi	104,000 mi	105	ODI 10125165 · 120,215 mi WHILE TRAVELING ON CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY IN DALLAS US75 GOING ABOUT 65 MY LEXUS RX300 LOST FORWARD ACCELERATION AS CARS ZOOMED PAST ME, THE ENGINE WAS STILL ON AS I MANAGED TO SAFELY EXIT ONTO THE ACCESS ROAD AND INTO A PARKING LOT. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND CHECKED FOR LEAKS OR A BROKEN BELT, BUT FOUND NO PROBLEM. I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND KEPT GOING. I TALKED TO THE LEXUS DEALER IN PLANO BUT SERVICE DEPT. WAS CLOSED AND THEY REFFERED ME TO TAKE IT INTO MY AUSTIN DEALER. I WAS TOLD THAT WITHOUT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NOTHING WOULD BE FOUND. I… Look up ODI 10125165 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10137029 · 75,000 mi MILEAGE 75000 AWD RX300 COMPLETE FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION PUMP. LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND MANUVERABILITY => DANGEROUS CAR WAS 100% MAINTAINED BY A LEXUS DEALER WEB REVEALED MANY SIMILAR FAILURES FIRST TIME TOYOTA TRIED TO USE A LIFETIME TRANSMISSION FLUID, IT DID NOT WORK!!!!JB Look up ODI 10137029 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10162614 · 86,000 mi EARLY FAILURE OF PLANETARY GEAR SET IN LEXUS RX300 TRANSMISSION FAILING IN MORNING TRAFFIC IN BUSY STREET. JB Look up ODI 10162614 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	100,500–146,865 mi	126,000 mi	23	ODI 10383628 · 159,120 mi I PURCHASED A VEHICLE AT BOND AUTO SALES ON 12/24/2010. AFTER A FEW DAYS, I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO LET THEM KNOW THAT TRUCK WAS NOT RUNNING CORRECTLY. IT WAS RUNNING IN 3RD GEAR IDLING HIGH. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, I CALLED BACK A FEW DAYS LATER, THE CAR WOULD TURN OFF , IT WAS ALSO EATING UP OIL, I WAS TOLD TO BRING IN THE TRUCK SO THAT THEIR MECHANIC COULD LOOK AT IT, AND HE TEST DROVE THE TRUCK AND SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THE SALESMAN SAID THAT HE WOULD SPEAK TO HIS MANAGER AND NOT TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER MECH… Look up ODI 10383628 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10397592 · 126,000 mi WITH NO WARNING SIGNS AT ALL THE TRANSMISSION ON MY LEXUS RX300 HAS FAILED. THE CAR NEVER PREVIOUSLY FAILED TO ENGAGE IN ANY GEAR, HOWEVER, WHILE DRIVING THE CAR DECREASED IN SPEED AND WOULD NOT SWITCH GEARS TO ACCELERATE. WE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, AND THE CAR WOULD NO LONGER MOVE. LUCKILY WE HAD MADE THE RARE CHOICE OF NOT DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY THAT PARTICULAR NIGHT. THE TRANSMISSION FLUID HAD BEEN CHECKED 3 WEEKS EARLIER, AND THE CAR HAS HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND OIL CHANGES. AFTER FURTHER RESEARCH I AM FINDING HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS … Look up ODI 10397592 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10423732 · 111,012 mi WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE (LEXUS RX300 4WD) ON 11/29/2002 WITH 27,080 MILES ON IT FROM LOCAL LEXUS DEALER. IT IS MY WIFE'S PRIMARY VEHICLE AND SHE DRIVES IT TO WORK DAILY (ABOUT 20 MILES PER DAY). AT 111,000 MILES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTING ERRATICALLY IE. DOWN SHIFTING SUDDENLY WHEN IT SHOULDN'T AND SLIPPING GEARS. IT ALSO MAKES A STRANGE CONSTANT NOISE. IT HAD BEEN MORE AND MORE SHIFTING THIS WAY OFF AND ON FOR 2 OR 3 MONTHS. I TOOK IT TO LEXUS DEALER ON 8/24/2011 BECAUSE OF CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE SER… Look up ODI 10423732 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	75,993–131,100 mi	113,457 mi	7	ODI 10060872 · 47,075 mi WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SLOT IN A GARAGE, MY LEXUS RX300 SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND SLAMMED INTO A CONCRETE WALL. BOTH FRONT SEAT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED. Look up ODI 10060872 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10313448 · 69,986 mi I EXPERIENCED AND HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE REVVING ENGINE ISSUE WITH TOYOTA/LEXUS. I HAVE A 2000 (USED) LEXUS SUV AND WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN THE LOT OF A BUSINESS WHEN THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED. I DID NOT HAVE MY FOOT ON THE GAS AS I WAS ALLOWING THE CAR TO "CREEP" INTO POSITION BUT HAD IT HOVERING AND/OR TOUCHING THE BRAKE PEDAL. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE REVVED AND STARTING SPEEDING FORWARD, AGAIN WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL. IT HAPPENED SUDDENLY AND QUICKLY AND I IMMEDIATELY HIT A SIGN AT THE FRONT OF THE PARKING SPACE. TH… Look up ODI 10313448 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10313877 · 82,000 mi MY PARENTS OWN A 2000 LEXUS RX300. ON THE WAY BACK FROM A WEDDING, THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE AND MY DAD COULD NOT STOP THE CAR. HE HAD TO GO OVER THROUGH A GAS STATION PARKING LOT TO AVOID CARS STOPPED AT A LIGHT. HE SAID THE ENGINE KEPT REVVING HIGH AND THE CAR KEPT ACCELERATING. HE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR BY RUNNING THE WHEELS ALONG THE CURB. AFTER MY DAD AND MY MOM WERE SAFE, HE CALLED ME. I RUSHED OVER TO THE CAR AND CHECKED IT OUT. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS AND NO OTHER KNOWN ISSUES. I CALLED AAA FOR A TOW. I STARTED THE CAR AND EVERYTHI… Look up ODI 10313877 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	79,020–127,437 mi	112,173 mi	10	ODI 10069445 · 109,000 mi ENGINE FAILED DUE TO SLUDGING. I WAS UNAWARE OF THE SPA AND HAD A USED ENGINE INSTALLED. LEXUS REFUSES TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR BECAUSE I PERFORM MY OWN MAINTENANCE Look up ODI 10069445 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10071203 · 56,370 mi RESOLVING OIL SLUDGE REPAIR PROBLEM ON USED RX 300 WITH THIRD PARTY LEXUS DEALER--CAR BROKE DOWN ON 1200 MILE ROAD TRIP. LEXUS PAID FOR RENTAL CAR FOR RETURN TRIP. REPAIR IS UNDER WARRANTY. MY PROBLEM IS THE DEALER WE PURCHASED THE CAR FROM MUST HAVE KNOWN THIS PROBLEM EXISTED WITH THESE VEHICLES AND HAD AMPLE EVIDENCE OF LACK OF OIL CHANGES IN THE REPAIR HISTORY, YET DID NOT PULL THE VALVE COVER OFF THIS VEHICLE TO DETERMINE IF OIL SLUDGE PROBLEM EXISTED. ISN'T THAT STANDARD PRACTICE FOR ALL USED CAR INSPECTIONS? AM TOLD BY THIRD PARTY LEXUS D… Look up ODI 10071203 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10112264 · 60,815 mi WE PURCHASED A 2000 LEXUS RX300 WITH A V-6 IN APRIL 2003 WITH 36,000 MILES. WE HAVE RECENTLY FOUND OUT THAT THE ENGINE HAD BEEN REBUILT DUE TO SLUDGE PROBLEMS AT 31,000. WE CHANGED THE OIL EVERY 5,000 - 7,500 MILES. I HAVE NEVER HAD AN OIL RELATED ENGINE PROBLEM IN 28 YEARS OF DRIVING AND HAVE NEVER WORRIED ABOUT KEEPING OIL CHANGE RECEIPTS. I ONLY HAVE RECEIPTS FROM 44,000 AND 60,000 MILES. THE PLACE THAT CHANGED IT DOES NOT HAVE RECORD OF THE TWO OTHER CHANGES AT ABOUT 39,000 AND 51,000. I HAVE COPIES OF THE SPECIAL ADJUSTMENT LETTER T… Look up ODI 10112264 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	Too few reports for a range	151,100 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10505264 · 127,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ONLY GEAR THAT WOULD ENGAGE WAS DRIVE. ALTHOUGH THE CONTACT COULD SHIFT INTO ANY GEAR, THE GEARS WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT APPROXIMATELY FOUR PISTONS MISFIRED AND THE 02 SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILD AND THE O2 SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT REPAIR… Look up ODI 10505264 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10563808 · 186,000 mi AFTER FIRST HAVING TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION AT 75,000 MILES. IT SEEMS I WILL HAVE TO PAY TO DO IT AGAIN AT 186,000. THE PROBLEM STARTED OUT WITH THE VEHICLE HAVING TROUBLE CLIMBING A HILL. I CHANGED THE TRANSMISSION OIL AND TWO WEEKS LATER THE VEHICLE MOVE ABOUT THREE FEET FROM A PARKING STALL MADE A LOUD NOISE JERKED TO A STOP AND WOULD NOT MOVE. I WAS ABLE TO PUT IT INTO DRIVE AND REPARK THE CAR. IT WILL NOT REVERSE AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO A MECHANIC. TR Look up ODI 10563808 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10669802 · 137,200 mi WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR JERKS AND THEN CUTS OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST HALF A DOZEN TIMES WITHIN THE LAST 2 MONTHS. ENGINE LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON, EVEN AFTER SERVICING THE CAR AT LOCAL LEXUS DEALER. WHEN CAR IS PARKED, I NOTICED EXHAUST FUME SMELLS HEAVILY WITH GAS. TR Look up ODI 10669802 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	Too few reports for a range	87,500 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10141199 · 100,000 mi THIS IS AN LEXUS RX300 2000 EDITION; THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. IT STARTED WITH AN UNTRACEABLE PROBLEM IN WHICH THE REAR TAIL BRAKE LIGHT STOPPED WORKING; LATER ON, THE TWO MAIN HEAD-LAMPS STOPPED WORKING; FUSES HAVE BEEN CHANGED, BULBS HAVE CHANGED, BUT NO PROBLEM HAS BEEN FOUND. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS OR DAMAGE. JB Look up ODI 10141199 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10304166 · 75,000 mi 2000 LEXUS RX3000 KEY ELECTRONICS WHEN KEY IS TURNED OR ON CAR WHILE DRAWINGS CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL DUE TO ELECTRONICS MALL FUNCTION. REPORTED TO TOYOTA/LEXUS DEALER WITH NO RESPONSE. TR Look up ODI 10304166 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10394537 · 109,000 mi THE MOON ROOF MOTOR HAS TWO FUNCTIONS, TILTING OPEN AND SLIDING THE ENTIRE GLASS PANEL OPEN. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO USE THE SLIDE PANEL OPEN FUNCTION, THE PANEL DID SLIDE OPEN, HOWEVER IT WAS MUCH SLOWER THAN NORMAL OPERATION AND WAS ACCOMPANIED BY A GRINDING/CLICKING NOISE WHICH NEVER ACCOMPANIED PREVIOUS OPERATION. AN ATTEMPT TO CLOSE THE ROOF PANEL YIELDED AN IDENTICAL RESULT. I THEN ATTEMPTED TO OPERATE THE TILT FEATURE OF THE ROOF, WHICH WAS ALSO SLOW AND ACCOMPANIED BY THE PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED NOISES. ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE ROOF RESULTED IN… Look up ODI 10394537 at NHTSA ↗
Exterior Lighting	Too few reports for a range	72,105 mi	3 (sparse)	ODI 10264208 · 75,000 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT HEARD A SCREECHING SOUND THAT OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE SOUND WOULD CEASE SEVERAL MINUTES LATER. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS THE CAUSE FOR THE NOISE. SHE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE OUTER CASING FOR THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED A MILKY WHITE COLOR, WHICH HINDERS EFFECTIVE LIGHTING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 76,900 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000. Look up ODI 10264208 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10433975 · 72,105 mi I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE (2000 LEXUS RX 300) IN 2004 WITH LESS THAN 35,000 AND EVERY YEAR SINCE 2007 I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH LIGHTING. I HAVE HAD THE PARK LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, CENTER STOP LAMP; CENTER BRAKE LIGHT SOCKET AND BULBS ALL REPLACED. THE UNFORTUNATE ISSUE IS THAT THE LIGHTS HAVE TO BE REPLACED EVERY YEAR SOMETIMES TWICE A YEAR BECAUSE THEY CONTINUE TO MALFUNCTION. I ALWAYS TAKE MY VEHICLE TO THE LEXUS OF ORLANDO DEALERSHIP FOR TESTING, SERVICE AND REPAIR BUT THEY OBVIOUSLY NEVER COMPLETELY FIX THIS ISSUE. THE MOST RECENT REPAIR WAS REPLAC… Look up ODI 10433975 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10948727 · 56,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS HAD A LOT OF CONDENSATION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE PROVIDED MINIMUM VISIBILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHT COVERS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 56,000. Look up ODI 10948727 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2002: 12 complaints · 2003: 6 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2002	2	7	12
2003	3	4	6

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2002	84	3	1
2003	21	3	1

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Power Train	Vehicle Speed Control	Engine And Engine Cooling	Engine	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline	Electrical System	Exterior Lighting
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	—	2 ODI 10429591 · 111,000 mi WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE (LEXUS RX300 4WD) ON 11/29/2002 WITH 27,080 MILES ON IT FROM LOCAL LEXUS DEALER. IT IS MY WIFE'S PRIMARY VEHICLE AND SHE DRIVES IT TO WORK DAILY (ABOUT 20 MILES PER DAY). AT 111,000 MILES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTING ERRATICALLY IE. DOWN SHIFTING SUDDENLY WHEN IT SHOULDN'T AND SLIPPING GEARS. IT ALSO MAKES A STRANGE CONSTANT NOISE. IT HAD BEEN MORE AND MORE SHIFTING THIS WAY OFF AND ON FOR 2 OR 3 MONTHS. I TOOK IT TO LEXUS DEALER ON 8/24/2011 BECAUSE OF CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE SERVIC… Look up ODI 10429591 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10429954 · 143,730 mi PREMATURE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. PURCHASED USED WITH 85,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED AT SUGGESTED INTERVALS. CAR WILL NOT MOVE IN ANY TRANSMISSION SELECTOR POSITION. AFTER RESEARCH, FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL LEXUS. *KB Look up ODI 10429954 at NHTSA ↗	0	2 ODI 10280470 · 75,360 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED IN 2008. HE RECENTLY HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND THE RPMS DISPLAYED INACCURATE READINGS. WHILE IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO A LOW GEAR AND MOVED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 75,360. Look up ODI 10280470 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10296874 · 182,000 mi 9/2009 - ENGINE FAILED. VEHICLE INITIALLY PERFORMED NORMALLY, BUT ENGINE SEIZED DURING INTERSTATE DRIVING. PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION DETERMINED CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS SLUDGE BUILD UP. VEHICLE OUT OF INITIAL WARRANTY. EXTENSION BASED UPON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS EXPIRED 4/2009. NEW ENGINE INSTALLED AT MY EXPENSE. 12/2009 - TRANSMISSION FAILED. VEHICLE INITIALLY PERFORMED NORMALLY, BUT SUDDENLY BEGAN TO LURCH WHEN PLACED INTO GEAR AFTER GASOLINE FILL UP. PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION DETERMINED TRANSMISSION FAILURE. NEW TRANSMISSION INSTALLED AT MY EX… Look up ODI 10296874 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	1 ODI 10264208 · 75,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT HEARD A SCREECHING SOUND THAT OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE SOUND WOULD CEASE SEVERAL MINUTES LATER. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS THE CAUSE FOR THE NOISE. SHE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE OUTER CASING FOR THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED A MILKY WHITE COLOR, WHICH HINDERS EFFECTIVE LIGHTING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 76,900 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000. Look up ODI 10264208 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	2 ODI 10429591 · 111,000 mi WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE (LEXUS RX300 4WD) ON 11/29/2002 WITH 27,080 MILES ON IT FROM LOCAL LEXUS DEALER. IT IS MY WIFE'S PRIMARY VEHICLE AND SHE DRIVES IT TO WORK DAILY (ABOUT 20 MILES PER DAY). AT 111,000 MILES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTING ERRATICALLY IE. DOWN SHIFTING SUDDENLY WHEN IT SHOULDN'T AND SLIPPING GEARS. IT ALSO MAKES A STRANGE CONSTANT NOISE. IT HAD BEEN MORE AND MORE SHIFTING THIS WAY OFF AND ON FOR 2 OR 3 MONTHS. I TOOK IT TO LEXUS DEALER ON 8/24/2011 BECAUSE OF CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE SERVIC… Look up ODI 10429591 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10429954 · 143,730 mi PREMATURE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. PURCHASED USED WITH 85,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED AT SUGGESTED INTERVALS. CAR WILL NOT MOVE IN ANY TRANSMISSION SELECTOR POSITION. AFTER RESEARCH, FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL LEXUS. *KB Look up ODI 10429954 at NHTSA ↗	—	2 ODI 10610819 · 125,000 mi WITH LITTLE/NO WARNING, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (2WD) FAILED. ALL GEARS (P,R,N,D,2,1) WORKED LIKE NEUTRAL GEAR. IF THIS WOULD'VE OCCURRED A FEW MINUTES EARLIER, MY CHILDREN AND I (LOCATED AT A SHARP TURN OVER A STEEP HILL) COULD'VE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. APPARENTLY, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN LEXUS RX300'S FROM YEAR 1999-2002. HOW MANY EARLY TRANSMISSION FAILURES DOES IT TAKE TO HAVE A RECALL? *TR Look up ODI 10610819 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10929614 MY 2000 LEXUS RX300 HAD AN UNEXPLAINED SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHERE THE VEHICLE ALMOST KILLED ME AND MY SON. I WAS DRIVING RESIDENTIAL BACKROADS BY MY HOUSE, ACCELERATED SLIGHTLY TO GET UP A HILL AND THAT'S WHEN IT TOOK OFF. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS UNRESPONSIVE, THE EMERGENCY BREAK WAS UNRESPONSIVE, I PULLED THE FLOOR MAT OUT FOR GOOD MEASURE, NOTHING WORKED, IT KEPT ACCELERATING AT A HIGH RATE UNTIL I FINALLY SLAMMED IT THROUGH GEARS TO "PARK" TO GET IT TO A STOP. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE LEXUS DEALERSHIP, WHERE THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER EVEN T… Look up ODI 10929614 at NHTSA ↗	0	4 ODI 10505264 · 127,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ONLY GEAR THAT WOULD ENGAGE WAS DRIVE. ALTHOUGH THE CONTACT COULD SHIFT INTO ANY GEAR, THE GEARS WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT APPROXIMATELY FOUR PISTONS MISFIRED AND THE 02 SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILD AND THE O2 SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT REPAIR… Look up ODI 10505264 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10563808 · 186,000 mi AFTER FIRST HAVING TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION AT 75,000 MILES. IT SEEMS I WILL HAVE TO PAY TO DO IT AGAIN AT 186,000. THE PROBLEM STARTED OUT WITH THE VEHICLE HAVING TROUBLE CLIMBING A HILL. I CHANGED THE TRANSMISSION OIL AND TWO WEEKS LATER THE VEHICLE MOVE ABOUT THREE FEET FROM A PARKING STALL MADE A LOUD NOISE JERKED TO A STOP AND WOULD NOT MOVE. I WAS ABLE TO PUT IT INTO DRIVE AND REPARK THE CAR. IT WILL NOT REVERSE AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO A MECHANIC. *TR Look up ODI 10563808 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10929512 BAD TRANSMISSION Look up ODI 10929512 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 10875007 TOLD BEFORE PURCHASING THAT TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY. I WAS TOLD IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE POWER TRAIN. I ALSO AM NOT VISIBLE TO MOST DRIVERS IN THE WE MORNING DUSK DARK HOURS OF THE DAYS DUE TO LIGHTING. PULLED OVER BY LAW ENFORCEMENT A FEW TIMES IN REGARDS TO THE LIGHTS. ONE OWNER BEFORE ME AND DID NOT GET ANY RECALLS DONE. I CALLED LEXUS @ GRAPEVINE TX AND THEY TOLD ME THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON MY TRUCK. THERE H E BEEN AND THEY NEED TO BE DONE ASAP. I HAVE A DISABLED CHILD AND CAN NOT JEOPARDIZE THE SAFETY OF MY CHILD.… Look up ODI 10875007 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	0	2 ODI 10610819 · 125,000 mi WITH LITTLE/NO WARNING, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (2WD) FAILED. ALL GEARS (P,R,N,D,2,1) WORKED LIKE NEUTRAL GEAR. IF THIS WOULD'VE OCCURRED A FEW MINUTES EARLIER, MY CHILDREN AND I (LOCATED AT A SHARP TURN OVER A STEEP HILL) COULD'VE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. APPARENTLY, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN LEXUS RX300'S FROM YEAR 1999-2002. HOW MANY EARLY TRANSMISSION FAILURES DOES IT TAKE TO HAVE A RECALL? *TR Look up ODI 10610819 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10929614 MY 2000 LEXUS RX300 HAD AN UNEXPLAINED SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHERE THE VEHICLE ALMOST KILLED ME AND MY SON. I WAS DRIVING RESIDENTIAL BACKROADS BY MY HOUSE, ACCELERATED SLIGHTLY TO GET UP A HILL AND THAT'S WHEN IT TOOK OFF. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS UNRESPONSIVE, THE EMERGENCY BREAK WAS UNRESPONSIVE, I PULLED THE FLOOR MAT OUT FOR GOOD MEASURE, NOTHING WORKED, IT KEPT ACCELERATING AT A HIGH RATE UNTIL I FINALLY SLAMMED IT THROUGH GEARS TO "PARK" TO GET IT TO A STOP. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE LEXUS DEALERSHIP, WHERE THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER EVEN T… Look up ODI 10929614 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	3 ODI 10669802 · 137,200 mi WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR JERKS AND THEN CUTS OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST HALF A DOZEN TIMES WITHIN THE LAST 2 MONTHS. ENGINE LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON, EVEN AFTER SERVICING THE CAR AT LOCAL LEXUS DEALER. WHEN CAR IS PARKED, I NOTICED EXHAUST FUME SMELLS HEAVILY WITH GAS. TR Look up ODI 10669802 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10706164 · 165,000 mi INCIDENT BECAUSE OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHEN MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. TR Look up ODI 10706164 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10929614 MY 2000 LEXUS RX300 HAD AN UNEXPLAINED SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHERE THE VEHICLE ALMOST KILLED ME AND MY SON. I WAS DRIVING RESIDENTIAL BACKROADS BY MY HOUSE, ACCELERATED SLIGHTLY TO GET UP A HILL AND THAT'S WHEN IT TOOK OFF. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS UNRESPONSIVE, THE EMERGENCY BREAK WAS UNRESPONSIVE, I PULLED THE FLOOR MAT OUT FOR GOOD MEASURE, NOTHING WORKED, IT KEPT ACCELERATING AT A HIGH RATE UNTIL I FINALLY SLAMMED IT THROUGH GEARS TO "PARK" TO GET IT TO A STOP. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE LEXUS DEALERSHIP, WHERE THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER EVEN T… Look up ODI 10929614 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling	2 ODI 10280470 · 75,360 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED IN 2008. HE RECENTLY HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND THE RPMS DISPLAYED INACCURATE READINGS. WHILE IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO A LOW GEAR AND MOVED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 75,360. Look up ODI 10280470 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10296874 · 182,000 mi 9/2009 - ENGINE FAILED. VEHICLE INITIALLY PERFORMED NORMALLY, BUT ENGINE SEIZED DURING INTERSTATE DRIVING. PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION DETERMINED CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS SLUDGE BUILD UP. VEHICLE OUT OF INITIAL WARRANTY. EXTENSION BASED UPON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS EXPIRED 4/2009. NEW ENGINE INSTALLED AT MY EXPENSE. 12/2009 - TRANSMISSION FAILED. VEHICLE INITIALLY PERFORMED NORMALLY, BUT SUDDENLY BEGAN TO LURCH WHEN PLACED INTO GEAR AFTER GASOLINE FILL UP. PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION DETERMINED TRANSMISSION FAILURE. NEW TRANSMISSION INSTALLED AT MY EX… Look up ODI 10296874 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	—	0	0	0	0
Engine	0	4 ODI 10505264 · 127,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ONLY GEAR THAT WOULD ENGAGE WAS DRIVE. ALTHOUGH THE CONTACT COULD SHIFT INTO ANY GEAR, THE GEARS WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT APPROXIMATELY FOUR PISTONS MISFIRED AND THE 02 SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILD AND THE O2 SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT REPAIR… Look up ODI 10505264 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10563808 · 186,000 mi AFTER FIRST HAVING TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION AT 75,000 MILES. IT SEEMS I WILL HAVE TO PAY TO DO IT AGAIN AT 186,000. THE PROBLEM STARTED OUT WITH THE VEHICLE HAVING TROUBLE CLIMBING A HILL. I CHANGED THE TRANSMISSION OIL AND TWO WEEKS LATER THE VEHICLE MOVE ABOUT THREE FEET FROM A PARKING STALL MADE A LOUD NOISE JERKED TO A STOP AND WOULD NOT MOVE. I WAS ABLE TO PUT IT INTO DRIVE AND REPARK THE CAR. IT WILL NOT REVERSE AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO A MECHANIC. *TR Look up ODI 10563808 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10929512 BAD TRANSMISSION Look up ODI 10929512 at NHTSA ↗	3 ODI 10669802 · 137,200 mi WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR JERKS AND THEN CUTS OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST HALF A DOZEN TIMES WITHIN THE LAST 2 MONTHS. ENGINE LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON, EVEN AFTER SERVICING THE CAR AT LOCAL LEXUS DEALER. WHEN CAR IS PARKED, I NOTICED EXHAUST FUME SMELLS HEAVILY WITH GAS. TR Look up ODI 10669802 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10706164 · 165,000 mi INCIDENT BECAUSE OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHEN MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. TR Look up ODI 10706164 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10929614 MY 2000 LEXUS RX300 HAD AN UNEXPLAINED SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHERE THE VEHICLE ALMOST KILLED ME AND MY SON. I WAS DRIVING RESIDENTIAL BACKROADS BY MY HOUSE, ACCELERATED SLIGHTLY TO GET UP A HILL AND THAT'S WHEN IT TOOK OFF. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS UNRESPONSIVE, THE EMERGENCY BREAK WAS UNRESPONSIVE, I PULLED THE FLOOR MAT OUT FOR GOOD MEASURE, NOTHING WORKED, IT KEPT ACCELERATING AT A HIGH RATE UNTIL I FINALLY SLAMMED IT THROUGH GEARS TO "PARK" TO GET IT TO A STOP. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE LEXUS DEALERSHIP, WHERE THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER EVEN T… Look up ODI 10929614 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Electrical System	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Exterior Lighting	1 ODI 10264208 · 75,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT HEARD A SCREECHING SOUND THAT OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE SOUND WOULD CEASE SEVERAL MINUTES LATER. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS THE CAUSE FOR THE NOISE. SHE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE OUTER CASING FOR THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED A MILKY WHITE COLOR, WHICH HINDERS EFFECTIVE LIGHTING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 76,900 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000. Look up ODI 10264208 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10875007 TOLD BEFORE PURCHASING THAT TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT. NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY. I WAS TOLD IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE POWER TRAIN. I ALSO AM NOT VISIBLE TO MOST DRIVERS IN THE WE MORNING DUSK DARK HOURS OF THE DAYS DUE TO LIGHTING. PULLED OVER BY LAW ENFORCEMENT A FEW TIMES IN REGARDS TO THE LIGHTS. ONE OWNER BEFORE ME AND DID NOT GET ANY RECALLS DONE. I CALLED LEXUS @ GRAPEVINE TX AND THEY TOLD ME THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON MY TRUCK. THERE H E BEEN AND THEY NEED TO BE DONE ASAP. I HAVE A DISABLED CHILD AND CAN NOT JEOPARDIZE THE SAFETY OF MY CHILD.… Look up ODI 10875007 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

6 patterns with matching reports.

Hard or delayed shifting

9 mentions · 4.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 123,816 mi (8 usable records).

ODI 10164060 · 118,000 mi

AFTER A FEW WEEKS OF FEELING OCCASIONAL SLIPPAGE IN THE DRIVE TRAIN OF MY 2000 RX300 (118K MILES), I HAD MY LOCAL MECHANIC CHECK IT OUT. HE DROVE TESTED IT, CHECKED ALL FLUID LEVELS, VISUALLY INSPECTED THE TRANSMISSION, TRANSFER CASE, U-JOINTS ETC AND COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM. TODAY WITH NO FURTHER NOTICE, THE TRANSMISSION FULLY BROKE - LURCHING, CLUNKING, AND AFTER PULLING OVER TOTAL SLIPPAGE. I HAD IT TOWED TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP WHERE I'M WAITING FOR AN EVALUATION OF THE SITUATION. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON A BUSY HIGHWAY, I COULD HAVE CAUS…

Look up ODI 10164060 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10232107 · 115,000 mi

2000 LEXUS RX300 WITH AWD TRANSMISSION HAD VERY HARD SHIFTS,AND WOULDN'T EVEN SHIFT INTO REVERSE. TOOK IT TO AAMCO AND THEY OPENED IT UP AND TOLD ME I NEED COMPLETE PLANETARY SET GEARS,AND CHARGED ME $1300 TO PUT IT BACK TOGETHER. STILL PROBLEM CONTINUED,TOOK IT TO WORLD WIDE TRANSMISSION AND THEY REBUILT FOR $3,400. NOW IT SHIFTS BETTER,BUT OFTEN WITH A KICK ON THE DOWNSHIFTS BETWEEN 2ND TO 1ST. *TR

Look up ODI 10232107 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10264449 · 95,243 mi

TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT, WOULD SHIFT WHEN IT SHOULDN'T HAVE, WHEN PUT IN GEAR WOULD DO NOTHING THEN UNEXPECTEDLY LURCH FORWARD OR BACKWARD DEPENDING ON GEAR SELECTION. LEXUS DEALER REPLACED TRANSAXLE ASSEMBLY. *TR

Look up ODI 10264449 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

8 mentions · 3.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 111,000 mi (7 usable records).

ODI 10003221 · 36,000 mi

Look up ODI 10003221 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10125165 · 120,215 mi

WHILE TRAVELING ON CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY IN DALLAS US75 GOING ABOUT 65 MY LEXUS RX300 LOST FORWARD ACCELERATION AS CARS ZOOMED PAST ME, THE ENGINE WAS STILL ON AS I MANAGED TO SAFELY EXIT ONTO THE ACCESS ROAD AND INTO A PARKING LOT. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND CHECKED FOR LEAKS OR A BROKEN BELT, BUT FOUND NO PROBLEM. I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND KEPT GOING. I TALKED TO THE LEXUS DEALER IN PLANO BUT SERVICE DEPT. WAS CLOSED AND THEY REFFERED ME TO TAKE IT INTO MY AUSTIN DEALER. I WAS TOLD THAT WITHOUT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NOTHING WOULD BE FOUND. I…

Look up ODI 10125165 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10230153 · 108,000 mi

LOSS OF POWER, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, RAN EXTREMELY ROUGH LEXUS RX300 2000. *TR

Look up ODI 10230153 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Brake response concerns

7 mentions · 3.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 85,000 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10164248 · 85,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 30 MPH, ON WET ROAD CONDITIONS, VEHICLE CONTROL WAS LOST. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VEER TO THE RIGHT AND THE STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKES FAILED. THE VEHICLE STOPPED WHEN IT COLLIDING WITH A PARKED VEHICLE. A PIECE OF METAL WAS OBSERVED ON THE GROUND AFTER THE INCIDENT. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED AN AIR BUBBLE IN THE METAL OF THE CONTROL ARM CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. THE SHOP REPLACED THE PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM,…

Look up ODI 10164248 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10202881 · 85,000 mi

2000 LEXUS RX 300 AWD: THE TONE RING ON THE RIGHT REAR DRIVE AXLE CRACKED CAUSING A FALSE READING TO THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM, THE CRACKED RING WOULD NOT TURN IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE AXLE CAUSING THE ABS SYSTEM TO THINK THAT THE AFFECTED AXLE WAS NO LONGER TUNING THEREFORE ACTIVATING THE ABS SYSTEM AND JEOPARDIZING BRAKING DISTANCE, AFTER REPAIRING I WAS WONDERING HOW THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED AND DID SOME INQUIRIES, I FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THESE VEHICLES (RIGHT REAR AXLES AWD MODELS) WATER GETS INTO THE AXLE TONE RING AREA, F…

Look up ODI 10202881 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10313448 · 69,986 mi

I EXPERIENCED AND HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE REVVING ENGINE ISSUE WITH TOYOTA/LEXUS. I HAVE A 2000 (USED) LEXUS SUV AND WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN THE LOT OF A BUSINESS WHEN THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED. I DID NOT HAVE MY FOOT ON THE GAS AS I WAS ALLOWING THE CAR TO "CREEP" INTO POSITION BUT HAD IT HOVERING AND/OR TOUCHING THE BRAKE PEDAL. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE REVVED AND STARTING SPEEDING FORWARD, AGAIN WITHOUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL. IT HAPPENED SUDDENLY AND QUICKLY AND I IMMEDIATELY HIT A SIGN AT THE FRONT OF THE PARKING SPACE. TH…

Look up ODI 10313448 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Stalling or loss of power

7 mentions · 3.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 108,000 mi (7 usable records).

ODI 10181107 · 76,000 mi

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION ON A 2000 LEXUS RX 300 FAILED. WHILE DRIVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STARTED TO LOSE POWER AND STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OR GO INTO REVERSE. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. AT THE DEALERSHIP, THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION ON THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD RECEIVED REGULARLY SCHEDULED SERVICING.*AK

Look up ODI 10181107 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10230153 · 108,000 mi

LOSS OF POWER, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, RAN EXTREMELY ROUGH LEXUS RX300 2000. *TR

Look up ODI 10230153 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10258609 · 100,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LEXUS RX300. WHILE DRIVING 47 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE AND THEN FELT A JOLT IN THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPAIR WOULD COST $4,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Look up ODI 10258609 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 0.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 129,450 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10340595 · 129,450 mi

PURCHASED USED RX-300 (YR 2000) IN 2003 AND THE TRANSMISSION DIED SUDDENLY AS I WAS COMING BACK HOME AT 87,000 MILES. THE DEALER FIXED IT FOR FREE, A WEEK LATER THE CAR WOULD NOT START AND HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO THE LEXUS DEALER IN SILVER SPRING AND ANOTHER TRANSMISSION WAS PUT IN THE CAR. TODAY THE SAME THING HAPPENED, ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REPLACED AND IT WILL COST THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. THE MILEAGE IS 127,000, NOT SURE IF IT'S WORTH GETTING IT FIXED. *TR

Look up ODI 10340595 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 0.5% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10652460

STEERING LOCKED WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. TURNING RIGHT, MY VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE IN MOTION AND WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO STRAIGHTEN OUT. THIS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO DRIVE OFF THE ROAD, BUT THANKFULLY SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES, I STOPPED BEFORE DOING SO. UPON READING REVIEWS, OTHER LEXUS RX-300 DRIVERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME OCCURRENCE. THIS MALFUNCTION COULD CAUSE MAJOR INJURY OR DEATH. I AM REQUESTING THE NHTSA IMMEDIATELY CONDUCT A REVIEW OF THESE VEHICLES AND FORCE LEXUS TO PERFORM A MANDATORY RECALL BEFORE MORE PEOPLE ARE INJURED OR KIL…

Look up ODI 10652460 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b