Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2003 Lexus RX300: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

25 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

70,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 model year. Data updated: . 19 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 5 of 25 complaints (20.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Transmission and shifting624.0%
Engine operation14.0%
Braking behavior14.0%

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
5
Vehicle Speed Control
5
Air Bags
3
Electrical System
2
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
2
Equipment
2
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Power Train:Automatic Transmission5
Vehicle Speed Control5
Air Bags3
Electrical System2
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)2
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine2
Equipment2
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch1

Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 5; Vehicle Speed Control: 5; Air Bags: 3; Electrical System: 2; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 2; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 2; Equipment: 2; Electrical System:Ignition:Switch: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
2
25,000 to 49,999
3
50,000 to 74,999
5
75,000 to 99,999
1
100,000 to 149,999
5
150,000 and above
3
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0002
25,000 to 49,9993
50,000 to 74,9995
75,000 to 99,9991
100,000 to 149,9995
150,000 and above3

Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 5; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 5; 150,000 and above: 3

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (5). 6 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.

2002
1
2003
3
2004
1
2005
1
2006
2
2007
1
2009
4
2010
3
2011
2
2012
1
2014
1
2015
2
2016
1
2017
1
2022
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20021
20033
20041
20051
20062
20071
20094
20103
20112
20121
20141
20152
20161
20171
20221

2002: 1; 2003: 3; 2004: 1; 2005: 1; 2006: 2; 2007: 1; 2009: 4; 2010: 3; 2011: 2; 2012: 1; 2014: 1; 2015: 2; 2016: 1; 2017: 1; 2022: 1

Pattern summary

Power Train:Automatic Transmission leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 6 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 1 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 10012385 · 2003-04-03 (April 3, 2003)

THE VEHICLE DID NOT COME EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS MR. *AK. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10012385 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10014244 · 2003-04-10 (April 10, 2003)

NOT MY VEHICLE, BUT ON OTHER VEHICLE ON THE ROAD. NUMEROUS TIME I HAVE HAPPENED UPON A NEWER LEXUS RX 300 (2002 OR 2003 MODEL??) WITH NO TAIL LIGHTS, TRAVELING ALONG PUBLIC ROADWAYS WELL AFTER DARK. IN A RECENT INCIDENT, I WAS ON A MULTI-LANE FREEWAY AND HAD A CHANCE TO PULL ALONG SIDE A LEXUS RX 300 WITH NO TAIL LIGHTS, GLANCING OVER AT THE DRIVER COMPARTMENT OF THE RX 300, I NOTED THAT THE DASH/INSTRUMENT LIGHTS WERE ON! AND, THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS (DLRS) WERE PROVIDING SOME FORWARD ILLUMINATION FOR THE VEHICLE. I LATER DISCOVERED T…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10014244 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10017724 · 2003-05-07 (May 7, 2003)

MAJOR BLIND AREA IN THE BACK OF THE LEXUS RX300. MR. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SEE SMALL CHILDREN WHEN BACKING UP THE VEHICLE. A BEEPING DEVICE WAS INSTALLED TO WORN CHILDREN/PEDESTRIANS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BACKING UP, INSTEAD THE LOUD NOISE ATTRACTS THE CHILDREN. (THE CONSUMER NEEDED TO BE GUIDED) THE 2004 VERSION CAME EQUIPPED WITH A CAMERA. THE CONSUMER FELT THERE MUST HAVE BEEN A SIMILAR PROBLEM WHEN BACKING UP. THE DEALER REFUSED TO INSTALL A CAMERA ON THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE. * SCC *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10017724 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10053653 · 2004-02-24 (February 24, 2004)

CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO REMOVE KEY FROM THE IGNITION WITH VEHICLE NOT BEING IN THE PARK GEAR. AS A RESULT VEHICLE ROLLED AND CRASHED INTO A TREE.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 14,805 miles reported. Look up ODI 10053653 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10115535 · 2005-03-22 (March 22, 2005)

CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKING FOR NO KNOWN REASON WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE OVERNIGHT. CONSUMER REPLACED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, WITHIN ONE WEEK. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD DEVELOPED ANOTHER CRACK WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE OVERNIGHT.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 35,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10115535 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10146807 · 2006-01-03 (January 3, 2006)

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…

Owner-reported narrative. 51,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10146807 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10177278 · 2006-12-29 (December 29, 2006)

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…

Owner-reported narrative. 57,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10177278 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10195906 · 2007-07-09 (July 9, 2007)

2003 LEXUS RX300 VEHICLE STALLED. REPLACE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE TWICE**CW** THE CONSUMER ALSO REFERENCED A TOYOTA HIGHLANDER THAT HAD THE SAME STALLING ISSUE. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10195906 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

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

76.0%Usable mileage19 / 25 records
88.0%Valid incident date22 / 25 records
100.0%Valid filing date25 / 25 records
88.0%Ordered incident and filing dates22 / 25 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.

Component complaint heatmap
Component199819992000200120022003
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

TL*THE 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
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Power Train:Automatic Transmission70,000–134,000 mi78,926 mi5
ODI 10254835 · 78,926 mi

TL*THE 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 ↗

ODI 10258068 · 61,000 mi

MY WIFE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO WORK. SHE PARKED, TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, AND REMOVED THE KEY WHILE THE SHIFTER WAS IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION. THINKING THAT IT WAS IN "PARK", SHE EXITED THE VEHICLE AND BEGAN TO WALK AWAY. THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARD AND PINNED HER RIGHT LET IN BETWEEN ITS REAR BUMPER AND THE BUMPER OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. *TR

Look up ODI 10258068 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10260025 · 134,000 mi

I HAVE A 2003 LEXUS RX300 WITH 134,000 MILES. THE TRANSMISSION FAILED ON 2/20/09. AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS OF A SLIGHT WHINE, THREE LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASHBOARD. I TOOK IT IN TO MY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THEY RAN A COMPUTER DIAGNOSIS AND IT CAME BACK WITH TRANSMISSION FAILURE. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY AT 48,000 MILES IN 2006. I HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION SERVICED TWICE AT THE RECOMMENDED INTERVALS. IT WAS DUE FOR A 3RD SERVICE. INTERNET BLOGS REPORT THAT TRANSMISSION FAILURE IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AFTER…

Look up ODI 10260025 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed Control38,000–117,000 mi38,000 mi5
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 ↗

ODI 10312223 · 38,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS RX300. WHILE DRIVING INTO A DRIVEWAY AT SPEEDS OF UNDER 8 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD REVVING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE DOOR AND PUSHED TWO OTHER VEHICLES IN THE DRIVEWAY THROUGH A CEMENT WALL AND THROUGH HER HOME. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR DEALER WERE 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 10312223 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10314259 · 14,070 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS RX300. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH OUT OF THE PARKING LOT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND HE LOST CONTROL. AS HE SWERVED THE VEHICLE HE HIT THREE SMALL TREES, A WOODEN FENCE, AND A BRICK WALL BEFORE THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE AMBULANCE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT CAME BECAUSE HE WAS TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE. HE WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR INJURES TO HIS LOWER BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE IS A POLICE REPORT IF NEEDED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED. THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN CALLED. THE FAILURE MILEAG…

Look up ODI 10314259 at NHTSA ↗

Air BagsToo few reports for a range146,500 mi2 (sparse)
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 ↗

ODI 10683936 · 113,000 mi

AIR BAG "PROBLEM" WARNING LIGHT CAME ON INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER STATED THAT IF THE LIGHT WAS ON, THE AIR BAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH. *TR

Look up ODI 10683936 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range194,000 mi2 (sparse)
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 ↗

ODI 10935552 · 320,000 mi

I OWN A 2003 LEXUS RX300. AFTER I HAD CAME FROM A COMPLETED STOP WHILE DEPRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE BRAKES BEGAN TO LOCK WITH THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE AV PUMP FAILED OR THAT IT MAYBE SOMETHING WITH THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURERS WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 320,000.

Look up ODI 10935552 at NHTSA ↗

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)Too few reports for a range213,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10935552 · 320,000 mi

I OWN A 2003 LEXUS RX300. AFTER I HAD CAME FROM A COMPLETED STOP WHILE DEPRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE BRAKES BEGAN TO LOCK WITH THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE AV PUMP FAILED OR THAT IT MAYBE SOMETHING WITH THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURERS WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 320,000.

Look up ODI 10935552 at NHTSA ↗

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 ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:EngineToo few reports for a range51,000 mi1 (sparse)
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 ↗

EquipmentToo few reports for a range70,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10281187 · 70,000 mi

THE TRANSMISSIONS IN LEXUS RX300 MODELS ARE UNSAFE. THE TRANSMISSION IN MY RX300 HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 70,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 120,000 MILES. LEXUS IS NOT STANDING BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION IN THE RX300 MODEL. LEXUS WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THIS DEFECT. ALSO, I WAS MISLED AT THE DEALERSHIP THE FIRST TIME THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. I WAS ASSURED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT "REFURBISHED", WHEN, INDEED, IT IS NOT A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE DEFINITION OF THE WORD "REFURBISHED" WAS IN Q…

Look up ODI 10281187 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:Ignition:SwitchToo few reports for a range14,805 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10053653 · 14,805 mi

CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO REMOVE KEY FROM THE IGNITION WITH VEHICLE NOT BEING IN THE PARK GEAR. AS A RESULT VEHICLE ROLLED AND CRASHED INTO A TREE.*AK

Look up ODI 10053653 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

1 reports2024-102026-09

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
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

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.

Age 0Age 1Age 212 reports

2002: 12 complaints · 2003: 6 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
20022712
2003346
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20028431
20032131

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
ComponentPower Train:Automatic TransmissionVehicle Speed ControlAir BagsElectrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (Esc)Engine And Engine Cooling:EngineEquipmentElectrical System:Ignition:Switch
Power Train:Automatic Transmission—00000
1
ODI 10281187 · 70,000 mi

THE TRANSMISSIONS IN LEXUS RX300 MODELS ARE UNSAFE. THE TRANSMISSION IN MY RX300 HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 70,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 120,000 MILES. LEXUS IS NOT STANDING BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION IN THE RX300 MODEL. LEXUS WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THIS DEFECT. ALSO, I WAS MISLED AT THE DEALERSHIP THE FIRST TIME THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. I WAS ASSURED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT "REFURBISHED", WHEN, INDEED, IT IS NOT A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE DEFINITION OF THE WORD "REFURBISHED" WAS IN Q…

Look up ODI 10281187 at NHTSA ↗

0
Vehicle Speed Control0—000000
Air Bags00—00000
Electrical System000—
1
ODI 10935552 · 320,000 mi

I OWN A 2003 LEXUS RX300. AFTER I HAD CAME FROM A COMPLETED STOP WHILE DEPRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE BRAKES BEGAN TO LOCK WITH THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE AV PUMP FAILED OR THAT IT MAYBE SOMETHING WITH THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURERS WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 320,000.

Look up ODI 10935552 at NHTSA ↗

000
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)000
1
ODI 10935552 · 320,000 mi

I OWN A 2003 LEXUS RX300. AFTER I HAD CAME FROM A COMPLETED STOP WHILE DEPRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE BRAKES BEGAN TO LOCK WITH THE ABS BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE AV PUMP FAILED OR THAT IT MAYBE SOMETHING WITH THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURERS WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 320,000.

Look up ODI 10935552 at NHTSA ↗

—000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine00000—00
Equipment
1
ODI 10281187 · 70,000 mi

THE TRANSMISSIONS IN LEXUS RX300 MODELS ARE UNSAFE. THE TRANSMISSION IN MY RX300 HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 70,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 120,000 MILES. LEXUS IS NOT STANDING BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION IN THE RX300 MODEL. LEXUS WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THIS DEFECT. ALSO, I WAS MISLED AT THE DEALERSHIP THE FIRST TIME THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. I WAS ASSURED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT "REFURBISHED", WHEN, INDEED, IT IS NOT A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE DEFINITION OF THE WORD "REFURBISHED" WAS IN Q…

Look up ODI 10281187 at NHTSA ↗

00000—0
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch0000000—

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.

3 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

4 mentions · 16.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 87,000 mi (4 usable records).

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 ↗

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 ↗

ODI 10683936 · 113,000 mi

AIR BAG "PROBLEM" WARNING LIGHT CAME ON INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER STATED THAT IF THE LIGHT WAS ON, THE AIR BAGS WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH. *TR

Look up ODI 10683936 at NHTSA ↗

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

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 8.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 78,926 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10195906

2003 LEXUS RX300 VEHICLE STALLED. REPLACE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE TWICE**CW** THE CONSUMER ALSO REFERENCED A TOYOTA HIGHLANDER THAT HAD THE SAME STALLING ISSUE. *JB

Look up ODI 10195906 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10254835 · 78,926 mi

TL*THE 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 ↗

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

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 4.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 156,500 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10652063 · 156,500 mi

HAD CAR IN DRIVEWAY UNUSED FOR MONTH OR TWO. CAR SEEMED TO BE IDLING AT HIGHER THAN USUAL SPEED AFTER STARTING (@2300 RPM). VEHICLE JERKED A BIT AT EACH STOP SIGN AS IF PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION. TOOK VEHICLE ON ROAD AT 35 TO 40 MPH, TOOK FOOT OFF GAS AND VEHICLE KEPT ACCELERATING AT A MODEST PACE TO ABOVE 50. GLANCED AT FLOORMAT (NOT TOUCHING ACCELERATOR), PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL. ENGINE REVVED TO HIGH RPM THAN CAME BACK TO NORMAL. PUT BACK IN GEAR AND DROVE SHORT DISTANCE HOME. *TR

Look up ODI 10652063 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b