on [XXX] traveling NB on [XXX] during a green light to make a left turn WB on [XXX] the defendant ran a red light and broadsided my 2001 RX300 Lexus and was cited. The airbags did not go off, and my head hit the windshield. The defendant was cited. I filed a claim with Toyota , case no [XXX] who inspected the totaled car at the yard tow. They stated they were unable to read the black box. They declined. There were side airbags and front air bags which should have deployed and did not. NOTE: Picture of inside of car, the car seat moved all the way to the drivers door - no airbags deployed INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The worst 2001 Lexus RX problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission14
- Tires3
- Acceleration1
- Airbags1
- Driver assistance1
- Engine1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2001 Lexus RX
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2001 Lexus RX 28
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad...
- Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal...
- Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical...
- The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix...
- Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign
- POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground...
- Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components
- Safety Recall and Service Campaign
- Supersession notice
- Obsolete notice
2001 Lexus RX fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 16 | 21 | 18 |
What 2001 Lexus RX owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
225 / 70 R 16 A tire shop inspected my tires and said that all 4 of my belts are separating and indicated to me a convex shape that peaks in the center of the steel belt. These tires were purchased new some years ago when they were balanced, struts replaced, and full alignment, yet at speeds 55+ the car made a vibration that no shop was able to identify. Yesterday I hit a nail in the center of the tread, but it punctured in a very uncharacteristic way. This prompted me to take it to a tire shop where they said "I've not ever seen something like this before where the belts are separating on all tires like this." I drive ~12K miles per year in residential areas and have kept my tires at 31psi. Out of curiosity, I looked online for recalls and found this same tire (but in different sizes) having recalls for this exact reason. Might it be possibly that my size too should be included in the recall but was somehow overlooked due to being a less popular size?
vehicle parked, came out next morning, tire had 5" split on sidewall, completely deflated original purchase date 12/11/21 tires have 5320 miles on them from new tire sidewall failed 5/15/2023 tire size 225 70R 16 mastercraft courser HSX tires available for inspection upon request
I bought a car from a private party/dealer only to find out that repairs needed are more than cars worth, then I checked car fax to find out that mileage had been turned back a lot.. This person lists 3-4 cars for sale a week and I can't find any one that wants to help. I know I am stuck with car unfortunately it was for my handicapped son that started college recently and used all his savings for car. I found that this person goes under several names and only location I have is where I bought the car. His home address is unknown at this time. Attempts have been made to contact him where I bought the car but every thing failed and person is still selling cars today. I forgot I was suppose to buy a 2003 but turned out a 2001, if you could direct me to somebody in il. That can help I would appreciate it. Every one tells me to find a lawyer but all my searching came up zero plus no home address and no help from local law. Been 2 months of digging and searching. Please help
I bought a car from what I believe to be a private party but not sure because having trouble narrowing down his correct name. He is very secretive. After the purchase I found that the odometer had been changed and my only recourse is to sue him. It is a long story but short version is I got scammed and now stuck with a car that will take more money to fix than it's worth.
The transmission was rebuilt on 11/15/13 at 242,600 miles and has gone out again at 250,379. Many others on the internet have had similar problems with their rx300 transmissions. My brother also has an rx300 and his transmission failed too. The planetary gears are often the problem. There should be a recall by lexus to deal with this defective design.
Transmission failed at a low milage, and the repair cost is more than a car.
I was just getting off the highway and my car stopped moving. My transmission totally went out with no warning. If this would have happened moments sooner I could have been in a terrible accident as I was going 60 MPH. I tried to contact lexus, but they will not admit to this problem or help repair it or recall it. They say that it isn't a know issue but it is and several people have tried to get help with it and lexus will say no. Be careful, it will happen with no warning.
In 2001 complainant bought new rx 300. In accordance with scheduled maintenance all work has been done. No evidence of a possible transmission problem until saturday while merging on interstate vehicle would not shift/accelerator beyond 30 mpg. Immediately exit highway drove home. Parked vehicle for couple hours drove to store through city streets then on the way home vehicle would not go beyond 20 MPH. Exited off main street. Made the turn then vehicle completely stopped moving. It is obviously a hazardous and dangerous situation when the vehicle completely stops moving, or does not accelerate while merging. Although no person was injured the potential of injury is great. I took the vehicle to the lexus dealer to hear that it is in fact a transmission problem that needs replacement for 4k. There should be a recall on this defective item or a class action lawsuit filed.
Hesitant shifting was noticed infrequently for a day or two. Then upon startup was unable to shift into reverse until accelerator was depressed very far. At that point transmission jarred into reverse and began backing, then tried to shift back into drive and upon driving forward a loud grinding was heard. Dealer investigated and says it will need full replacement of the transmission for $5500.
Compare the 2001 Lexus RX
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2001 Lexus RX
Is the 2001 Lexus RX reliable?
Owners have filed 19 complaints about the 2001 Lexus RX, fewer than a typical RX model year.
What is the 2001 Lexus RX year score?
The 2001 Lexus RX scores 83 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Lexus RX: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Lexus RX?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 14 complaints, typically around 101,000 miles. Next is tires (3).
How many recalls does the 2001 Lexus RX have?
No recalls on record.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Lexus RX get?
Official estimates for the 2001 Lexus RX range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, 4WD) gets 16 city and 21 highway.
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