Lexus RX won't shift problems

Filed Aug 3, 2026 · Transmission · KS

had transmission replaced 2 times and update to transmission. this is a brand new car purchased in 2023. first transmission replaced at 20,963 miles, 2nd replaced at 33,543 miles, 35,221 miles transmission update. It was cumulative 33 out of service. We feel this vehicle is unsafe to drive. Even after all the transmissions replaced om the is vehicle had 2 more incidents. One was loss of power in traffic and another was on a highway transmission would not shift into higher gear. This is not new there have been hundreds of people with the same exact problems. Lexus has internal TSB L-SB-0059-23 detailing these problems.

Filed Jan 19, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · NJ

Below is the email that I sent to both the manufacturer and the dealership: I hope your Christmas Eve was better than mine. My son and I were driving up to the Poconos [XXX] to go skiing and I noticed the sonar detection light come on. When we were driving back from the Poconos, the transmission would not catch around the second or third gear. The RPMs would shoot up. The dash / warning lights lit up. I pulled over to the side of the road and I called Lexus dealership, service center, and road side assistance. However, due to the fact that it was [XXX], the offices were closed. I managed to make it to my parent’s home, but it was a very dangerous ride on [XXX]. The odometer stated that we were going 50 mph, but we were crawling and the RPMs were 4000. The RPMs at rest were always over 1000. Additionally at times, the gear would not shift into second or third and/or bottom out. Obviously the transmission is beyond malfunctioning. Below are pictures including: 1.) check your engine: A malfunction in the electric control of the engine, throttle or automatic transmission has been detected... 2.) a malfunction in the Intelligent Clearance, Sonar System has been detected 3.) traction control turned off 4.) Secondary Collision Break System malfunction, 5.) System Malfunction 6.) Drive-Start Control Malfunction. The vehicle has just over 3000 miles. I am beyond distraught. My phone number is [XXX] . However, I think it's best if we communicate through email at this point. I planned a family ski trip to Killington, VT for the New Year. I would like to request a loaner vehicle so I can salvage this holiday. I look forward to hearing from you and your service department. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 9, 2024 · Engine · TX

I pulled onto a 4 lane divided highway and the car immediately went into limp mode, meaning the car would not go more than 1 MPH even with the gas pedal to the floor. I could NOT accelerate thus my safety was in danger, and I was almost hit by a tractor trailer truck. I pulled over to the side of road as best I could, then shut the engine off and restarted the engine. This apparently re-set some sort of engine control and then the car accelerated normally. The dealer applied an ECU update #24LC03. When I researched this update, it was stated that this was not an actual recall, I wondered how that could that be since I was nearly involved in a fatal accident, and surely there are other similar Lexus owners at the same risk . that I was. The wording of the update described exactly what happened to me. In my opinion this information is too important to shoved under the rug and not made into an actual recall. A life could be saved. Thank you for looking into this.

Filed Jul 23, 2021 · Acceleration, Transmission · MS · crash · 1 injury

Transmission wouldnt shift all of the sudden on the high way no prior mechanical issues was t boned and broke my leg abs and trac off lights mechanic says total transmission failure 121000 miles and this is the second owner of this vehicle

Filed Nov 30, 2020 · 124,000 miles · WI

I purchased a vehicle from a dealership in illinois. Driving the vehicle home to milwaukee, wisconsin the hybrid system, traction control system, and all wheel drive system error lights went off at once. The vehicle went into limp mode in the middle of the lane. I struggled to merge over onto the emergency lane. I informed the dealership of the issue, and towed the vehicle to a local toyota dealership. The local dealership informed us that no codes were showing up, and to pick up the vehicle. We picked the vehicle up, and on the way home the same warning systems showed again. I informed the dealership I wanted a refund, and now they're playing games. When getting home, and checking the VIN to maybe see if there was any safety recalls on the vehicle. It's showing as a salvaged vehicle.

Filed May 9, 2020 · Transmission · 180,000 miles · TN

2000 rx300 do not shift into the 3 gear while driving, the transmission shifts from 1 &2 but not 3. The engine speed is high and doesn't shift. We haven't driven it since, trying to find out what to do next with this vehicle. I have a friend that have the same make & model and he's had the same problems also!

Filed Dec 3, 2007 · Transmission · 163,400 miles · 00

My 2000 lexus rx300 transmission does not shift to higher gear. I purchased and used the car in USA until 09/2004 and then shipped it to bahrain. It is still in bahrain. How to get it fixed with no cost? Since it is manufacturer failure.

Filed Oct 2, 2007 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · LA

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.

Filed Aug 26, 2007 · Transmission · 103,000 miles · MA

I have a 2000 lexus rx 300 with 103,000 miles. While driving it suddenly lurched, would not go and lurched again. The transmission failed suddenly. It "froze" meaning would not shift, the car would not move etc. I have never had any other problems with this car. I have owned it for more than 3 years. When I bought it, it had 33,000 miles. It has been fully and regularly serviced according to the manual. The car now is in the transmission shop having the transmission replaced.

Filed Apr 11, 2007 · Transmission · 124,972 miles · MO

Tl*- while driving a 1999 lexus rx300 at the speed of 70 MPH the engine light turned on, and the vehicle decelerated. The engine seemed as though it was in neutral. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power. She pulled to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle, but it would not go into drive or reverse gear. The vehicle was making a whining noise. She took the vehicle to the local mechanic, and was informed that there was a small crack in the exhaust manifold. She stated that when the weather was cold the vehicle seemed to stay in first gear a little longer than normal before it shifted. She informed the dealership of the failure on 01/2006. The dealership informed her that this was a normal reaction of the vehicle with this type of transmission. They said that the transmission needed to be replaced, which was the first indication that the vehicle had a transmission failure. The failure mileage was 124,972.