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2000 Lexus RX300 problems

The most common problem on the 2000 Lexus RX300 is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 107,055 miles. It has 2.5 times the complaints of a typical RX300 model year.

Typical year2.5x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
216
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
58
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
19mpg
Typical repair
$4,500

The worst 2000 Lexus RX300 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.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2000 Lexus RX300

Transmission failure 65Check engine light 13Slipping 12Won't shift 10Engine failure 8Stalling 8Jerking 7Sudden acceleration 6

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Defect investigations

Engine seizureOpened April 30, 2002, closed June 20, 2002

DP02004

Technical service bulletins for the 2000 Lexus RX300 58

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 58 bulletins for the 2000 Lexus RX300

2000 Lexus RX300 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.0L 6‑cylFWD172219

What 2000 Lexus RX300 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 6, 2018 · Transmission · 240,000 miles · CA

Transmission failed due to bad design. Many others have same failures. Need recall.

Filed Jun 13, 2018 · Transmission · 88,000 miles · AL

Transmission began not shifting smoothly and mechanic put in transmission fluid but could not locate any issues with it. Tranmission soon went completely out at 88,000 miles while driving on highway. Only owned SUV for a year and a half. Had inspected before purchase and no problems noted. Very disappointed and will not pay several grand to buy another transmission which is more than the value of the car. Lexus should be ashamed. Just found out how to report this here.

Filed Oct 28, 2017 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · NJ

At approximately 150,000 my lexus rx 300 seized after pulling into a parking lot. I tried to restart the car and it would not move/turnover. Obviously, had to have it towed and the entire transmission needed to be replaced. I purchased a rebuilt transmission to the tune of about $4,000. There are numerous reports of this model of lexus repeatedly having the transmission fail. I'm wondering why the federal safety agency does not issue a recall at this point - at least investigate this issue., so those who own these vehicles can recoup some of the cost for the failures of this transmission.

Filed Jan 31, 2017 · Lights · 56,000 miles · NJ

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.

Filed Dec 2, 2016 · Acceleration, Engine · WA

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 told me when it started the car to get it up on the truck, after being turned off for over 12 hours, it was still red lining the engine, and even lurched forward but because the car was in park, it didn't crash into the back of the tow truck. Lexus investigated the car and did absolutely nothing. They wouldn't tell me why it happened. I demand an explanation and a replacement vehicle - one that doesn't have a history of having sua problems. I fear for my life everytime I have to drive this vehicle.

Filed Dec 2, 2016 · Engine, Transmission · VA

Bad transmission

Filed Jul 28, 2016 · Transmission · AL

The transmission on my rx300 just gave out. It was regularly maintained - the fluid levels were checked and had a major overhaul on it before I gave it to my daughter who goes to school in houston, where the incident happened. She only uses it for local commute - not long distance driving. The intent was to give her a dependable vehicle! It I have about 149000 miles on it. The replacement cost is enormous - more than the vehicle is worth. I demand better quality for a luxury vehicle. Obviously it is a defective product that should have been recalled. I now see numerous transmission problems reported on this vehicle. Why are we allowing such lemons on our streets!

Filed Jun 30, 2016 · Transmission · 40 miles · NY

Was driving home from work on the highway it started slipping it was getting out gear now it moves on low gear no drive reverse or 2nd only low gear

Filed Jun 18, 2016 · Driver assistance, Lights · TX

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. I need help getting this matter taken care of asap. Thank you!

Filed May 11, 2016 · Transmission · 190,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 lexus rx300. While parking the vehicle, the gear shift failed to reverse the vehicle without warning. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000. The VIN was not available.

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Questions about the 2000 Lexus RX300

Is the 2000 Lexus RX300 reliable?

Owners have filed 216 complaints about the 2000 Lexus RX300, 2.5 times a typical RX300 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2000 Lexus RX300?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 138 complaints, typically around 107,055 miles. Next is engine (26).

How many recalls does the 2000 Lexus RX300 have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 2000 Lexus RX300 get?

Official estimates for the 2000 Lexus RX300 range from 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 17 city and 22 highway.

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