2000 Lexus RX300: engine failure

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 Sep 29, 2010 · Transmission · NJ

2000 lexus rx300. Consumer states problem with transmission *tgw the consumer stated the wheels seized.

Filed Dec 24, 2009 · Engine, Transmission · 182,000 miles · AL

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 expense.

Filed Mar 22, 2005 · Engine · 62,500 miles · CA

I purchased a 2000 toyota SUV. And subsequently had the vehicle go into sudden complete irreperable engine failure while driving on a busy road. It had been a "recall", or service bulletin that the item was a "gel" problem (or sludge) with the oil in the make and model of the car. Although this was a known problem, lexus of monterey claimed that they'd never seen such a thing and that the vehicle needed $400.00 worth of diagnostics to see what the problem was. On the advice of my usual auto mechanic, I contacted lexus and reported a possible "gel" problem. Lexus immediately sent someone out to check the vehicle and pronounced it the manufacturers' problem that had been sent out as a notice to owners of the automobiles. They paid for a new engine, and also advised us that all incedintal would be covered. Lexus of monterey peninsula decided that they wanted the $400.00 for the diagnostics, and would not pay any costs for a replacement vehicle, as promised in the notice lexus sent us. Lexus of monterey has my vehicle, and I am refusing to pay the diagnostic costs. I am asking for my auto, free of encumberances, and would like costs of retreiving a replacement vehicle to be covered at their expense.

Filed Feb 28, 2005 · Engine · 60,815 miles · FL

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 that you refer to in your tsb's. Lexus however, is telling me since we are not the original owner that this letter and offer do not apply to us. They have offered to pay half of the repair which we have worked down to our portion $4,200. They have not pulled the heads or the oil pan and yet they know that the whole engine needs to be replaced. This tells me that they have had experience with this issue before. Our vehicle has needed an engine every 30,000 miles. I have kept engines up to over 120,000 miles without failure. If we have them fix the engine I am told that they will machine the heads at the lexus dealer, not replace them, yet the block needs to be replaced. My investigating on the internet leads me to believe that the problem is in the heads. Just machining them and putting them back on will only ensure that I will be dealing with them in another 30,000 miles for the same problem. It seems that they have a problem with this engine that they don't want to stand behind because we are not the original owners or at least that seems to be their easiest route to take. My vehicle has been unuseable for a month now and there is no end in site.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · 109,000 miles · AL

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

Filed Jan 18, 2002 · Engine · FL

I took my vehicle in for a normal service, and was imformed by the dealer that I had a sludge buildup. They tried to blame me for it by saying that it was due to poor maintenance on the car. I disputed this since I had receipts to show I had the car serviced within the normal timeframe required by lexus. (however not serviced at the dealer) they told me this problem/repair would cost me $6000. To $12000 to clean or replace the engine. I felt this was a due to a defect in the engine and should be covered under warranty. I have since found numerous people that are having the same problem, or know of someone who has had the same problem. 6 mos later I spoke with an individual who had the same problem and his vehicle was repaired by the dealer at no cost. The dealer states this is a case-by-case basis, even though it is the exact same problem. I contacted the dealer again and they are now willing to cover half of the repair, though I would have to pay for the labor of approx. $2500. I feel this should be completely covered by lexus and not put back onto the consumer. Especially when I have had the vehicle serviced as required in the owners manual. I believe they are trying to cover up a defect in this vehicle, since this would be a extremely costly recall. I was informed by the service manager at the dealership that you can not have sludge build up if you are getting your car serviced within the required timeframe, which I did. So why do I have a sludge build up? Answer: must be a defect in this vehicle. Please investigate.

Filed Aug 24, 2001 · Engine · FL

Even though the oil on my rx 300 was changed 2,700 miles ago, the engine developed engine sludge in the 3.0, 6 cylinder. Lexus is trying to blame it on me for not changing the oil at their dealers. They want to charge me $500.00 just to look to see what the internal damage is and then anywhere from a re build of the engine for $6000 to $8000 or an entire new engine for $13,000.00 plus labor. I have since found numerous individuals with the same problem all citing the same engine, symptoms etc. On top of this, I witnessed the lexus service manager "rushing" to take digital photos of the inside of the engine and they quickly documented an "owner neglect" file in their master lexus records. After talking with several people and mechanics, we now believe that this is a cover up on the part of lexus to avoid what could be one of the most costly recalls in history. Any help please.....?