2000 Lexus RX300: jerking or lurching

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 Jan 3, 2015 · Acceleration, Engine · 137,200 miles · IL

While driving, the car jerks and then cuts off. This has happened at least half a dozen times within the last 2 months. Engine light is constantly on, even after servicing the car at local lexus dealer. When car is parked, I noticed exhaust fume smells heavily with gas.

Filed Feb 11, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 186,000 miles · CA

After first having to replace my transmission at 75,000 miles. It seems I will have to pay to do it again at 186,000. The problem started out with the vehicle having trouble climbing a hill. I changed the transmission oil and two weeks later the vehicle move about three feet from a parking stall made a loud noise jerked to a stop and would not move. I was able to put it into drive and repark the car. It will not reverse and had to be towed to a mechanic.

Filed Dec 10, 2010 · Transmission · 129,631 miles · MI

Erratic shifting, transmission slippage, jerking vehicle, just missed a vehicle crash. This occurred one time without any notice or check engine light indication. Complete transmission failure, unable to move the vehicle. Transmission is being rebuilt by an independent transmission specialist. Planetary gears, solenoid, clutches, and other numerous parts.

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 Apr 8, 2009 · Transmission · 95,243 miles · OH

Transmission would not shift, would shift when it shouldn't have, when put in gear would do nothing then unexpectedly lurch forward or backward depending on gear selection. Lexus dealer replaced transaxle assembly.

Filed Aug 1, 2006 · Transmission · 118,000 miles · CA

After a few weeks of feeling occasional slippage in the drive train of my 2000 rx300 (118k miles), I had my local mechanic check it out. He drove tested it, checked all fluid levels, visually inspected the transmission, transfer case, u-joints etc and couldn't find a problem. Today with no further notice, the transmission fully broke - lurching, clunking, and after pulling over total slippage. I had it towed to a transmission shop where I'm waiting for an evaluation of the situation. If this had happened on a busy highway, I could have caused a severe accident, as there was no acceleration causing a very unsafe and dangerous situation.