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2000 Lexus RX300 transmission complaints

Page 5 of 6: complaints 101 to 130 of 138, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2000 Lexus RX300 transmission problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jun 6, 2008 · Transmission · 108,000 miles · OH

Loss of power, check engine light, ran extremely rough lexus rx300 2000.

Filed May 8, 2008 · Transmission · 106,000 miles · MA

Lexus 2000 rx300 oil gel problem that is requiring a rebuilt engine and at the same time my transmission is failing and I am being told it will cost $5,000. This vehicle has 106,000 miles but two catastrophic failures.

Filed May 8, 2008 · Transmission · 110,000 miles · WA

Lexus rx 300 transmission failing. Making noise. Have had two mechanics look at it. Appears to be a faulty design.

Filed Apr 29, 2008 · Transmission · 67,000 miles · CA

Transmission constantly slips out of gear or fails to engage reverse gear from park. Car slows suddenly or fails to accelerate because of transmission problem. Transmission may need to be replaced.

Filed Apr 29, 2008 · Transmission · 118,000 miles · AL

There were no incidents that lead up to the transmission failure it just happened out of the blue. I was driving home from work one day and it would not go in to over drive.

Filed Apr 23, 2008 · Transmission · 148,000 miles · MA

Transmission failure at 148k, transmission jumped from gears and failed to move. No warning signs. I have kept up with maintenance on this vehicle and still owe and have been reading about this particular model and it appear as though there is a class action suit in process.

Filed Apr 17, 2008 · Transmission · 66,610 miles · OR

Lexus rx300 transmission failure at 68,000 miles and 7.5 years old.

Filed Apr 11, 2008 · Transmission · 110,000 miles · VA

Transmission failure in 2000 lexus rx-300 awd with 110,000 miles. While driving to work on a very busy 3-lane highway, I stopped to make a left hand turn with a number of cars behind me. After coming to a stop at the intersection, waiting for cars to clear, when I tried to accelerate through, the car went into neutral although it was still in drive. I tried reverse (risking hitting the car behind me) and it stayed in neutral. After turning the car on and off a couple of times, it finally went into drive and I was able to drive two blocks to the toyota dealer. Their service shop checked it out and simply said the transmission needed to replaced at a cost of $5200. The lexus "owner's manual supplement" with maintenance schedules says only to "inspect" transmission fluid at 30k, 60k, 90k, 120k, and 150k miles. See pages 77 - 97 of the maintenance log book. Only for "special operating conditions" is it recommended to change the transmission fluid and then only at 60k and 120k miles. I have not operated the vehicle under any of the special operating conditions. Yet, both the lexus and toyota dealers I use recommend replacing the oil every 15k miles, which I have done. Based on my limited research, this appears to be a common problem with early model lexus rx300's and unacceptable that it should fail, especially given the added service / maintenance that lexus recommends, which is at odds with what is written in their own manual. Had this transmission failure happened while driving in 50 -60 MPH rush hour traffic , it would have put me in a potentially deadly situation. I strongly suspect lexus is well aware of the problems with this transmission, given their dealer service recommendations and should be held accountable for the cost of repair.

Filed Apr 10, 2008 · Transmission · 66,610 miles · OR

Rx300 failed to go into reverse from park in october 2007. Took to toyota dealer insofar as no local lexus dealer in bend, oregon. Flushed the transmission fluid. Problem returned 4 months later at 2,000 miles into the new atf, with occasional failure in drive gear. 4/9/08 vehicle was moving in drive from home garage when transmission went bump/thump twice. 50 yards further forward, the transmission began a grinding noise. Pulled to side of road and vehicle would not go into reverse, but drive forward was okay. Returned to vehicle in 2 hrs and restarted the engine. No reverse gear when shifter was in reverse. Neutral would allow freewheel. Tried to turn 180 and return to home garage. Vehicle was now perpendicular to both lanes of traffic. Tried to engage neutral to freewheel in reverse. Vehicle seemed to be in gear or park when in neutral on the shifter. Drove forward one foot and tried neutral, got a sound like something coming unstuck and becoming synchronized. Neutral now allowed freewheel. Reverse gear now worked and I drove the vehicle the 50 yards home and backed it using reverse gear into the garage. 68,745 total miles on 2000 rx300.lexus says vehicle out of the 6 year/70,000 drive train warranty. Lexus says transmission has failed.

Filed Apr 2, 2008 · Transmission · 140,000 miles · MD

The transmission in the 2000 lexus rx 300 has failed completely and requires replacement.

Filed Mar 20, 2008 · Transmission · 129,000 miles · CA

Premature failure of transmission on lexus rx 300. Dealers refusal to step up to pay for an originally defective product, and request to pay $4500 for a remanufactured transmission. Lexus' refusal to address multiple complaints of a widespread issue on an obviously defective product. Lexus denial of a clearly manufacturing problem.

Filed Jan 29, 2008 · Transmission · 97,000 miles · CA

Drove my lexus rx300 to lake tahoe. It was 28 degrees as I entered the tahoe area. The transmission begain to slip, not maintaining engagement. I was able to get to the hotel but about an hour after registering I tried to drive and the transmission would not engage. It was now 24 degrees. I tried again in the morning but it still would not engage and now there was a whirling sound. I had it towed to the lexus dealership one hundred miles away. The transmission failed due to the front-side transmission pump. Lexus/toyota will not replace the part. Since it is an internal transmission problem they will only replace the whole transmission. Lexus policy. It is a 15 hour repair. Even if it were possible to replace the pump it would have taken more hours to repair. The contact was advised by the dealer prior to purchasing it that it was in impeccable condition. An inspecting authorized mechanic also stated that its rare to see a vehicle in as excellent of a condition. An SUV should not have a problem in slight extremely cold conditions. The service technician stated that the transmission failure isnt uncommon if they are in extremely hot or cold climates. The contact stated that there is a design flaw. He has never had to change the transmission fluid as frequent in his previous vehicles. The contact is aware of the safety risk involved. It cost $4700.00

Filed Jan 27, 2008 · Transmission · 137,000 miles · NY

While driving my rx300 the vehicle RPM started going higher than normal. I could only dry the vehicle locally since does not want to shift. When I drive it a 40mph the rpms are at 3 RPM. I search to see if has been a recall or if the lexus corporation is aware of this problem with the tranny in this model..

Filed Jan 9, 2008 · Transmission · 74,000 miles · CA

Transmission failure.

Filed Dec 5, 2007 · Transmission · 104,000 miles · MI

My 2000 lexus rx 300 started shifting funny on december 4th. We took it to the mechanic on december 5th and it was determined that the transmission was failing. I have since learned that this is a very, very common problem for these vehicles and am now out thousands of dollars due to this problem.

Filed Nov 28, 2007 · Transmission · 88,000 miles · WI

The day before thanksgiving on a 300 mile trip to see family, our lexus rx 300 lost the transmission at 86,000 miles and ruined our entire holiday weekend. After going back and forth with corporate lexus they have decided even though they have put our a tsb and are well aware of the transaxle failure in this model, they will not contribute any financial monies to help justify our $6,000.00 bill. I will never own another lexus nor anyone within my family. Very dissatisfied customer

Filed Nov 15, 2007 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · MD

Transmission failed while in heavy traffic. No prior indication of a problem. Car could not be placed in gear, had to be towed. Lexus said that 120k miles was the life span of the transmission and wanted to charge $5,400 for repair. Car had only been service by lexus since purchase, last service was 6 months prior and no indication was given of any expected transmission problem.

Filed Oct 23, 2007 · Transmission · FL

Failed transmission.

Filed Oct 21, 2007 · Transmission · 107,055 miles · CA

Transmission failure.

Filed Sep 13, 2007 · Transmission · 85,000 miles · MA

2000 lexus rx 300 awd: the tone ring on the right rear drive axle cracked causing a false reading to the anti-lock brake system, the cracked ring would not turn in conjunction with the axle causing the ABS system to think that the affected axle was no longer tuning therefore activating the ABS system and jeopardizing braking distance, after repairing I was wondering how this could have happened and did some inquiries, I found that this is a common problem on these vehicles (right rear axles awd models) water gets into the axle tone ring area, freezes causing the ring to crack and creating a dangerous condition, unnecessary activation of the ABS system for the unsuspecting driver lexus dealerships throughout the northeast keep these a supply of these very expensive axles in stock due to their familiarity if this problem.

Filed Sep 9, 2007 · Transmission · 71,813 miles · CA

My 2000 lexus rx300 with less than 72,000 original owner miles on it had sudden transmission failure. After exiting my driveway gate and stopping, I tried to accelerate but the car rolled backwards towards the gate (the end of the drive is sloped uphill) as if the transmission selector was in neutral. I applied brakes, stopped, reselected drive and was able to continue to my destination. The automatic shifting between first and second seemed to be delayed and to be slipping, so I took it to the lexus dealer. They had to replace the transmission.

Filed Aug 30, 2007 · Transmission · 79,780 miles · CA

2000 lexus rx300 transmission failure failed at 79,780 miles and the replacement failed after 140 miles! The consumer stated engine revs okay but no power to wheels. The consumer stated had vehicle repaired at dealer and the dealer stated the transmission solenoid failed.

Filed Aug 27, 2007 · Transmission · 126,000 miles · VA

Lexus rx-300 yr2000 (transmission problems).

Filed Aug 15, 2007 · Transmission · 94,500 miles · TX

Car has 94,000 miles and has received all scheduled maintenance, including comprehensive 90k service two months ago. No impending problems were reported by dealer. Car made clinging/hesitation when leaving stop sign 2-3 times. Parked car and stopped engine. Car would not move in reverse. Shifted to drive - car moved fwd as much as possible (limited space). Tried rev again - car moved 12-18 inches and made very abrupt stop. Could not shift to neutral. Took car to dealer who recommend complete transmission replacement. Did search for "rx300 transmission failure on internet - found dozens of reports of similar problem - complete transmission failure, with absolutely no warning, on this make/model of car with similar mileage. I believe this is a manufacturing defect that should be investigated.

Filed May 31, 2007 · Transmission · 85,350 miles · DE

Bought 2000 lexus rx300. 85,000 miles. Transmission is shot!

Filed Feb 8, 2007 · Transmission · 92,000 miles · NY

Transmission failure.

Filed Feb 1, 2007 · Transmission · SC

My 2000 lexus rx300 transmission has required replacement @ 90,000 miles. I have spent $3000.+ for repairs. I believe that recall would restore faith in the name of quality for lexus. Be honest.

Filed Feb 1, 2007 · Transmission · 76,500 miles · CA

Tl*- while driving on the road the transmission failed on a 2000 lexus rx300. The vehicle would not go into neutral the vehicle would accelerate at low speeds at 15 MPH. The contact took the vehicle to dealer, and the dealer stated that they tried to see if the manufacturer would cover the vehicle under goodwill, but the manufacturer insisted that they couldn't cover the repair due to the fact that vehicle was not under warranty.

Filed Feb 1, 2007 · Transmission · PA

Sitting in traffic and started to move when I noticed a feeling like I was on ice. A slight slip, then I moved. Not even a half mile down the road and my car would not move. The engine revved but no movement at all! My transmission went out at 85,000 miles!!!

Filed Jan 30, 2007 · Transmission · 76,000 miles · CA

Tl*- the contact stated that the transmission on a 2000 lexus rx 300 failed. While driving through an intersection the vehicle suddenly started to lose power and stalled. The contact was able to get the vehicle to the side of the road. While trying to accelerate the vehicle would not accelerate or go into reverse. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealership. At the dealership, they replaced the transmission on the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle had received regularly scheduled servicing.

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