2000 Lexus RX300: transmission slipping

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 Oct 12, 2011 · Transmission · 111,000 miles · KS

We bought this vehicle (lexus rx300 4wd) on 11/29/2002 with 27,080 miles on it from local lexus dealer. It is my wife's primary vehicle and she drives it to work daily (about 20 miles per day). At 111,000 miles the check engine light came on and the transmission was shifting erratically ie. Down shifting suddenly when it shouldn't and slipping gears. It also makes a strange constant noise. It had been more and more shifting this way off and on for 2 or 3 months. I took it to lexus dealer on 8/24/2011 because of check engine light and the service consultant stated it needs new transmission (this was said in the same tone of "you need a new air filter") and they would replace it for $5,208.80. When I asked service consultant if this was a very common problem he stated that it was not. He said my transmission could totally fail at any time even while driving. This is a definite safety issue. The operators manual states "it is necessary to change transmission fluid only if your vehicle is driven under special operating conditions" which we don't. I checked edmunds and blogs on line and there are hundreds of complaints over this issue and I think it needs to be investigated because I don't want my wife to get in an accident on the interstate and so it just sets in my garage.

Filed Sep 2, 2011 · Transmission · 111,012 miles · KS

We bought this vehicle (lexus rx300 4wd) on 11/29/2002 with 27,080 miles on it from local lexus dealer. It is my wife's primary vehicle and she drives it to work daily (about 20 miles per day). At 111,000 miles the check engine light came on and the transmission was shifting erratically ie. Down shifting suddenly when it shouldn't and slipping gears. It also makes a strange constant noise. It had been more and more shifting this way off and on for 2 or 3 months. I took it to lexus dealer on 8/24/2011 because of check engine light and the service consultant stated it needs new transmission (this was said in the same tone of "you need a new air filter") and they would replace it for $5,208.80. When I asked service consultant if this was a very common problem he stated that it was not. He said my transmission could totally fail ant any time even while driving. This is a definite safety issue. The operators manual states "it is necessary to change transmission fluid only if your vehicle is driven under special operating conditions" which we don't. I checked edmunds and blogs on line and there are hundreds of complaints over this issue and I think it needs to be investigated because I don't want my wife to get in an accident on the interstate and so it just sets in my garage.

Filed Feb 15, 2011 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · TN

Bought 2000 lexus rx300 in january 2008. By may 2009 replacing transmission around130,000miles . 1st it stared like it was hesitating. By mid day on the interstate during 65/hr, the transmission went out . Had to pullover to the side of the road 30mile/hr at 4000 RPM. Transmission was replaced .drove it home 1 week later same thing. Took back to mr transmission said it was nothing wrong with transmission. Sensors oxygen replaced stop for a little bit. Noticed on and off transmission would slip. Transmission out again along with car idling high and making a popping noise. I guess nothing (recall) will not happen because no one died that seems to be how it works or if it something minor like ummm a light.

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 Mar 30, 2009 · Transmission · 75,628 miles · OR

2000 rx 300 started having a whining noise when first started to go up hills when cold. Transmission then started to slip on way over mountains. I was able to drive to town at slow speed before transmission failed.

Filed Mar 28, 2009 · Transmission · 135,600 miles · MN

My 2000 lexus rx300 started having gear slipping problems 3 days ago. Today, the transmission won't go into any gear reverse or forward. After doing research online, it appears that hundred of people have experienced sudden transmission failure on lexus rx models. Obviously, both your organization and lexus know of this problem and yet nothing is done about recalling this model with the problem.

Filed Mar 12, 2009 · Transmission · 70,430 miles · PA

Transmission started slipping on my 200 lexus rx 300 at 70k miles transmission failure replaced with a rebuilt transmission.

Filed Jun 20, 2008 · Transmission · 110,000 miles · TN

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 lexus rx300. While driving 55 MPH, the transmission began losing power and slipping out of gear. Eventually, the vehicle would not move at all and had to be towed. The diagnosis was transmission failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.

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 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 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.