2000 Lexus RX300: complete transmission failure

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

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

Filed Jan 14, 2016 · Transmission · 24,000 miles · MI

My transmission failed 5 yrs ago was not told why. They replaced it but I had to pay for labor. They put in new parts except for remanufactured casing. Now december 2015 with only 24,000 miles on it since I am retired, failed to go in reverse or go into second gear. Have noticed online alot of people are having problems with transmissions of lexus vehicles. Now I am told by lexus speacialist (800‑255‑3987) they only want to pay for half of parts and was told it just failed we don't know why and they refuse to investigate again unless I want to pay for labor. It seems from online complaints that they are making owners pay for diagnostics and or replacements & labor. I have never felt more unsafe in a car when my vehicle wouldn't shift into gear while driving on a road with 55mph speed limit while I could only drive 10 miles an hour. I had to pay $128 to have it towed to dealership on 01/04/2016 because they would not accept any diagnostics from any one else nor pay for tow. I was delayed in efforts because of holiday. Please make them accountable.

Filed Jul 15, 2014 · Acceleration, Steering · 125,000 miles · PA

With little/no warning, automatic transmission (2wd) failed. All gears (p,r,n,d,2,1) worked like neutral gear. If this would've occurred a few minutes earlier, my children and I (located at a sharp turn over a steep hill) could've been seriously injured or killed. Apparently, this is a common problem in lexus rx300's from year 1999-2002. How many early transmission failures does it take to have a recall?

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 Oct 12, 2011 · Transmission · 143,730 miles · NJ

Premature transmission failure. Purchased used with 85,000 miles. Transmission fluid changed at suggested intervals. Car will not move in any transmission selector position. After research, found that this is a common problem with this year and model lexus.

Filed Sep 9, 2011 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · TX

2008 transmission failed at 100,600, replaced and again failed in 2011 at 131,000, failed at 134,000, now being told the ECM computer is causing the hard shifting at 2nd to 3rd upshift. Was told the same tranny is in the recalled rav4.

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 Jul 14, 2011 · Transmission · 103,500 miles · CA

Full transmission failure without any advance symptoms at 103,500 miles. Vehicle regularly serviced, including 90k complete service at dealer.

Filed Jun 1, 2011 · Engine · 115,346 miles · CA

Vehicle started losing power while going 35-45 MPH and eventually stalled. Was able to start vehicle but won't go pass 25 MPH. When stopped, and shifted on drive, vehicle won't move forward. Won't go into reverse either when engaged in reverse. I believe this was a transmission failure.

Filed Mar 18, 2011 · Transmission · 98,000 miles · IL

This letter is a follow up to a claim I made regarding my 2000 lexus rx300 and its impending transmission issues. I had requested from lexus some good faith compensation for the replacement of my transmission due to the extenuating nature of the issues surround transmission in rx300 in the model year 1999, 2000 and 2001. Soon after I purchased the car I found interesting posting at edumnds.com on the more than average failure of the transmissions. At that time I purchased an extended warranty, since I figured that it was not if the transmission failed but when. True to form and right on schedule the transmission failed at 98,000 miles. I was denied any compensation on my issue and was told that lexus had no knowledge of the problem. Background. Over 109 complaints have been filed with the national highway safety administration for 1999 rx300s, 108 for model year 2000 (mine) and over 100 for 2001. Over 56 pages on edumnds.com contain complaints on this issue. Yet I was told by the customer service representative at lexus of america that he in fact knew of no issues regarding transmissions in these vehicles. Either he was very nave or not being complete forthright with me if a simple google search produced my results. He claimed that proper servicing of the system would have avoided the issue ' which is also dispelled by other owners. I understand and accept that fact that used vehicles require a certain amount of upkeep and replacement and I accept that premise and plan for those costs. However, I do not believe that I should have to finance a repair that is truly a design flaw in the vehicle and not through any consequence of my simple ownership. I would expect more major repairs on a vehicle of a lesser quality, but not for vehicle that costs $45,000 and boasts 'the pursuit of perfection.' I see this as an integrity issue and that is what's appalling from a company that I have supported since 1989 when I bought my first camry that I sold 12 years later.

Filed Feb 28, 2011 · Transmission · 56,825 miles · ID

Own a lexus 2000 rx300, transmission failed while driving at highway speed, would not move in any gear. The vehicle only had 56,825 miles. Contacted a lexus dealer and no help was offered, said it would cost $6000 for the repairs.I made a formal request from lexus USA for help but they declined any responsibility. I was 1600 miles from home so I had an independent transmission shop make the repairs.lexus is in fact aware of the problems with the rx 300 transmissions, but refuses to take responsibility for their defective design transmission. I would like to know of any class action suit for this problem. I know they have redesigned the transmission on later models to correct the problem!

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.