Engine knocks on acceleration, burns oil bad, hard to start, transmmision will not auto shift into high range on freeway, car lurches when getting up to freeway speed
2002 Lexus RX300 engine problems
13 complaints (15% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 85,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 13
- of this car's complaints
- 15%
- typical mileage
- 85,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Exhaust system1
- Cooling system1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Lexus RX300 engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Lexus RX300 engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2002 Lexus RX300 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
While pulling into a parking space in my office parking lot, I had an unattended acceleration while my foot was on the brake. The car lunged over the curb, up a slight incline, hit a small tree which knocked down the perimeter fence. I called the lexus dealership and they gave me an 800 number to call. I reported what happened and they sent a tow truck to bring my car to the dealership because I was afraid to drive it. At the dealership they indicated to me that I was not suppose to bring it to them so I had the manager drive it to their collision place where I had the bumper repaired. My insurance company did not pay for a rental replacement. The repair cost me $250 (my deductible) + the rental car cost of approx. $210.00. My insurance paid for the tree and fence repair of about $2,000+. My car was subsequently inspected by toyota's inspection company. It took about 3-4 hours and the end result was that the car did not have any defects. I continue to be concerned about whether or not this will happen again and maintain a large distance between vehicles. In 2007 my car had a similar problem when it accelerated to a high speed because the throttle got stuck due to a mechanic's service error when worked on the day before. Since toyota said my vehicle is okay, I had to pay the almost $500 for the repair and rental car and my insurance will probably go up due to the payment made to my company for the tree and fence repair. I think the throttle has a faulty design and I told toyota that this was my opinion.
When I was driving three light turned on at the same time. The check engine light, vsc and trac off light. I went to a mechanic and he stated there is something wrong with the solenoid. Took it to the mechanic to check the oil pan and the stolenois is getting clogged because the transmission is shot.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 lexus rx300. The contact noticed that the check oil light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the oil was contaminating the engine through a cracked piston ring. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The approximate failure was 94,000 and the current mileage was 96,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 lexus rx300. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed oil excessively. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly slowed down and began to sputter. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop where the contact stated that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The transmission also became stuck and took an extended amount of time to shift into gear. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop where the contact was informed that both the transmission and motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The current mileage was approximately 140,000. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 lexus rx300. The contact was driving at an unknown speed when the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop where the failure was diagnosed as the vehicle having excessive engine sludge. The contact was informed by the technician that if he had continued driving the vehicle, he would have seized and destroyed the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 83,400.
2002 lexus rx300 85000 miles the steel lines running to the transmission oil cooler started to leak. Upon inspection they were found to be rusted through. The line must be in a bad place and receive road spray.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 lexus rx300. The contact stated that the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle suddenly stalled. Before the vehicle stalled, it was shaking. The contact also noticed black smoke coming from the tailpipe when the vehicle was on. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the motor needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000 and the current mileages were approximately 40,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 lexus rx300. The contact stated that in august 2010, she noticed that the oil light would illuminate and then turn off. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the oil was changed. The dealer instructed the contact to take the vehicle back after 1,000 miles. She did and the dealer noticed oil consumption but could not find out where it was coming from. The dealer stated that all they could do was to install a new engine or to have the engine reconstructed. The dealer contacted the manufacturer who stated that they would pay 80% of the repair costs. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no further assistance than the 80%. The vehicle was being repaired. The current mileage was approximately 63,000. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 lexus rx300. The contact stated that the engine failed without warning. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer yet the dealer was unable to duplicate or diagnose the failure. The contact stated that the engine was replaced with a used engine with greater mileage than the original failed engine. The contact stated that the replacement engine also experienced a failure with an unknown electronic component. The manufacturer did not offer any assistance. The failure mileage the was 70,000. Updated 12/23/10*lj the consumer stated the engine oil depleted at an excessive rate, despite regular oil changes. Updated 01/03/11
Questions about the 2002 Lexus RX300 engine
Does the 2002 Lexus RX300 have engine problems?
Owners have filed 13 complaints about the engine of the 2002 Lexus RX300, 15% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2002 Lexus RX300 engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 85,000 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2002 Lexus RX300 engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
Other 2002 Lexus RX300 problems
Transmission 38Acceleration 15Airbags 10Electrical 5Brakes 3Driver assistance 2Fuel system 2Seat belts 2Tires 2Visibility 2Wheels 2Body 1Lights 1Locks 1Seats 1
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