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2003 Lexus RX300 problems

The most common problem on the 2003 Lexus RX300 is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 117,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical RX300 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
89/100
Owner complaints
25
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
54
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
18mpg

The worst 2003 Lexus RX300 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Transmission
    7
  • Acceleration
    5
  • Engine
    4
  • Airbags
    3
  • Electrical
    3

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Transmission
    7
  • Acceleration
    5
  • Engine
    4
  • Airbags
    3
  • Electrical
    3
  • Visibility
    3
  • Driver assistance
    2
  • Brakes
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Suspension
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Lexus RX300 54

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 54 bulletins for the 2003 Lexus RX300

2003 Lexus RX300 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.0L 6‑cylFWD172118

What 2003 Lexus RX300 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 7, 2022 · Driver assistance, Engine · 106,000 miles · DC

The contact owns a 2003 Lexus RX300. The contact stated that the HVAC system was inoperable. Additionally, the VSC and check engine warning lights were illuminated while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed at an AutoZone with a catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.

Filed Nov 4, 2017 · Airbags · TN

Airbag light stays on when car is running and when I had it checked out the mechanic said it could inflate at any time. Don't have the money in budget to have done right now.

Filed Dec 15, 2016 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 320,000 miles · MD

I own a 2003 lexus rx300. After I had came from a completed stop while depressed on the accelerator pedal, the brakes began to lock with the ABS brake light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who stated the av pump failed or that it maybe something with the electronic control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturers were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 320,000.

Filed Feb 17, 2015 · Airbags · 113,000 miles · TX

Air bag "problem" warning light came on intermittently. Dealer stated that if the light was on, the air bags would not deploy in a crash.

Filed Jan 26, 2015 · Airbags · 180,000 miles · DC

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 lexus 300. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the airbag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the airbag failure was due to water. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate mileage was 180,000.

Filed Nov 3, 2014 · Acceleration · 156,500 miles · MD

Had car in driveway unused for month or two. Car seemed to be idling at higher than usual speed after starting (@2300 RPM). Vehicle jerked a bit at each stop sign as if problem with transmission. Took vehicle on road at 35 to 40 MPH, took foot off gas and vehicle kept accelerating at a modest pace to above 50. Glanced at floormat (not touching accelerator), put car in neutral. Engine revved to high RPM than came back to normal. Put back in gear and drove short distance home.

Filed Aug 27, 2012 · Electrical, Fuel system · 68,000 miles · SC

I called my local lexus three times prior to june, 2012 regarding lights suddenly illuminating on the dashboard. I had a recurring issue where the check engine and vsc warning lights would illuminate. Each time the customer service agent told me that the lights would go off when I refueled. Three times the lights did go off (after several days), but once I had to have the dealer reset them. The most recent occurrence resulted in the dealer telling me I needed the air fuel and air flow sensors replaced, a repair which cost over $750.00. As an aside, every time I called to inquire about the lights being illuminated my car was under warranty and no repairs were suggested. After the warranty expired I was then advised that the sensors needed to be replaced.

Filed May 20, 2011 · Transmission · 138,000 miles · CA

During normal driving, with no signs of failure, the vehicle suddenly would lose power when pressed on gas, it acted as if it were in neutral---engine revs up, but car does not move. Then when switched to second gear or l, transmission still would not engage. Had it towed to a local transmission shop, it turned out to be the planetary gear broke. Searched online lexus forum, found out very many people reported the same failure in transmission.

Filed May 15, 2011 · Acceleration, Transmission · 117,000 miles · OH

The vehicle suddenly lost transmission on the road and was rolling freely. The gears does not work anymore and the vehicle rolls as if its in neutral. When search the internet I looked at lot of the customers complaining about exact same thing, about this vehicle having transmission issues especially for rx300. No wonder toyota has this many recalls and surprised that their premium brand has the same issues with safety. I am glad that this did not happen on a highway

Filed Feb 25, 2010 · Acceleration · 14,070 miles · TX · crash · 1 injury

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 lexus rx300. While driving 10 MPH out of the parking lot the vehicle accelerated and he lost control. As he swerved the vehicle he hit three small trees, a wooden fence, and a brick wall before the vehicle stopped. The ambulance and police department came because he was trapped in the vehicle. He was taken to the hospital for injures to his lower back. The vehicle was destroyed. There is a police report if needed. The insurance company was notified. The dealer nor manufacturer have not been called. The failure mileage was 14,070. Updated 05/10/10 *bf the vehicle was declared a loss. Updated 05/17/10.

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Questions about the 2003 Lexus RX300

Is the 2003 Lexus RX300 reliable?

Owners have filed 25 complaints about the 2003 Lexus RX300, fewer than a typical RX300 model year.

What is the 2003 Lexus RX300 year score?

The 2003 Lexus RX300 scores 89 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Lexus RX300: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Lexus RX300?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 7 complaints, typically around 117,000 miles. Next is acceleration (5).

How many recalls does the 2003 Lexus RX300 have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Lexus RX300 get?

Official estimates for the 2003 Lexus RX300 range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 17 city and 21 highway.

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