At approximately 150,000 my lexus rx 300 seized after pulling into a parking lot. I tried to restart the car and it would not move/turnover. Obviously, had to have it towed and the entire transmission needed to be replaced. I purchased a rebuilt transmission to the tune of about $4,000. There are numerous reports of this model of lexus repeatedly having the transmission fail. I'm wondering why the federal safety agency does not issue a recall at this point - at least investigate this issue., so those who own these vehicles can recoup some of the cost for the failures of this transmission.
Lexus RX300 engine failure problems
26 of the 722 owner complaints about the Lexus RX300 describe engine failure, most of them for the 2000 model year.
- owner complaints
- 26
- worst model year
- 2000
- typical repair cost reported
- $12,000
- typical mileage
- 97,144
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.
By model year
Often reported together
Oil consumption 4Transmission failure 3Check engine light 2Whining noise 1Won't shift 1Jerking 1Hesitation 1Door locks 1
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 lexus rx300. The contact stated that the vehicle would not shift into drive or reverse. While attempting to make a turn, there was an abnormal noise coming from the hood of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle seized. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 300,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 lexus rx300. While driving 40 MPH, the transmission seized and the gear could not be shifted into park. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000. Updated 3/13/15*cn the vehicle was taken to a repair shop, where the transmission was replaced. Updated 01/25/16.
I'm writing to make you aware of a serious safety issue with my vehicle. It started awhile ago, I heard a whining noise & hesitation,had lexus check it out. They said & documented in my profile it was my tire treads. I got the best goodyear tires for that vehicle at the time fortera's. Noise rating I believe is 8 out of 10 (10 being quietest). I let it go & had many more oil changes since then & no mention of any fluids needing to be changed. My car has always been dealer serviced wherever I lived. Past 4yrs been @ thompson lexus,50 swamp road,doylestown, pa 18902. Vin:[xxx]. I change my oil religiously every 8wks or so (my oil is exceptionally clean like a new engine) nothing was ever said about my fluids. None of my paperwork shows recommendations of any fluids nor were there any verbal recommendations about fluid changes.they did recommend a timing belt which I did but they also stated that I should have my water pump done as well even though nothing is/was wrong with it. So, I did what they said. But things got worse. Usually when I am at a stop light/sign &/or making a left turn from a stopped position & im pulling out into intersection, the rpms tend to go up but my vehicle doesn't accelerate/respond with the pressing of the gas pedal. With this ongoing intermittent acceleration response, im scared but I need the car to get family around. I had another oil change & I told them to change transmission fluid. They advised me the whining was the transmission & lexus dealership did not recommend that the trans oil to be changed & it is a waste of my $100. I got it verbally & in writing on my service receipt. I believe the issue at hand (based on research) is the transmission & directly related to workmanship (poor design) & also the lack of knowledge, of technicians, to check fluids & recommend changing certain fluids at certain times. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
I purchased a 2001 lexus rx 300 from a private party in february of this year. Within days of the purchase the transmission failed and that was replaced, but I had also noticed some blue smoke when I started it. I took it into my auto mechanic and he told me that the car was burning oil, and actually there was a class action suit filed against toyota related to the problems, I have been advised that this condition will lead to engine failure if the engine is not replaced. I have been advised to file a complaint in regards to this issue to see if I qualify to be part of the lawsuit and file a claim.
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.
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.
2000 lexus rx300. Consumer states problem with transmission *tgw the consumer stated the wheels seized.
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
Engine oil consumption is too rapid. Took the car to the lexus dealer but they are not admitting that it is a oil gel instead they are saying that my valve is damaged and the engine needs to be replaced.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Lexus RX300 engine failure
Which Lexus RX300 years have engine failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2000 (8 complaints), 1999 (7 complaints) and 2001 (5 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix engine failure on the Lexus RX300?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $12,000 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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