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
Lexus RX300 slipping problems
26 of the 722 owner complaints about the Lexus RX300 describe transmission slipping, most of them for the 2000 model year.
- owner complaints
- 26
- worst model year
- 2000
- typical repair cost reported
- $4,500
- typical mileage
- 103,680
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.
By model year
Often reported together
Transmission failure 17Check engine light 4Jerking 3Whining noise 2Won't shift 2Loss of power 2Hesitation 2Shudder 1
What owners say
While entering a freeway onramp the transmission slipped out of gear. I tried to accelerate but there was no power the engine just revved. The transmission reingaged as I was pulling to the shoulder so I continued my trip home. Later on the same drive home, at an interchange between freeways it happened again but this time the transmission didn't re-engage and there was almost a deadly multiple car accident. It was towed to a transmission specialist who had to replace the transmission. Soon after replacement I was on another trip and I attempted to accelerate to pass a car, the transmission slipped and I barely avoided being in a deadly auto accident on the freeway with a big rig. On this same trip I almost lost my life three times due to this identical occurrence. It is absolutely unacceptable and unforgivable that toyota hasn't taken responsibility for this manufacturing error and announced a complete recall and replacement of all transmissions for this year, make and model of vehicle. If, I keep this car and I have an accident due to their manufacturing negligence action may be taken.
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.
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.
1999 lexus rx300 which had transmission service on march 17th 2011 at , began to make a whirring sound and slip out of gear while driving on interstate 85 north on saturday july 9th 2011. I immediatly pulled off onto the shoulder of the interstate to check the fluid and it showed full on the dip stick. On monday july 11th 2011 the rx300 in question was taken to the same dealership which performed the service of the transmission on march 17th 2011, and they informed me that I would need a new transmission costing upward of $4500. After further investigation I have found there are thousands of complaints regarding the rx300 model years 1999-2001 describing the exact same drive train failure. It is apparent that lexus is aware of this issue and has failed to issue any type of warning to its consumers of impending transaxle failure due to an inferior shifting apparatus. As stated earlier service was performed on my rx300 and any mention of impending problems were absent. As a consumer I feel that it is the responsibility of lexus to warn its customers of any problems which may arise due to inadequate equipment. Below are links to other websites which list complaints of the exact transaxle failure. A recall for repairs should be issued as this is a serious vehicle failure. If I had been informed of this impending issue costly repairs and damage certainly would have been avoided. Us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=28020 - http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/webx/.f111d9c/1. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
2001 lexus rx300 at 113k mi. Suddenly the gears are slipping or loose in reverse or drive when starting from stop - takes a second to click into gear and move the SUV- random in nature and occurrence. About a few months later the dash lights come on vsc and check engine lights. Lexus dealer says warning lights are for solenoid e. They recommend replacing full transmission as they cannot be sure replacing the solenoid will not damage the transmission - $4,500 is the damage - ouch! I am reading this is a common problem for lexus rx300's - why isn't lexus doing anything about this- large hit to the family budget!!!!
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.
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.
I bought a '99 lexus rx300 for my wife at 62k miles. I did all of the schedule maintenance including the expensive stuff (like the timing belt change). Unbeknownst to me, the engine rear main seal was leaking at the time that I purchased it. I figured it was simple and "its a lexus, right?". I found out that it would cost $1700 to fix and that it was common on this model. I ignored the leak because my wife loved the truck otherwise. Unrelated to the oil leak, at 183,000 miles I'm driving on a family vacation with the car on cruise control and the transmission suddenly starts to slip. I manage to make it my destination, but after research and getting diagnostics from the dealership and trans shops, I found it would cost $3000-$4000 to fix. I decided to fix it and paid $3700 for it. No sooner than I took off driving, the car started smoking horribly and was now slipping in 1,2, and 3rd gear. These transmissions are a nightmare to repair, and I would recommend anyone that buys one to count your losses when it fails and trash the car.
I was driving on a interstate and the transmission started slipping until it gave out.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Lexus RX300 slipping
Which Lexus RX300 years have transmission slipping problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2000 (12 complaints), 1999 (7 complaints) and 2001 (4 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix transmission slipping on the Lexus RX300?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $4,500 (median of 10 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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