There are no safety recalls for the 2000 Lexus RX300, but owners have filed 216 complaints with NHTSA.
2000 Lexus RX300 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Power Train | 140 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 20 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 14 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 9 | |
| Electrical System | 7 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 6 | |
| Engine | 6 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 5 | |
| Steering | 5 | |
| Suspension | 5 | |
| Structure | 4 | |
| Visibility | 4 | |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 112
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 6
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. — 3
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 3
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 3
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 2
- Structure › Body › Door — 2
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 104,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2000 Lexus RX300 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Power Train · at 88,000 miles · reported Jun 13, 2018
Transmission began not shifting smoothly and mechanic put in transmission fluid but could not locate any issues with it. Tranmission soon went completely out at 88,000 miles while driving on highway. Only owned SUV for a year and a half. Had inspected before purchase and no problems noted. Very disappointed and will not pay several grand to buy another transmission which is more than the value of the car. Lexus should be ashamed. Just found out how to report this here.
Power Train · at 150,000 miles · reported Oct 28, 2017
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 NHTSA 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.
Exterior Lighting · at 56,000 miles · reported Jan 31, 2017
The contact owns a 2000 lexus rx300. The contact stated that the headlights had a lot of condensation. The contact stated that the failure provided minimum visibility. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the headlight covers failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Engine · reported Dec 2, 2016
My 2000 lexus rx300 had an unexplained sudden unintended acceleration where the vehicle almost killed me and my son. I was driving residential backroads by my house, accelerated slightly to get up a hill and that's when it took off. The brake pedal was unresponsive, the emergency break was unresponsive, I pulled the floor mat out for good measure, nothing worked, it kept accelerating at a high rate until I finally slammed it through gears to "park" to get it to a stop. I had it towed to the lexus dealership, where the tow truck driver even told me when it started the car to get it up on the…
Power Train · reported Jul 28, 2016
The transmission on my rx300 just gave out. It was regularly maintained - the fluid levels were checked and had a major overhaul on it before I gave it to my daughter who goes to school in houston, where the incident happened. She only uses it for local commute - not long distance driving. The intent was to give her a dependable vehicle! It I have about 149000 miles on it. The replacement cost is enormous - more than the vehicle is worth. I demand better quality for a luxury vehicle. Obviously it is a defective product that should have been recalled. I now see numerous transmission problems…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2000 Lexus RX300 have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2000 Lexus RX300 as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2000 Lexus RX300?
Owners report power train problems most often (140 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (20). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 104,000 miles.
Are Lexus recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Lexus dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.