There are no safety recalls for the 2001 Lexus RX300, but owners have filed 169 complaints with NHTSA.
2001 Lexus RX300 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Power Train | 123 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 20 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 14 | |
| Air Bags | 8 | |
| Electrical System | 4 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 | |
| Engine | 4 | |
| Suspension | 3 | |
| Equipment | 2 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | |
| Visibility | 1 | |
| Parking Brake | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 87
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 7
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 4
- Air Bags › Frontal — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 2
- Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood — 1
- Equipment › Mechanical › Accessory Scissor/Screw/Bottle Jack/Lift — 1
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 108,200 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 2001 Lexus RX300 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Service Brakes · at 130,000 miles · reported Jun 18, 2019
Purchased from my mother in 2013 at 115k after she had purchased new from dealership. Babied, dealer serviced, my transmission gave out at 130k at a cost of $3800!!! Then in less than a year it went again, and it was under aamco warranty. Then transmission went again in 2018, and just out of warranty. Why is there not a class action lawsuit!!!!!! Car died 3 separate times without warning in very dangerous situations. $3800 was my entire savings, and now my lexus was the only thing I had of value, and it is worth $250 as a junker!
Power Train · at 200,000 miles · reported Mar 16, 2019
The vehicle was started and in park in a flat lot. When I shifted to reverse, it did not engage/roll back. As I applied pressure to the accelerator nothing happened until a it suddenly clunked and lurched back. I put it back in park and then it repeated the same synptom. The transmission has now begun to whine and there is rumbling and jerkily between rough shifts on the streets and highway. After hearing and reading numerous horror stories of these transmission problems, and how they have suddenly gone out or locked up at highway speeds, I'm sure this is a problem lexus has known about and is…
Power Train · reported Sep 16, 2018
My transmission is not shifting smoothly between gears. This happened about 7 years ago and I had to have the transmission replaced. Now it is happening again.
Power Train · reported Jan 7, 2017
Takata recall - transmission failed. Had to replace the transmission at 140,423 miles. There was metal in the transmission. Cost to replace the transmission was $2,875.10
Power Train · at 133,890 miles · reported Jul 4, 2016
Vehicle has 133,890 miles on it, vehicle has been serviced every 5000 miles, according to the vehicle history and owners manual. We had transmission failure 100 miles from home. Pulled over to the side of the I-90 , had to wait 2 hours for a flatbed on the side of the highway. Mass state police were not happy having to wait that long nor safety of being on the side of the road for 2 hours. We tried moving vehicle after it was off for an hour, moved gear selector had only park and natural , was at " full hot " mark on the dip stick, fluid is clean, doesn't smell burnt at all.towed to service…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2001 Lexus RX300 have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2001 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 2001 Lexus RX300?
Owners report power train problems most often (123 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (20). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 108,200 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.