Problems with 2000 Lexus RX 300 POWER TRAIN

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.

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.

Bad transmission

Told before purchasing that transmission was rebuilt. not shifting properly. i was told it was an electrical issue power train. i also am not visible to most drivers in the we morning dusk dark hours of the days due to lighting. pulled over by law enforcement a few times in regards to the lights. one owner before me and did not get any recalls done. i called lexus @ grapevine tx and they told me there were no recalls on my truck. there h e been and they need to be done asap. i have a disabled child and can not jeopardize the safety of my child. i need help getting this matter taken care of asap. thank you!

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 lexus rx300. while parking the vehicle, the gear shift failed to reverse the vehicle without warning. the failure was persistent. the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 190,000. the vin was not available.

My transmission failed 5 yrs ago was not told why. they replaced it but i had to pay for labor. they put in new parts except for remanufactured casing. now december 2015 with only 24,000 miles on it since i am retired, failed to go in reverse or go into second gear. have noticed online alot of people are having problems with transmissions of lexus vehicles. now i am told by lexus speacialist (800-255-3987) they only want to pay for half of parts and was told it just failed we don't know why and they refuse to investigate again unless i want to pay for labor. it seems from online complaints that they are making owners pay for diagnostics and or replacements & labor. i have never felt more unsafe in a car when my vehicle wouldn't shift into gear while driving on a road with 55mph speed limit while i could only drive 10 miles an hour. i had to pay $128 to have it towed to dealership on 01/04/2016 because they would not accept any diagnostics from any one else nor pay for tow. i was delayed in efforts because of holiday. please make them accountable.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 lexus rx300. while the vehicle was undergoing regular maintenance, the mechanic noticed metal shaving in the transmission pan. the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 130,000. the vin was not provided.

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

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 lexus rx300. while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the vehicle restarted, but failed to accelerate. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vin was not available. the approximate failure mileage was 140,369. updated 10/22/2014*lj updated 05/19/2015 *js

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 truck, after being turned off for over 12 hours, it was still red lining the engine, and even lurched forward but because the car was in park, it didn't crash into the back of the tow truck. lexus investigated the car and did absolutely nothing. they wouldn't tell me why it happened. i demand an explanation and a replacement vehicle - one that doesn't have a history of having sua problems. i fear for my life everytime i have to drive this vehicle. *tr

Transmission is bad. *tr

I serviced my lexus throughout it's life. now the transmission suddenly locked up. after checking to see if this was a design flaw and if anyone else had the same problem, i found out it is a common problem with this year and model. when i took it to the transmission repair facility they too told me that the transmission was flawed in its engineering design and that no oil was able to reach the vital components and that over time they dried out and became brittle. i think the nhtsa should look into this and make lexus corp. compensate people who "got had" by lexus....this $45k car shouldn't have this happen with this low mileage. *tr

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.

Full transmission failure without any advance symptoms at 103,500 miles. vehicle regularly serviced, including 90k complete service at dealer. *tr

This letter is a follow up to a claim i made regarding my 2000 lexus rx300 and its impending transmission issues. i had requested from lexus some good faith compensation for the replacement of my transmission due to the extenuating nature of the issues surround transmission in rx300 in the model year 1999, 2000 and 2001. soon after i purchased the car i found interesting posting at edumnds.com on the more than average failure of the transmissions. at that time i purchased an extended warranty, since i figured that it was not if the transmission failed but when. true to form and right on schedule the transmission failed at 98,000 miles. i was denied any compensation on my issue and was told that lexus had no knowledge of the problem. background. over 109 complaints have been filed with the national highway safety administration for 1999 rx300s, 108 for model year 2000 (mine) and over 100 for 2001. over 56 pages on edumnds.com contain complaints on this issue. yet i was told by the customer service representative at lexus of america that he in fact knew of no issues regarding transmissions in these vehicles. either he was very nave or not being complete forthright with me if a simple google search produced my results. he claimed that proper servicing of the system would have avoided the issue ' which is also dispelled by other owners. i understand and accept that fact that used vehicles require a certain amount of upkeep and replacement and i accept that premise and plan for those costs. however, i do not believe that i should have to finance a repair that is truly a design flaw in the vehicle and not through any consequence of my simple ownership. i would expect more major repairs on a vehicle of a lesser quality, but not for vehicle that costs $45,000 and boasts 'the pursuit of perfection.' i see this as an integrity issue and that is what's appalling from a company that i have supported since 1989 when i bought my first camry that i sold 12 years later. *tr

2000 rx300 lexus. consumer writes in regards to transmission problems *tgw the consumer stated the vehicle would not shift into gear. the repair shop found metal in the transmission fluid. the consumer was advised the transmission was beyond repair and a rebuilt transmission was installed. *jb

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. *tr

Lexus rx300 4-w-drive [xxx] with 109,715 miles experienced a transaxle failure. transaxle had been flushed at 30,000, 60,000 and 90,000 miles. repair bill was $5233.16 and the reman part was 3552.23 of the total price. this premature failure is accompanied by many premature failures as revealed in the internet talk forums and appears to be a design problem. lexus offered $750 compensation. i question the aluminum gears and revolutions allowed during shift as possible design flaws. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Automatic transmission failure at 84,000 miles. lexus was purchased new and has received all dealer's recommended service at same dealership except the last few, which were performed at another lexus dealership. dealer wants $4,700 to replace transmission with rebuilt transmission. *tr

2000 rx 300 fwd with 95k miles crossing ca hwy1 car started making dragging noises and would not accelerate. does not go into low gears, neutral or reverse. occurs 100% of the time. transmission is dead due to "engineering design flaw" according to the transmission shop rebuilding it for $4000. thanks lexus - i'm never buying lexus or toyota again. *tr

2000 rx300 transmission failure at approximately 121,000 miles ... dealer does not do rebuilds, so quoted for $4100 a new one without any detailed information on what exactly was wrong with it. had it towed to reputable specialist, and was told a rebuild would cost more than a "re-manufacture" ... $3600 + tax for 12 month warranty. got it done, brought it home the 1st day and is leaking transmission fluid so need to bring back for a possible fix or swap. not happy. no other mechanical issues with the car for the 7 years we've owned it. *tr

Lexus rx 300: automatic transmission complaint. my 2000 lexus rx 300 is having transmission issues. sometimes it will not shift into overdrive. i'm a mother of three and use the car primarily to transport children and the family dog to various places--i.e. to school, sporting events, carpooling as well as running various household errands and other family related activities. i have maintained the automobile regularly, do not drive abusively, and have not wrecked the automobile. i understand that many other 1999 & 2000 rx300 owners have experienced similar (or worse) automatic transmission problems. please investigate the lexus rx300 1999 and 2000 models to determine if this is a widespread flaw and worthy of a recall. thank you. *tr

While driving on highway, lost all forward motion. sudden, unexpected transmission failure resulting in car becomming road hazard. replaced transmission. yet another of the hundreds of sudden transmission failures of the lexus rx300.

Automatic transmission failure at 92k miles. while driving at 35mph heard a clunk noise and then chattering from the engine area. was able to get safely to the side of the road. vehicle lost forward and reverse and was towed to the repair shop. new transmission cost $3500. *tr

2000 rx 300 transmission failure at 120k mile *cn

In oct 2009, noticed a slip 2000 rx300 transmissions 30mph. would not slip out of 1st gear so when 5 mph to get home. have rx300 towed to mechanic. transmission failed at 140,000 miles. replaced with rebuilt transmission. *tr

My 2000 lexus rx300 transmission failed and the lexus dealer cost $4,500 fix it. my car was there couple month ago for regular maintenance, they said every thing ok, it had the oil change last week. they said this is the transmission part problem even it had the transmission oil change regularly. *tr

Lexus 2000 rx300 transmission failure. *tr

Dear sir: i am one of those rx300 2000 lexus owners. i have been faithfully taken my lexus to the lexus dealer for every oil change and problem. i recently took my 2000 lexus with 124,000 miles to lexus for my regular oil change.. charging me but failure to tell me that my transmission is having problems. i paid for my service but.... i am out the money plus lexus would like me to pay $4,600 for a new transmission. omg... i think looking at all the problems with transmission lexus should help defray the costs............... thanks *tr

Ignition stuck in acc position. turned off car normally when i tried to start it i was unable to because the ignition was in the acc position instead of the off position. to correct the problem i had to tow my car home and order a new ignition tumbler, and then have it replaced. *tr

Transmission failure in lexus rx300. *tr

2000 awd lexus rx 300.....i love my car , bought it used at 44,000k, 2002 and it has been good except for the transmission, now at 120,000 and everyone ,dealer and local independents want $4200-$4500, says it is the 'planetary gears' it wasn't throwing a checking engine light,nor a code just ever so often it wouldn't go in reverse. one day going down the road it just quits going. i had taken it in to a local toyota/lexus repair shop many times saying it was changing gears right, and dealer, and they had put the tester on it several times, replaced 02sensors , but all along said it wasn't the transmission, it was! this car has been driven but it has been taken care of as well. i feel if it is a "lexus' a toyota gets 300-500,000 on a transmission shouldn't a lexus do even better? *tr

I own a 2000 model lexus rx 300 which was been having all services on time at lexus dealer and at 89k mile my transmission has been broken. i have learned that this a common encountered problem by may rx 300 owner and seems possible related to faulty manufacturing. i have contacted lexus for replacement, however there seems to be a need for a recall on this matter. *tr

My 2000 lexus rx300 started having gear slipping problems 3 days ago. today, the transmission won't go into any gear reverse or forward. after doing research online, it appears that hundred of people have experienced sudden transmission failure on lexus rx models. obviously, both your organization and lexus know of this problem and yet nothing is done about recalling this model with the problem. *tr

2000 rx 300 started having a whining noise when first started to go up hills when cold. transmission then started to slip on way over mountains. i was able to drive to town at slow speed before transmission failed. *tr

My transmission just went out on my 2000 rx 300 with 77k. i have felt it slip several times in the last two yrs as i tried to put it in reverse. now it just left me stranded on the road, fortunately close to my home. i have not had the repair fixed yet as i am not sure if i should go to an independent shop or to the lexus dealership. *tr

Transmission would not shift, would shift when it shouldn't have, when put in gear would do nothing then unexpectedly lurch forward or backward depending on gear selection. lexus dealer replaced transaxle assembly. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 lexus rx300. the contact heard a screeching sound that occurred intermittently when the vehicle was started. the sound would cease several minutes later. the contact believed that the transmission was the cause for the noise. she also noticed that the outer casing for the headlights turned a milky white color, which hinders effective lighting. the vehicle had not been diagnosed and the manufacturer was not notified. the current mileage was approximately 76,900 and failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

The transmission failed in my 2000 lexus rs-300. *tr

I have a 2000 rx300 that broke down as i was accelerating to enter the freeway coming back from a trip 2 hours north of home. was eventually able to go about 25mph back to family's house. aaa towed it then to a mechanic. he took the pan off and said there was a lot of metal. in researching this there are several forums with similar complaints on the rx300. nothing has been done at this point. we're not sure if we can spend $5000 to repair this car that we thought had such great reliability. *tr

I have a 2000 lexus rx300 with 124,000 miles on it. the transmission has failed in the car after normal driving conditions. the maintenance manual does not indicate to change the transmission oil in the car, only to check it. i have been on numerous lexus internet sites which have stated the same problem has occurred to them with the same model and year lexus. *tr

Was driving down the interstate with my son in the seat. the car stopped going. almost got smashed by an 18 wheeler. got it towed home and found out i need a new transmission! *tr

I have a well kept 2000 rx300 - transmission went completely out. it was on the interstate heading out of town for christmas. it is a one owner car. what recourse do i have. i paid $4000+ to get it replaced. not including towing 150 miles and rental car. *tr

The transsmision on my luxus rx 300 failed with 120,000 miles. luxus wanted to pay 25 % of the bill.($4300). i told them tha t a luxus car should not fail with that low mileage. *tr

My 2000 lexus rx300 transmission failed on the highway. the car has only 93,000 miles the transmission had to be replaced yesterday. this is the 2nd transmission replacement on this vehicle. the first transmission failed at approx. 55,000 miles and was replaced under the warranty. this transmission replacement i paid $1,700 for the labor and dealer gave me the part. *tr

The transmission failed on my 2000 lexus rx 300 after less than 9 years and 106,000 miles. looking online i see that this is a serious problem with this make and model year. lexus is replacing the transmission at a cost of $4000. *tr

Bought this 2000 rx 300 5 months ago transmission is burned out approximate cost is $5,000.00. *tr

Bad lexus rx300 transmission. *tr

Bought the car used at 145,000 mi. noticed the car was not shifting into overdrive at about 160,000 mis. took car the toyota dealer for repair. after $200 of diagnostics and 3 days they determined the transmission was bad. the car will sometimes go into overdrive and sometime it will not causing the engine to rev to 4000 to 5000 rpm at highway speeds. this is unacceptable performance. i have read how transmission problems on these cars can cause unsafe driving conditions and now i don't know whether i can trust the safety of drivers and passengers in this car on the highway. *tr

2008 transmission failed at 100,600, replaced and again failed in 2011 at 131,000, failed at 134,000, now being told the ecm computer is causing the hard shifting at 2nd to 3rd upshift. was told the same tranny is in the recalled rav4. *tr