2000 Lexus RX: problems, recalls and reliability

“Complete transmission failure. After driving on expressway parked car in driveway at home. 20 min. Later tried to put car in garage and it would not move. Had it towed to shop on car carrier and found broken gears in transmission. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2007

“My 2000 lexus rx300 transmission does not shift to higher gear. I purchased and used the car in usa until 09/2004 and then shipped it to bahrain. It is still in bahrain. How to get it fixed with no cost? Since it is manufacturer failure. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2007

“Driving on the freeway my car ceased forward engagement. I was almost rear ended however, I was successful in maneuvering off the freeway. I was stranded out of town for several hours. After having towed to a lexus dealership in sacramento for an assessment it was determined that the transmission malfunctioned and advised the cost would be approximately $4,400. I contacted the lexus corporation because no transmission should fail only having 89,000 miles and 7 years of age with regular maintenance. I also found out that the lexus 1999 & 2000 rx300 models have a known transmission defect but no recall, why? *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2007

“Lexus rx300 transmission failed on major highway at 86000 miles. Internet search and phone calls to independent mechanics reveal many similar incidents and that this is a common problem lexus is aware of. Car was 8 days passed a 3 year extended warranty provided at purchase, currently lexus will replace at about the cost that an independent will rebuild”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2007

“Tl*the contact owns a 2000 lexus rx300. While driving under 20 mph, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle did not lose power, but it failed to move. When the contact placed the gear in drive or reverse, the engine would rev but the vehicle would not move. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and they stated that the failure was uncommon and that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle remains at the dealer. The failure and current mileages were 76,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2007

“I have a 2000 lexus rx 300 with 103,000 miles. While driving it suddenly lurched, would not go and lurched again. The transmission failed suddenly. It "froze" meaning would not shift, the car would not move etc. I have never had any other problems with this car. I have owned it for more than 3 years. When I bought it, it had 33,000 miles. It has been fully and regularly serviced according to the manual. The car now is in the transmission shop having the transmission replaced. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2007

“2000 lexus rx300. The transmission went out unexpectedly at 126,000 miles. I have several other vehicles (maxima 292,000+ miles, silverado 1500 p/u 120,000+ miles and honda accord 240,000+ miles ) and none of the what is supposed to be inferior cars have had any sort of transmission problems. But a lexus , which is supposed to mean quality, goes out at only 126,000. According to recent research on the lexusclubowners.com forum it appears that the rx300's and the 330's are plagued with transmission problems that should be addressed by the lexus corporation. *jb”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2007