2000 Lexus RX
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2000 Lexus RX. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
29 complaints1 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
Vehicle stalls when giving it gas then lunges forward all at once ….brake light is on
- Air bags
On 7/26/2022 approx 8:00 am I was driving on brighton clopton rd when this flat bed wrecker was backing out on highway and I was looking down to make sure my speedometer was at 30 mph all of a sudden I crashed into this bed of the wrecker, (not one) airbag deployed my knees, shins, chest bones…
On 7/26/2022 approx 8:00 am I was driving on brighton clopton rd when this flat bed wrecker was backing out on highway and I was looking down to make sure my speedometer was at 30 mph all of a sudden I crashed into this bed of the wrecker, (not one) airbag deployed my knees, shins, chest bones , hurt like crazy , head, I was taken to hospital for evaluation, I attach some pictures from my crash , the officer had me to move out of drivers seat just in case the airbags did finally go off. Why not they didn't imployed ? Air bags did not go off .... Why ????????????
- Power train
2000 rx300 do not shift into the 3 gear while driving, the transmission shifts from 1 &2 but not 3. The engine speed IS high and doesn't shift. We haven't driven it since, trying to find out what to do next with this vehicle. I have a friend that have the same make & model and he's had the same problems also! *tr
- Power train
Transmission failed at 98,000 miles. Seems to happen to everyone with this car. *tt
- Power train
Transmission failure. *tr
- Power train
Transmission started making a whining sound at certain speeds about a year and a half earlier. toyota dealer confirmed odd noise from transmission, but said there was nothing they could do apart from removing transmission. I was in a nearby state when the tranny finally went out - 1ST gear still…
Transmission started making a whining sound at certain speeds about a year and a half earlier. toyota dealer confirmed odd noise from transmission, but said there was nothing they could do apart from removing transmission. I was in a nearby state when the tranny finally went out - 1ST gear still works and sometimes 2ND gear, but 3RD, 4TH and reverse all went out when I was accelerating onto the highway - a loud bang and then it revved up like it was in neutral even though it was in drive. I'm concerned this was a design flaw, but lexus does not agree and has offered no compensation up to this point. they said if I want to take it further I need the toyota dealer to confirm the tranny IS out. I said that would not be difficult and am in the process of doing that now. I am curious how some people have gotten lexus to pay a portion of their bill. I ended up renting a uhaul and trailer to get it home. *tr
- Power train
While driving car lost power would not go forward. Never gave me any warning no check engine light nothing! Made it home at 5 mph. Transmission went out with no warning! $3600 to fix at aamco, seems like they see this problem often in the rx300 models 1999-2003 mine IS a 2000. Called lexus but offered no help! very unhappy lexus owner. *tr
- Exterior lighting
At 90,000 miles my day time running lights have stopped working . this car was purchased new in dec 2000 . *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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…
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Automatic transmission failure on 2000 lexus rx300. *Jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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…
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.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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…
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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…
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I have a transmission failure in a 2000 lexus RX 300. The total cost of the repair IS estimated to be in excess of $3K. the specialist that estimated the repair cost told me it IS a nation wide "epic" problem, (his words), and that he could not even guarantee the repair because of the high rate of repeat failure. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 lexus rx300. the contact stated that the vehicle stalled and could not drive in reverse. when driving forward at 32 mph the vehicle stalled again. the motor was running but the vehicle was immobile. the vehicle was towed to the mechanic , who diagnosed the failure as the transmission. the current mileage IS 76,500 ,and failure mileage was 75,500.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
TL* the contact owns a 2000 lexus rx300. while sitting at a stop light the driver smelled smoke. the smoke was present in the transmission , and there was a loss of transmission fluid. the mechanic diagnosed the vehicle as needing a new transmission. the vehicle was in the process of being repaired. the current and failure mileage were 101,000. *Ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I have a lexus rx300. It IS a 2000 with 58,000 miles. The transmission went out and lexus refuses to fix it under warranty (claiming its 6 year or 70,000 miles). Now that I am doing research, it appears that this IS a major problem with the rx300. It appears they have faulty transmissions. I am…
I have a lexus rx300. It IS a 2000 with 58,000 miles. The transmission went out and lexus refuses to fix it under warranty (claiming its 6 year or 70,000 miles). Now that I am doing research, it appears that this IS a major problem with the rx300. It appears they have faulty transmissions. I am hoping you can help. The forums seem to indicate that if we file reports, hopefully there will be a recall or some sort of legal claim. The lexus of santa monica want to charge me $4,800, they offered a 10% discount. *Jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
My 2000 lexus rx300 transmission failed at 96,000 miles. I was in heavy traffic and was able to use gravity to drift off to the side of the road. I waited 2.5 hours for a tow truck. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
2000 model lexus rx300 with 75000 miles. Transmission went out after spending a week in a cold (never abover freezing) parking lot. Lexus dealer IS claiming that the fluid needed to be replaced every 20K miles, although the user manual clearly states that under normal usage the transmission fluid…
2000 model lexus rx300 with 75000 miles. Transmission went out after spending a week in a cold (never abover freezing) parking lot. Lexus dealer IS claiming that the fluid needed to be replaced every 20K miles, although the user manual clearly states that under normal usage the transmission fluid does not need to be replaced. The transmission went out while driving, and no forward or reverse engagment was possible. Lexus IS quoting 5200 for a complete rebuilt (not even new) transmission. I have owned many cars and this IS the first transmission problem I have ever had, and with many fewer miles than my other cars.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
2000 rx300 with 111000 miles. oil changes were conducted at every 1500 miles and every major service was done as recommended. transmission completely died on the highway with no warning signs. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Failed transmission 2000 rx300 lexus miles 72000 I was told that this was the first of its kind at victory toyota seaside ca and the mechanics had never seen this before I was perusing regular maintenance schedules for the rx300 and found roughly 20 some failed transmissions listed on the 1999 and…
Failed transmission 2000 rx300 lexus miles 72000 I was told that this was the first of its kind at victory toyota seaside ca and the mechanics had never seen this before I was perusing regular maintenance schedules for the rx300 and found roughly 20 some failed transmissions listed on the 1999 and 2000 models. toyota IS not taking responsibility for this crappy design but it was mentioned that the next year the design was improved!! We also paid 7000$ for the job and other folks paid on the order of 4000.*jb
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train › Automatic transmission
After $3000+ in repairs for the main seals leaking, the rear seals leaking, timing belt replacement, and all other belts replaced, my check engine light appeared, and I brought it to the dealership. They later informed me that my engine IS being replaced. They made no mention of the class action…
After $3000+ in repairs for the main seals leaking, the rear seals leaking, timing belt replacement, and all other belts replaced, my check engine light appeared, and I brought it to the dealership. They later informed me that my engine IS being replaced. They made no mention of the class action lawsuit, due to engine sludge build-up, that prompted the replacement, but I soon received a letter regarding it, and all the lexus and toyota models affected. I complained about the $3000 charge, but got no satisfaction from the dealership, but only the explanation, "we had no way of knowing that the engine was going to develop 'sludge'." now, with less than 1000 miles on the new engine my check engine light comes on again, the car IS making awful noises under the dash like a speaker IS blown, and the transmission seems to not ever get into first gear. I took the car back to the dealership in austin, tx., and they inform me that I need a $5000 transmission and fuse box. A fuse box. Excellent. I am hoping for a recall or another class action lawsuit after researching the problem on-line, and seeing the multitudes of people complaining of rx300 transmissions failing at relatively low mileage. *jb
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11003648The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. While Lexus paint quality, durability, and resistance to environmental factors is continuously being improved, it remains the responsibility of the dealer to protect and maintain the vehicles paint finish from the time of arrival at the dealership until retail delivery to the customer. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. BO029-91. The entire bulletin has been updated. Service Bulletin No. BO029-91 is obsolete
- 11003643Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. While the quality and durability of paint on Lexus vehicles is continuously being improved, it remains the dealers responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicles paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.
- 11003642Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-PG004-94. The entire bulletin has been updated.
- 11003641Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.
- 11003593The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. While Lexus paint quality, durability, and resistance to environmental factors is continuously being improved, it remains the responsibility of the dealer to protect and maintain the vehicles paint finish from the time of arrival at the dealership until retail delivery to the customer. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. BO029-91. The entire bulletin has been updated. Service Bulletin No. BO029-91 is obsolete
- 11003588Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. While the quality and durability of paint on Lexus vehicles is continuously being improved, it remains the dealers responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicles paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.
- 11003587Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-PG004-94. The entire bulletin has been updated.
- 11003586Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.
- 10214355Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
- 10207945POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Lexus.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.
- 10205383Spots in Window Glass - vehicle exterior
- 10205352Windshield Wiper Blade Maintenance and cleaning
- 10205346Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
- 10205331Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset
- 10205329Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset.
- 10179697TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? should be repaired accordingly and will be covered under warranty if applicable. Cases that are determined to be a ?seep? should be documented on the repair order and inspected at the next service interval. Follow the Repair Information in this bulletin to determine if the concern in question is a fluid leak or fluid seep and review the Repair Procedure section to address this condition.
- 10179601TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? should be repaired accordingly and will be covered under warranty if applicable. Cases that are determined to be a ?seep? should be documented on the repair order and inspected at the next service interval. Follow the Repair Information in this bulletin to determine if the concern in question is a fluid leak or fluid seep and review the Repair Procedure section to address this condition.
- 10176283Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
- 10174889TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
- 10174888TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, PG002-90, L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003 93, and PG002-90. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1990 ? 2020 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
- 10172820TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? should be repaired accordingly and will be covered under warranty if applicable. Cases that are determined to be a ?seep? should be documented on the repair order and inspected at the next service interval. Follow the Repair Information in this bulletin to determine if the concern in question is a fluid leak or fluid seep and review the Repair Procedure section to address the condition.
- 10133657TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, and PG002-90. Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, and PG002-90 are obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. Vehicle replacement certification labels (vinyl label installed on driver door or door post) and VIN lates (metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Lexus, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
- 10133651TSB: REVISION NOTICE November 22, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2014 ? 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. In the event that a Lexus vehicle becomes submerged in water, many components may be physically damaged. Electrical and electronic components, including wiring harnesses, are particularly susceptible to corrosion and subsequent malfunction. Although any flooding can be damaging, salt water flooding elevates the potential for abnormal conditions and may increase risks due to its highly corrosive and conductive nature. Salt residue also continues to corrode and remain conductive even after a vehicle dries. This bulletin is intended to assist with safe handling and inspection of flood damaged vehicles and to provide basic guidance on likely needed repairs.
- 10132074Beginning in 1998, Lexus introduced side airbags as optional equipment. Lexus does NOT recommend replacement of original seat covers with non-Lexus leather or other seat cover materials on vehicles due to the following: Seat covers NOT recommended by Lexus may affect side airbag performance, in general or in part, during an accident. Modifications that negatively affect side airbag performance can result in severe occupant injuries. Seat covers are an integral part of this safety system. Replacing fabric seat covers with non-Lexus leather or other seat cover materials may compromise the effectiveness of this safety system. The design of the seat is complex, integrating safety and strength with comfort and luxury. Lexus strongly discourages modifying original equipment seats that have optional side airbags. Additionally, Lexus strongly advises against the installation or use of aftermarket seat covers, which could impair the performance of the side airbags in the event of an accident.
Every Lexus RX model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.