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Engine & cooling

Lexus RX Engine problems by year

5 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Lexus RX's engine & cooling. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Engine complaints by model year

YearEngine complaintsCrashesInjuriesRecalls
20011000
20001000
19993000

Latest RX engine complaints

1999 Lexus RXTransmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

When driving my lexus rx 300 1999 it feels very forced and when on the express way the rpm goes up to 5 when im driving 60mph and when I come to a complete stop and its time to go my car stalls as if it was in neutral very scary when I have my newborn and a 7 year old in the car. I have maintained my car to the upmost standards from the best gas synthetic oil changes constantly checking everything is in good conditions . For a lexus I am very upset because my mechanic has said its the transmission and that I will...

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have to replace it which costs 4-5,000 dollars and I mean is a 15 year old car worth putting 5 grand into it? I expected this car to last me a little bit longer I mean from what I was told this car should go to almost 300,000 but its obviously not. I am very disappointed that a lexus would have this common problem from what I've seen and read. *Js

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 10592406
2001 Lexus RXTransmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

I was just getting off the highway and my car stopped moving. My transmission totally went out with no warning. If this would have happened moments sooner I could have been in a terrible accident as I was going 60 mph. I tried to contact lexus, but they will not admit to this problem or help repair it or recall it. They say that it isn't a know issue but it is and several people have tried to get help with it and lexus will say no. Be careful, it will happen with no warning. *Tr

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 10511088
1999 Lexus RXEngine & cooling

Lexus rx 300 engine died at 90k with no warning. Was stranded on dark highway. Paid 4k to replace engine. Very disappointing for such expensive car. *Nm

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10181741
2000 Lexus RXEngine & coolingTransmission & drivetrain

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...

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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

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Power trainNHTSA 10177916

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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