- The problem
- Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on july 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Vehicle safety record
2000 Lexus RX300 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 216 complaints about the 2000 Lexus RX300 with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (138) and the engine & cooling (26). Those complaints describe 16 crashes and 15 injuries. It is covered by 5 recalls, the latest in May 2009 for the headlights. For comparison, the 1999 has 221 and the 2001 has 176.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical RX300 year, for its age
#47 most complained-about 2000 vehicle
- Complaints
- 216
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes
- 16
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 15
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2000 Lexus RX300 problems
Share of all 216 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2000 Lexus RX300 recalls 5
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." These lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
- The problem
- Polymer process development is recalling 931 units of back glass, p/no. Fb20415zpy, sold as replacement equipment for use on 1999-2004 lexus rx300 vehicles. The glass fails to conform to the automotive glazing material requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 205, Glazing materials.
- The risk
- The purpose of this standard is to reduce injuries resulting from impact to glazing surfaces.
- The fix
- Polymer will notify owners and replace the affected glass free of charge. The recall began on april 18, 2008. Owners may contact polymer toll-free at 800-510-9879.
- The problem
- Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
- The fix
- Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on july 1, 2006. Owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
- The problem
- Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
- The fix
- Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on april 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
What owners say
Be the first RX300 owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
216 complaints about the 2000 Lexus RX300
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 9.
Transmission failed due to bad design. Many others have same failures. Need recall.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 lexus rx300. The contact stated that the headlights had a lot of condensation. The contact stated that the failure provided minimum visibility. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the headlight covers failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
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,...
Read the full complaint
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
BAD TRANSMISSION
The transmission on my rx300 just gave out. It was regularly maintained - the fluid levels were checked and had a major overhaul on it before I gave it to my daughter who goes to school in houston, where the incident happened. She only uses it for local commute - not long distance driving. The intent was to give her a dependable vehicle! It I have about 149000 miles on it. The replacement cost is enormous - more than the vehicle is worth. I demand better quality for a luxury vehicle. Obviously it is a defective product that should have been recalled. I now see numerous transmission problems reported on this vehicle. Why are we allowing such lemons on our streets!
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
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...
Read the full complaint
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.
Shifter lever moves freely (and loosely) but doesn't shift the transmission into any gear. This happened in a publix parking lot after backing out of a parking space and attempting to put the vehicle into drive. Aaa was called and the rx300 had to be loaded onto a flat bed and brought to a service center.
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.
Transmission stop working when I was driving at 40 miles for hour no drive or reverse, I turn off the engine and on again , work for few miles and had same problem . I call a tow truck. I try again at home and now transmission doesn't work and I see smoke from the transmission dipstick coming out. I check online and many people had the same problems with the lexus rx 300. *Tr
Incident because of sudden unintended acceleration when my foot on the brake. *Tr
TRANSMISSION IS BAD. *TR
While driving, the car jerks and then cuts off. This has happened at least half a dozen times within the last 2 months. Engine light is constantly on, even after servicing the car at local lexus dealer. When car is parked, I noticed exhaust fume smells heavily with gas. *Tr
Steering locked while vehicle was in motion. Turning right, my vehicle steering wheel locked while in motion and would not allow me to straighten out. This almost caused me to drive off the road, but thankfully slamming on the brakes, I stopped before doing so. Upon reading reviews, other lexus rx-300 drivers have had this same occurrence. This malfunction could cause major injury or death. I am requesting the nhtsa immediately conduct a review of these vehicles and force lexus to perform a mandatory recall before more people are injured or killed. *Tr
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
With little/no warning, automatic transmission (2wd) failed. All gears (p,r,n,d,2,1) worked like neutral gear. If this would've occurred a few minutes earlier, my children and I (located at a sharp turn over a steep hill) could've been seriously injured or killed. Apparently, this is a common problem in lexus rx300's from year 1999-2002. How many early transmission failures does it take to have a recall? *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 lexus rx300. The contact stated that while traveling 60 mph, the vehicle crashed head on into another vehicle and the rear passenger side seat belt failed to secure the passenger. As a result, the passenger sustained a broken leg, broken wrist and needed to undergo surgery. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileage was 120,000.
After first having to replace my transmission at 75,000 miles. It seems I will have to pay to do it again at 186,000. The problem started out with the vehicle having trouble climbing a hill. I changed the transmission oil and two weeks later the vehicle move about three feet from a parking stall made a loud noise jerked to a stop and would not move. I was able to put it into drive and repark the car. It will not reverse and had to be towed to a mechanic. *Tr
2000 Lexus rx 300. Consumer writes in regards to exterior lighting recall notice which seemed to be very deceptive. *Smd
Purchased car from guy and found out two days later paper work in the glove box that contained a carfax showing an odometer rollback. 2009 It had 155,000 and in 2012 it has 110,000. Due to mileage discrepancy we tried to sell on local site but when explained the mileage situation never heard back from potential buyer. Ended up trading it in and taking a loss- we paid 4500.00 And because the mileage is "unknown" we could only get 2,250 for the trade in, plus paying the taxes on this. I truly do not understand why...
Read the full complaint
it is not required on all vehicles regardless of age to disclose the mileage. If this would happen, maybe this odometer rollback wouldn't happen as often and if it did, you could actually prove who did it. I can't prove he did it, but I'm sure he knew about it before selling considering he had a carfax in a lexus folder with a letter from dealer in ca looking to replenish their used inventory & the carfax in the glove box was printed on the same day it shows on the carfax the car was at that dealer. He insist he knew nothing about this, but why would you have a folder in the glove box that has this letter, and why would the dealer need to run a carfax to fix his "key" as they state he did. I didn't realize this was an issue until it happened and I was "googling" how to report it. I was concerned about previous accidents, fluid levels, driving it to make sure it didn't overheat and all of that- I never thought of the odometer being tampered with. Also, if you do a search with the vin using only the state registration site- everything checks out fine because the mileage is not reported over 100,000, it's "exempt"- this is crazy- why would they even have sites that use this method for consumers if the information is not available for the vehicle when it's registered? *Tr
On 11/03/12 I put the transmission shifter into reverse and backed out of a driveway into the street. I then moved the shifter from "r", past "n" into "d" to move forward, but there was no engagement into any gear. The shifter just moved forwards and backwards with no resistance. There was previous no indication of any problem. The engine was still running. I didn't want to be hit by another vehicle, so I got out of the lexus and pushed it back into the driveway and turned off the engine. On 11/5/13 I...
Read the full complaint
disassembled the dash and shifting console and found that the shift cable was no longer attached to the shifting lever. There were pieces of some kind of plastic retainer broken around the cable termination "loop" and lying on the floor. I still have the broken parts. On 11/5/12 I called lexus corporate office at 800-255-3987. I explained that I could have been seriously injured (or worse). I wanted this fixed, or at least the part that holds the cable onto the shifter. They said I needed to have a "repair order #" to proceed. I was able to drive to lexus of palm beach by holding the cable on the shifter when I needed to shift. Their service manager inspected, took pictures, and provided #7200550. I then called corporate back with that #. I received a 11/20/2012 letter from lexus corporate. They would not provide any parts/repairs based on warranty expiration. On 1/13 I finally had time to effect a d.I.Y repair. I made a nylon sleeve for inside the cable "loop" and used a common e-clip to retain the loop onto the shifter lever rod. Please see pictures at http://sdrv.Ms/10o9rfn for damage and corrective action . Have accidents/deaths already occurred due to this? How many needless $6000 transmission rebuilds has lexus got out of this? This repair can be done in under 30 minutes for about $2 in parts. Please keep others from avoidable harm. *Tr
Lexus RX300: every year compared
All RX300 years2000 Lexus RX300 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 Lexus RX300 | 216 | 5 | C | |
| 2000 Lexus ES300 | 63 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 2000 Lexus GS300 | 35 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 2000 Lexus RX | 29 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 2000 Lexus LX470 | 17 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 2000 Lexus LS400 | 12 | 1 | B | Compare |
| 2000 Lexus GS400 | 8 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 2000 Lexus LX | 6 | 0 | A | Compare |
| 2000 Lexus LX450 | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2000 Lexus RX300
Does the 2000 Lexus RX300 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2000 Lexus RX300: headlights (May 2009); exterior lighting (April 2009); glass, side / rear (March 2008); exterior lighting (May 2006) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Lexus RX300?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (138), engine & cooling (26), acceleration & cruise control (14).
How many complaints has the 2000 Lexus RX300 had?
216 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 21, 1999 and the latest on October 6, 2018. Of these, 16 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 15 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2000 Lexus RX300 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 40 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Lexus RX300 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Lexus RX300 years have the most complaints?
1999 (221), 2000 (216), 2001 (176). See every Lexus RX300 year compared.
What should I do if my 2000 Lexus RX300 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data