The contact owns a 2003 Lexus RX300. The contact stated that the HVAC system was inoperable. Additionally, the VSC and check engine warning lights were illuminated while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed at an AutoZone with a catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
Engine & cooling
2003 Lexus RX300 Engine problems
Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2003 Lexus RX300's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 17% of all its complaints, most recently on March 7, 2022. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 0
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Engine complaints
2003 Lexus rx300 vehicle stalled. Replace idle air control valve twice**cw** the consumer also referenced a toyota highlander that had the same stalling issue. *Jb
This complaint is almost identical to others I have found and is very serious. Purchased 2003 lexus rx300 from a toyota dealership; approximately 57000 miles now, about 56000 at purchase. Car checked by dealership, ok. No hard driving. After first distance trip (st. Louis to kc) check oil light and check engine light came on. Towed to lexus dealer who knew right where to look. Found gelled sludge all through and said it was misuse. Complete lie. Said engine must be replaced. No help so far from lexus. Expect to see if this is hidden defect in engine, since I have found numerous other complaints on the internet that read almost exactly the same.
While traveling out to denver from omaha, received low oil pressure light on my 2003 lexus rx300. Pulled over immediately, had car towed to lexus dealership. They immediately knew what to look for and say..The car has been misused, (no oil changes) and oil gelling was result. Within minutes they said the engine was shot and would require new engine. They showed me the sludge which was only found on one cylinder head, by the oil return line. Quantity was about one handful and as stated, only near the return line,...
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remainder of head clean. I had changed oil night before trip. They will not honor power train warranty, since I cannot prove oil was changed every 7500 miles. Car has 50,000, and I purchased car from individual who stated he always maintained car but cannot prove with receipts. Called customer satisfaction line who said unless I prove the original owner had oil changed they would not honor. Dealership had stated today that only one head is damaged, the other is fine. Short block will require replacement as well. If it was an oil change issue wouldn't the sludge be in both heads and why was the sludge only found in one small section of head, by oil return line. If this were a lack of maintenance, sludge should be everywhere (both heads) not just one area...Lexus stated it is my fault and they do not have a design issue with this v-6 although I have never seen oil gel like this...Regardless of maintenance history. Lexus reputation is big joke if their engines can't make it 50,000 miles. *Nm
While driving 45mph car cut off, causing loss of power steering.*Ak
Lexus RX300 engine complaints by year
RX300 engine problems, every yearSource: 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