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Electrical system

Lexus RX300 Electrical problems by year

27 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Lexus RX300's electrical system. Dead batteries, warning lights, wiring, alternators, infotainment and electronic module failures.

Electrical complaints by model year

YearElectrical complaintsCrashesInjuriesRecalls
20033100
20025000
20014000
20007000
19998000

Latest RX300 electrical complaints

2002 Lexus RX300Electrical system

Windows and sunroof opened on their own!!! The doors were locked and no one was in the car. Car was parked and left overnight locked and empty.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11092486
2003 Lexus RX300Electrical systemDriver assistanceBrakes

I own a 2003 lexus rx300. After I had came from a completed stop while depressed on the accelerator pedal, the brakes began to lock with the abs brake light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who stated the av pump failed or that it maybe something with the electronic control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturers were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 320,000.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Electronic stability control (ESC) · Service brakesNHTSA 10935552
1999 Lexus RX300Electrical systemEngine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 lexus rx300. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start without the diagnostic code reader. If the diagnostic code reader was removed from the vehicle, the vehicle would shut off. The check engine light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who stated that several different failure codes appeared for the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired several times for several codes; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware, but was not familiar with the failure and did not offer a repair. The approximate failure mileage was 230,000.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 10850076
1999 Lexus RX300Electrical systemBody, doors & structureEngine & coolingFire

On january 17th, 2016, I took my '99 lexus rx300 to church, parked the car, and joined the sunday service. An hour after parking the vehicle (during which time it was not running or in use), I was told that there was smoke coming from it and went outside. Within minutes, the front end was bursting in flames. The fire destroyed the entire front portion of the car, including the engine, transmission, tires, and dashboard. I don't know what could have been the cause; it was seemingly random.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Structure · EngineNHTSA 10821349
2002 Lexus RX300Electrical system

The check engine light and asc light came on and now are constantly on

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10721153
2000 Lexus RX300Electrical system

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...

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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

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10513987
2003 Lexus RX300Electrical systemFuel system

I called my local lexus three times prior to june, 2012 regarding lights suddenly illuminating on the dashboard. I had a recurring issue where the check engine and vsc warning lights would illuminate. Each time the customer service agent told me that the lights would go off when I refueled. Three times the lights did go off (after several days), but once I had to have the dealer reset them. The most recent occurrence resulted in the dealer telling me I needed the air fuel and air flow sensors replaced, a repair...

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which cost over $750.00. As an aside, every time I called to inquire about the lights being illuminated my car was under warranty and no repairs were suggested. After the warranty expired I was then advised that the sensors needed to be replaced. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical system · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10472551
2000 Lexus RX300Electrical system

I purchased my vehicle (2000 lexus rx 300) in 2004 with less than 35,000 and every year since 2007 I have had issues with lighting. I have had the park light, brake light, center stop lamp; center brake light socket and bulbs all replaced. The unfortunate issue is that the lights have to be replaced every year sometimes twice a year because they continue to malfunction. I always take my vehicle to the lexus of orlando dealership for testing, service and repair but they obviously never completely fix this issue. The...

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most recent repair was replacement of th center brake light socket and bulb and reset on 4/14/2011 and in august 2011 on my way to the airport, an accident almost accrued due to my brake lights failing to come while making a stop on a major highway intersection. I believe the problem is electrical, lexus mechanic states the issue started with an untraceable problem in which the rear tail brake light stopped working and later on the park light and other lights thereafter. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10433977
1999 Lexus RX300SuspensionTransmission & drivetrainElectrical system

I purchased used 1999 lexus rx300 in 2008 and so far I've had to replace the transmission due to unexpected catastrophic failure, both air ratio sensors, both knock sensors, oxygen sensor, front strut mounts, and now possibly have to change the transmission again (not shifting correctly). I was not aware that the 1999 to 2001 rx300s were so problematic. Since this is my only vehicle and I am still making payments on it, I am stuck footing the bill for all these repairs. Which from what I have researched are...

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attributed to bad engineering. I am constantly having to repair a vehicle which is supposedly known for quality. The problems that I've mentioned are just the major repairs. I have other minor issues such as rear power window must remain locked or it opens on it's own, dashboard lights do not illuminate,and power roof gets stuck open intermittently. *Tr

Filed Incident Suspension · Power train · Electrical systemNHTSA 10412327
2000 Lexus RX300Electrical system

The moon roof motor has two functions, tilting open and sliding the entire glass panel open. When I attempted to use the slide panel open function, the panel did slide open, however it was much slower than normal operation and was accompanied by a grinding/clicking noise which never accompanied previous operation. An attempt to close the roof panel yielded an identical result. I then attempted to operate the tilt feature of the roof, which was also slow and accompanied by the previously mentioned noises. Attempting...

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to close the roof resulted in no movement of the roof panel and a grating sound from the electric motor. Activating the switch while subsequently pushing down on the roof panel caused it to return to the closed position. I am now unable to open the roof due to fear of it being stuck in the open position and a subsequent accident in which the roof of the vehicle will bow and cause severe injury to passengers because the vehicle has posted warnings in the passenger compartment of its higher propensity to rollover in accidents or high speed maneuvers than average vehicles.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10394537
2000 Lexus RX300Electrical systemBody, doors & structure

I am able to remove the keys from the ignition when the car is not in park and turned off. I have had the car begin rolling while I have already left the car and have had to rush to get back in and press the brake pedal. I am worried this will happen and hurt someone or cause damage. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical system · Latches / locks / linkagesNHTSA 10348300
2001 Lexus RX300BrakesElectrical systemAcceleration & cruise control

I was driving a lexus rx 300 and had exited the freeway. I pressed the brake lightly to decrease my speed but instead, the car unexpectedly accelerated. I then stepped on the brake fully but the car continued to accelerate by itself. I tried to slow the car by shifting the gears...Tried neutral, l1, l2, and even reverse but failed to slow down. I was going at high speeds, unable to stop, and very scared as I was on a street with many lights. After passing through a red light, I turned the car into the curb and...

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dragged the wheels against the curb until the car came to a stop. I was very fortunate not to hit another car or people through two intersections. This occurrence happened at 3:55pm, may 12, 2010. The vehicle was towed to the nearest lexus dealership for inspection and at this time, it is still under evaluation. This is the first time this car has demonstrated any unintended acceleration or failure of brakes to stop acceleration. *Tr

Filed Incident Parking brake · Electrical system · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10330300
2001 Lexus RX300Engine & coolingElectrical system

2001 Lexus 300rx with the possibility of sludge in the motor from oil. Also consumer states that the battery will die if the vehicle is not used for a week or more. *Kb

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Electrical systemNHTSA 10323088

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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