2000 Lexus RX Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 86%of 29 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2000 Lexus RX, 86% of the 29 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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!”
NHTSA complaint #11323985, filed 2020-05, 180,000 miles“2000 Lexus rx300 with 85k miles -- transmission failed while driving. Car acted like it was in neutral. Dealer has said it needs a completely new transmission. I have since found many, many similar stories on various web sites. If this had happened at highway speeds and in traffic I am sure there would have been an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10165187, filed 2006-08, 85,199 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10177916, filed 2007-01, 116,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10210637, filed 2007-12, 163,400 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10200783, filed 2007-08, 103,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10179697Aug 5, 2020TSB: 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…
- 10179601Aug 5, 2020TSB: 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…
- 10205346Oct 16, 2014Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 17% |
| 2025 | 1 | 4% |
| 2024 | 5 | 8% |
| 2023 | 13 | 21% |
| 2022 | 4 | 14% |
| 2020 | 1 | 2% |
| 2019 | 2 | 6% |
| 2017 | 1 | 2% |
| 2016 | 4 | 14% |
| 2015 | 3 | 15% |
| 2014 | 1 | 8% |
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 8% |
| 2011 | 1 | 3% |
| 2010 | 3 | 4% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 5 | 7% |
| 2007 | 3 | 5% |
| 2006 | 2 | 6% |
| 2005 | 3 | 11% |
| 2004 | 5 | 13% |
| 2002 | 5 | 42% |
| 2001 | 14 | 74% |
| 2000 | 25 | 86% |
| 1999 | 29 | 83% |
Other parts of the 2000 Lexus RX
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 Lexus RX
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology