2001 Lexus RX Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 74%of 19 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Lexus RX, 74% of the 19 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I bought a car from a private party/dealer only to find out that repairs needed are more than cars worth, then I checked car fax to find out that mileage had been turned back a lot.. This person lists 3-4 cars for sale a week and I can't find any one that wants to help. I know I am stuck with car unfortunately it was for my handicapped son that started college recently and used all his savings for car. I found that this person goes under several names and only location I have is where I bought the car. His home address is unknown at this time. …”
NHTSA complaint #11297334, filed 2020-01, 102,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10511088, filed 2013-05, 140,000 miles“Parked the car at a parking lot for 5 minutes, came back and the car won't go in reverse, checked fluid level, it was fine.. Car would go forward, but not backwards.. Tried pushing the car while in neutral so I can drive home, all 4 wheels were locked, I thought I don't have enough strength to push so I had 2 more people push with me, but the car won't budge. Even tried pushing the car while running and in neutral as well as not running and in neutral and all other gear selections, but to no avail. Even the tow truck guy had to use soapy water to slide the car up the flat bed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10188238, filed 2007-04, 67,000 miles“Transmission failed, symptoms were that it would not back up. Transmission locked and the car had to be dragged, wheels not turning onto a tow truck flat bed. Car had 90,000 service including change of transmission fluid and check less than 6,000 miles ago. It had also had its 60,000 service and all important services as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10193980, filed 2007-06, 101,000 miles“Hesitant shifting was noticed infrequently for a day or two. Then upon startup was unable to shift into reverse until accelerator was depressed very far. At that point transmission jarred into reverse and began backing, then tried to shift back into drive and upon driving forward a loud grinding was heard. Dealer investigated and says it will need full replacement of the transmission for $5500.”
NHTSA complaint #10202514, filed 2007-09, 89,000 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 | 5% |
| 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 2001 Lexus RX
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsForward collision avoidance
1 complaintsLane departure
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Lexus RX
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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