2002 Lexus RX Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 42%of 12 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Lexus RX, 42% of the 12 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Vehicle was parked with transmission in park and emergency brake engaged. While unattended the vehicle started moving forward slowly, I (the driver) jumped into front seat to apply the foot brake and pedal went to floor (no brakes!) vehicle could not be stopped and ran in to the wall of my garage.”
NHTSA complaint #10157959, filed 2006-05, 42,883 miles“I was out of town I was driving, nothing was wrong with my RX at all. It's a 2002 Lexus RX 300, then all of the sudden I go to take off at the stoplight and it was hesitating to take off. My transmission is now completely gone. No warning at all. If I take my vehicle over 35 MPH is jerks. Transmission slips at stop lights, (with no incline). 115000 miles, and the tranny goes out. I do believe it has been replaced before I purchased the car as well. Great job Lexus, not. I thought going with a Lexus I would have a quality vehicle. Man was I wrong.”
NHTSA complaint #10465713, filed 2012-07, 115,950 miles“The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, there was a lack of responsiveness in the vehicle while depressing the accelerator. The vehicle did not move when the accelerator was depressed. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer, where the dealer determined that the transmission had failed, but was unable to determine the cause.”
NHTSA complaint #10162186, filed 2006-07, 88,000 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Lexus RX. The contact stated that the transmission gears would become stuck. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was advised that the transmission would need replacing. The vehicle was not under recall. The manufacturer was contacted who stated that they would contact the dealer for more information on the failure before making a decision if they could assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10381142, filed 2011-02, 60,000 miles“Transmission wouldnt shift all of the sudden on the high way no prior mechanical issues was t boned and broke my leg abs and trac off lights mechanic says total transmission failure 121000 miles and this is the second owner of this vehicle”
NHTSA complaint #11426214, filed 2021-07Related 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 2002 Lexus RX
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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