2000 Lexus RX300 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 9%of 216 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,680miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2000 Lexus RX300, 9% of the 216 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,680 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The past two weeks prior to taking the car to my local toyota dealership because there is no Lexus dealership in ocala , fl ..... I would smell something burning like rubber against a hot exhaust or engine. Every now and then I would stop the car and check and I might see a whiff of light smoke but then nothing. No engine lights , no spotting on the garage floor. So I took the car in for an oil change early and asked that they check the car over. …”
NHTSA complaint #10444312, filed 2012-01, 90,000 miles“9/2009 - engine failed. Vehicle initially performed normally, but engine seized during interstate driving. Professional inspection determined cause of failure was sludge build up. Vehicle out of initial warranty. Extension based upon consumer complaints expired 4/2009. New engine installed at my expense. 12/2009 - transmission failed. Vehicle initially performed normally, but suddenly began to lurch when placed into gear after gasoline fill up. Professional inspection determined transmission failure. New transmission installed at my expense.”
NHTSA complaint #10296874, filed 2009-12, 182,000 miles“After approximately 62,000 engine light illuminated. The oxygen sensor was replaced by my local repair shop. After the engine light came back on, and I reattempted to use my local shop 3 times I brought it to the dealer. The problem is the mass airflow sensor/meter. This seems very premature for this type of part to fail. For a auto comapny that professes quality I was disappointed for this problem to arise. I am past warranty and am petitioning Lexus to pay for some of the repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10107990, filed 2005-01, 40 miles“Resolving oil sludge repair problem on used rx 300 with third party Lexus dealer--car broke down on 1200 mile road trip. Lexus paid for rental car for return trip. Repair is under warranty. My problem is the dealer we purchased the car from must have known this problem existed with these vehicles and had ample evidence of lack of oil changes in the repair history, yet did not pull the valve cover off this vehicle to determine if oil sludge problem existed. Isn't that standard practice for all used car inspections? …”
NHTSA complaint #10071203, filed 2004-01, 56,370 miles“Engine failed due to sludging. I was unaware of the spa and had a used engine installed. Lexus refuses to pay for the repair because I perform my own maintenance”
NHTSA complaint #10069445, filed 2004-01, 109,000 milesEngine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2000 Lexus RX300
138 complaintsVehicle speed control
14 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 Lexus RX300
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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