2001 Lexus RX300 Problems
- Complaints
- 169filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 108,100miles, 152 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 3.0L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 21 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2001 Lexus RX300 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2001 Lexus RX300 report transmission problems far more than anything else: many describe the transmission slipping, revving without acceleration, or failing outright, often with little warning and generally around or above 80,000-130,000 miles. A smaller group reports unintended acceleration or cruise-control faults, and a few describe engine oil leaks, oil sludge, cooling issues and airbag non-deployment. Many complaints describe regular servicing beforehand, and several owners say dealers did not anticipate the failure.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission failure or slipping
- 115 complaints (68%)
- median 110,622 mi at 8.6 yrs old (112 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $4,000 (median of 38 quotes)
- filed 2006–2019
Owners describe the transmission revving without moving the vehicle, slipping out of gear, jerking or slamming into gear, whining or humming noises, and sometimes total loss of drive in any gear, leaving the vehicle stuck in traffic or on the highway and needing a tow. Many say it happened with little or no warning, while a few note earlier symptoms such as hard shifting or a whine that disappeared once warm. Complaints describe dealers and independent shops replacing or rebuilding the transmission, with some owners saying the dealer could not duplicate the problem beforehand or gave no assistance with cost. Reported from roughly 60,000 to 170,000 miles, most commonly between about 80,000 and 130,000 miles, under ordinary driving.
What to check: Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and check fluid condition and service history, and road-test from cold, listening for whine or hard shifts. Ask whether the transmission has ever been replaced or rebuilt and keep records of fluid services.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Vehicle has 133,890 miles on it, vehicle has been serviced every 5000 miles, according to the vehicle history and owners manual. We had transmission failure 100 miles from home. Pulled over to the side of the I-90 , had to wait 2 hours for a flatbed on the side of the highway. Mass state police were not happy having to wait that long nor safety of being on the side of the road for 2 hours. …”
NHTSA complaint #10882442, filed 2016-07, 133,890 miles“Own a 2001 Lexus RX300. While driving 40 MPH the vehicle would not accelerate even when I depressed the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The current mileage was 125,000. Will cost me $4500 to repair(refurbished part).”
NHTSA complaint #10428858, filed 2011-10, 125,000 miles - Vehicle speed control
Unintended acceleration / cruise control surge
- 29 complaints (17%)
- median 98,750 mi at 9.3 yrs old (26 state mileage)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2001–2019
Owners describe the vehicle accelerating on its own, sometimes with cruise control engaged and sometimes while braking or parking, with complaints saying the brakes did not stop it and drivers had to shift to neutral or park or steer into a curb. In one case a dealer attributed the surge to a stuck, frayed throttle cable and called it normal wear. In another, the cruise control simply would not engage. Reported from about 59,000 to over 200,000 miles, at highway and parking-lot speeds.
What to check: Check the throttle cable and pedal linkage for fraying or binding, test cruise control engagement and cancellation, and ask whether the throttle body or cable has ever been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10330300, filed 2010-05, 59,422 miles“Two (2) incidents of sudden acceleration by the vehicle - the dealer was not aware of any similar issues. I was not aware that NHTSA was conducting an investigation into similar occurrences with other toyota/Lexus vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #10082834, filed 2004-07, 59,000 miles - Engine
Engine oil leaks and oil sludge
- 14 complaints (8%)
- median 101,230 mi at 9.0 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- filed 2004–2015
Complaints describe the check engine light coming on with oil leaks traced to intake valves, and in other cases oil use or gelling that led to engine stalling and replacement of the engine or short block. Owners say they had kept up with oil changes and that the manufacturer covered only part of the repair cost or declined coverage. Mostly reported around 85,000 to about 96,000 miles.
What to check: Check oil level and condition and look for leaks or seepage around the valve covers and intake area; ask for oil change records and whether any engine work has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Engine stalled suddenly while driving on roads. Engine would not restart under any conditions and had to be replaced. Mechanics looking at car indicated no engine oil was found in engine despite recent oil change. Mechanics also found no points of any leakage of oil by the engine. Oil was put properly and was burning inappropriately and gelling in engine. Lexus refuse to cover repair under guise of its own inspection.”
NHTSA complaint #10312270, filed 2010-02, 96,000 miles“Oil sludge cause engine failure in Lexus RX300. Need to replace short block, overhead gasket set, valve covers,heads and cams for an estimated value of $14k. Car only has 95k miles on it and I changed the oil every 4-5k miles by a toyota/Lexus auto-mechanic.”
NHTSA complaint #10306779, filed 2010-02, 97,144 miles
Buying note. On this model year the transmission is the main thing to budget for: get an independent inspection and a cold road test before purchase, and ask for transmission service records. Also verify the airbag system and check for engine oil leaks.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 169 consumer complaints for the 2001 Lexus RX300. 152 of the complaints include a mileage, and 5% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 108,100 miles. Of all complaints, 14 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 13 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 48 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Transmission and drivetrain123 73%
- Vehicle speed control20 12%
- Engine cooling13 7.7%
- Air bags8 4.7%
- Brakes6 3.5%
- Electrical system4 2.4%
- Engine4 2.4%
- Suspension3 1.8%
- Equipment2 1.2%
- Fuel system2 1.2%
Also reported: Other or unknown (1), Steering (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “While traveling at 25 MPH the car stopped accelerating forward and seemed to not be in gear. As I pressed the gas pedal the engine revved up, but would not go forward. Car was taken to the dealer who stated even though the car only has 123k , you need to replace the transaxle. I confirmed that their was no maintenance required.”
NHTSA complaint #10653646, filed 2014-11, 123,117 milesVehicle speed control: “While driving at a speed 40, I noticed lag in gear shift while trying to accelerate to 60 MPH. I noticed no pick in speed rather 40 MPH became 20 MPH, the more I press on the gas petal the only acceleration was notice on the RPM. I had to put on the hazards and pull over to let other cars pass.”
NHTSA complaint #10722469, filed 2015-05, 142,100 milesEngine cooling: “My 2001 Lexus RX300 died on the freeway. I am told my transmission is ruined and needs to be replaced. I regularly serviced my car and there is no way it should have a blown transmission with only 84,000 miles. After seeing all the similar complaints on the internet, I think there should be a class action suit against Lexus.”
NHTSA complaint #10231411, filed 2008-06, 84,250 milesAir bags: “I was traveling west at 30mph. A vehicle traveling south ran a stop sign and attempted a left turn. I was unable to stop and collided with the vehicle that ran the stop sign. My vehicle encounter significant damage to the drivers side front end and hood. The airbag of my vehicle did not activate at the time of the crash. I was able to brace myself from the impact. I am now experiencing upper back and neck discomfort. Both the fire dept. And police arrived at the scene and the driver that ran the stop sign admitted her fault. I have photo's of the accident and a police report was filed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10567177, filed 2014-02, 118,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
5% of the 152 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 86,000 and 131,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 Lexus RX300. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX300 · sedan | not rated | 4 / 5 | — | — | 3 |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2001 Lexus RX300 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX 300 FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| RX 300 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2001 Lexus RX300 in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 48 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10214355Apr 13, 2022Equipment. Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
- 10207945Jan 12, 2022Tires, Wheels, Equipment. POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of…
- 10179697Aug 5, 2020Transmission and drivetrain. TSB: 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 fluid seep. Cases…
- 10179601Aug 5, 2020Transmission and drivetrain, Engine. TSB: 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 fluid seep. Cases…
- 10176283May 1, 2020Equipment. Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
- 10174889Apr 6, 2020Equipment. TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
- 10174888Apr 6, 2020Equipment. TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, PG002-90, L-SB-0048-08…
- 10172820Feb 4, 2020Equipment. TSB: 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 fluid seep. Cases…
- 10129210Jan 24, 2018Equipment. TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0001-18.
- 10131726Jan 22, 2018Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-SB-0021-14. * Applicability has been updated to include applicable 2018 models and 2016 * 2018…
Other model years of the Lexus RX300
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 25 | 70,000 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 88 | 96,000 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 169 | 108,100 | 0 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 216 | 103,750 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 221 | 103,836 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Lexus RX300 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Lexus RX300?
Owners of the 2001 Lexus RX300 report transmission problems far more than anything else: many describe the transmission slipping, revving without acceleration, or failing outright, often with little warning and generally around or above 80,000-130,000 miles. The issues reported most often: Transmission failure or slipping; Unintended acceleration / cruise control surge; Engine oil leaks and oil sludge.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001 Lexus RX300 have?
NHTSA recorded 169 consumer complaints for the 2001 Lexus RX300 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2001 Lexus RX300 is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 123 complaints (73% of the total), followed by vehicle speed control with 20.
Has the 2001 Lexus RX300 been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Lexus RX300 get?
The EPA rates the 2001 Lexus RX300 (RX 300, 3.0L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 17 city and 21 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2001 Lexus RX300 reported?
Among the 152 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 108,100 miles and the middle half falls between 86,000 and 131,000 miles; 5% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.