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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2001 Lexus RX300 Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
123about this part
Share
73%of 169 total for the year
Median mileage
113,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 123 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Lexus RX300, 73% of the 169 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 113,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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 miles

“Transmission failure at 145000 (approx) after performing all schedule maintenance at the dealer since purchase. I have read countless entries where the 1999-2002 Lexus RX300 has had premature transmission failures. This is a costly repair and a I feel Lexus should have recalled the vehicle and provided assistance.”

NHTSA complaint #10598807, filed 2014-06, 145,000 miles

“Purchased from my mother in 2013 at 115k after she had purchased new from dealership. Babied, dealer serviced, my transmission gave out at 130k at a cost of $3800!!! Then in less than a year it went again, and it was under aamco warranty. Then transmission went again in 2018, and just out of warranty. Why is there not a class action lawsuit!!!!!! Car died 3 separate times without warning in very dangerous situations. $3800 was my entire savings, and now my Lexus was the only thing I had of value, and it is worth $250 as a junker!”

NHTSA complaint #11220816, filed 2019-06, 130,000 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

“Rx300 car either won't go into gear or jumps out of gear. It has occurred several times and many many reports on owner sites re: transmission failure. The latest incident left myself and my 4 year old son stranded in a parking lot in low teens weather. It also jumped out of gear once while driving. I'm afraid to drive the car.”

NHTSA complaint #10255980, filed 2009-01, 115,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2003728%
20023843%
200112373%
200013864%
199912958%

Other parts of the 2001 Lexus RX300

Vehicle speed control
20 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2001 Lexus RX300

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