2002 Lexus RX300 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 14%of 88 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Lexus RX300, 14% of the 88 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 miles. 1 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.
“When I was driving three light turned on at the same time. The check engine light, vsc and trac off light. I went to a mechanic and he stated there is something wrong with the solenoid. Took it to the mechanic to check the oil pan and the stolenois is getting clogged because the transmission is shot.”
NHTSA complaint #10424181, filed 2011-09, 169,000 miles“While pulling into a parking space in my office parking lot, I had an unattended acceleration while my foot was on the brake. The car lunged over the curb, up a slight incline, hit a small tree which knocked down the perimeter fence. I called the Lexus dealership and they gave me an 800 number to call. I reported what happened and they sent a tow truck to bring my car to the dealership because I was afraid to drive it. At the dealership they indicated to me that I was not suppose to bring it to them so I had the manager drive it to their collision place where I had the bumper repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #10425185, filed 2011-09, 110,000 miles“2002 Lexus RX300 85000 miles the steel lines running to the transmission oil cooler started to leak. Upon inspection they were found to be rusted through. The line must be in a bad place and receive road spray.”
NHTSA complaint #10365683, filed 2010-11, 85,000 miles“Engine oil consumption is too rapid. Took the car to the Lexus dealer but they are not admitting that it is a oil gel instead they are saying that my valve is damaged and the engine needs to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10321494, filed 2010-03, 130,000 miles“I have a Lexus RX300 2002 which I purchased used because of their well know reputation to operate for a long time. Two weeks ago our mechanic noticed our oil down a quart and did a oil change and asked us to watch oil level. 300 miles later it was down again. We were referred to take it to a Lexus dealer to have the problem checked out. There is a recall for oil gel for 1999 to 2002. Well ours had no signs of oil gel, but it is engine related. They can not tell us what the problem is until they take the engine completely apart. …”
NHTSA complaint #10228362, filed 2008-05Related service bulletins
- 10015850Mar 4, 2005Fuel injector ticking noise.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 Lexus RX300
38 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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