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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2002 Lexus RX300 Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
38about this part
Share
43%of 88 total for the year
Median mileage
102,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 38 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Lexus RX300, 43% of the 88 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 102,000 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.

“Transmission failed without prior warning while driving at 25 MPH. Fortunately, was close to home and able to make it back to my driveway. Had car towed into shop and they advised me of a total transmission failure . All services performed on the vehicle, no unusual or harsh driving condition on vehicle.”

NHTSA complaint #10437370, filed 2011-11, 107,085 miles

“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

“I was driving to work till I heard grinding noise then I realized car does not accelerate any more then it towed away to mechanic shop and they told me it is the transmission.”

NHTSA complaint #11076721, filed 2018-03, 165,000 miles

“Transmission has failed. Transmission failed on the highway with a max speed of 70 MPH. Fortunately there were no injuries. I ended up calling a tow truck to tow me to a transmission shop where it sit. I am now reading about the many who has suffered and is suffering transmission failure. Why isn't the government acting on forcing Lexus to recall and fix this issue? This is not an isolated problem. First and last Lexus.”

NHTSA complaint #10423809, filed 2011-09, 133,000 miles

“Suddenly my gears began shifting into neutral, park, reverse and into !st and 2nd gear without locking into any of them. No matter what the shifter moves freely. My car only moves forward no matter which gear it's in, including reverse. I put it into park and it still keeps moving forward. In order to park and stop, I have to use my emergency brake and turn the car off. I do not know the cause (unknown) it just suddenly happened on a toll road at the pay station. Also, my internal lights do not come on when I open any door, including the trunk lights. …”

NHTSA complaint #11144280, filed 2018-10, 142,128 miles

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

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

Other parts of the 2002 Lexus RX300

Vehicle speed control
15 complaintsEngine cooling
12 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 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