2003 Lexus RX300 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 12%of 25 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Lexus RX300, 12% of the 25 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,000 miles.
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.
“While traveling out to denver from omaha, received low oil pressure light on my 2003 Lexus RX300. Pulled over immediately, had car towed to Lexus dealership. They immediately knew what to look for and say..the car has been misused, (no oil changes) and oil gelling was result. Within minutes they said the engine was shot and would require new engine. They showed me the sludge which was only found on one cylinder head, by the oil return line. Quantity was about one handful and as stated, only near the return line, remainder of head clean. I had changed oil night before trip. …”
NHTSA complaint #10146807, filed 2006-01, 51,000 miles“This complaint is almost identical to others I have found and is very serious. Purchased 2003 Lexus RX300 from a toyota dealership; approximately 57000 miles now, about 56000 at purchase. Car checked by dealership, ok. No hard driving. After first distance trip (st. Louis to kc) check oil light and check engine light came on. Towed to Lexus dealer who knew right where to look. Found gelled sludge all through and said it was misuse. Complete lie. Said engine must be replaced. No help so far from Lexus. …”
NHTSA complaint #10177278, filed 2006-12, 57,000 miles“2003 Lexus RX300 vehicle stalled. Replace idle air control valve twice**cw** the consumer also referenced a toyota highlander that had the same stalling issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10195906, filed 2007-07Related service bulletins
- 10015850Mar 4, 2005Fuel injector ticking noise.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Lexus RX300
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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