1.3

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
134,136 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2001 Lexus RX 300 engine problems

engine problem

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2001 Lexus RX 300 Owner Comments

problem #5

Feb 022015

RX 300

  • 200,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2001 Lexus RX300. While driving 65 mph, the engine stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

- Rancho Mission Viejo, CA, USA

problem #4

Apr 102013

RX 300

  • 140,000 miles
I was just getting off the highway and my car stopped moving. My transmission totally went out with no warning. If this would have happened moments sooner I could have been in a terrible accident as I was going 60 mph. I tried to contact Lexus, but they will not admit to this problem or help repair it or recall it. They say that it isn't a know issue but it is and several people have tried to get help with it and Lexus will say no. Be careful, it will happen with no warning.

- New London, WI, USA

problem #3

Dec 142012

RX 300 6-cyl

  • 142,000 miles
I have just sat and read probably 50 complaints; safety and defective, concerning the transmission for the 2001 Lexus RX300. From what im reading, I guess I should consider myself lucky, I currently have 142,000 miles on my vehicle and although I've experienced non-periodic shifting abnormalities, I haven't experienced any of the horrific problems I've been reading in the NHTSA complaint section of this site. It is obvious there is a manufacturing defect that needs to be addressed before someone (if not already) is mangled or worst, killed. It astonishes me that a company that survives by there reputation for quality would not address what is obviously a serious and costly burden to there loyal customers. We are talking about a 35,000 dollar vehicle in 2001. Apparently Lexus is not planning on resolving the issue, so what can consumers do other than complain which obviously is doing nothing to force big business to take responsibility for there poor design that resulted in unsafe costly products, leaving the consumer powerless, with no option but to pay them again to fix the problem they created in the first place.

- Johnson City, TN, USA

problem #2

Oct 112011

RX 300 6-cyl

  • 103,680 miles
While entering a freeway onramp the transmission slipped out of gear. I tried to accelerate but there was no power the engine just revved. The transmission reingaged as I was pulling to the shoulder so I continued my trip home. Later on the same drive home, at an interchange between freeways it happened again but this time the transmission didn't re-engage and there was almost a deadly multiple car accident. It was towed to a transmission specialist who had to replace the transmission. Soon after replacement I was on another trip and I attempted to accelerate to pass a car, the transmission slipped and I barely avoided being in a deadly auto accident on the freeway with a big rig. On this same trip I almost lost my life three times due to this identical occurrence. It is absolutely unacceptable and unforgivable that Toyota hasn't taken responsibility for this manufacturing error and announced a complete recall and replacement of all transmissions for this year, make and model of vehicle. If, I keep this car and I have an accident due to their manufacturing negligence action may be taken.

- Hacienda Heights, CA, USA

problem #1

May 142012

RX 300 6-cyl

  • 85,000 miles
The contact owns a 2001 Lexus RX300. The contact stated that as he started the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who inspected the failure for an engine oil leak. They found the leakage in the number three and number four cylinder intake valves. The manufacturer was notified who stated they would only cover $2500 of the repair costs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 85,000.....updated 10/11/12 the consumer the engine oil indicator is also defective. It does not warn the driver when the has depleted. Updated 10/15/2012

- Los Banos, CA, USA

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