Automatic transmission failure at 92K miles. While driving at 35mph heard a clunk noise and then chattering from the engine area. Was able to get safely to the side of the road. Vehicle lost forward and reverse and was towed to the repair shop. New transmission cost $3500.

- Ridgefield, WA, USA

While driving on highway, lost all forward motion. Sudden, unexpected transmission failure resulting in car becomming road hazard. Replaced transmission. Yet another of the hundreds of sudden transmission failures of the Lexus RX300.

- Springfield, VA, USA

Transmission failure.

- Marietta, GA, USA

I purchased a 2000 Lexus rx 300 7 years ago from the original owner. Last week the transmission died with only 104,000 miles. It is disturbing to me that when I took it to the transmission repair facility they told me that the transmission was flawed in its engineering design and that no oil was able to reach the vital components and that over time they dried out and became brittle. They also said that the transmission "ate itself up". there were massive amounts of metal shavings and the transmission literally imploded. Why I think this is worthy of complaint is that we have always owned Toyota vehicles...many and we take meticulous care of our cars. The transmission was serviced on a regular basis and the fluid was pristine. After researching online I found that there are hundreds of complaints about the same year vehicle and transmissions crashing even at much lower mileage. It cost us almost $3800 to have the transmission rebuilt and I would like to know if this is something that has been addressed previously by NHTSA?

- Oceanside, CA, USA

Transmission gone at 100K

- Fairhope, AL, USA

2000 rx 300 transmission failure at 120K mile

- Phelan, CA, USA

9/2009 - engine failed. Vehicle initially performed normally, but engine seized during interstate driving. Professional inspection determined cause of failure was sludge build up. Vehicle out of initial warranty. Extension based upon consumer complaints expired 4/2009. New engine installed at my expense. 12/2009 - transmission failed. Vehicle initially performed normally, but suddenly began to lurch when placed into gear after gasoline fill up. Professional inspection determined transmission failure. New transmission installed at my expense.

- Birmingham, AL, USA

Bought my 2002 Lexus RX300 brand new with regular maintenance done on scheduled. After a few weeks of slow/slippage shifting the transmission failed and had it service/rebuilt by my local mechanic. I found out on an internet Lexus club forum that the transmission is a common problem on the early generation Lexus RX300 (year 1999-2001) and I am unfortunately over the power train warranty so I took it to my local mechanic to be serviced. I paid $3800+ to have to repaired - what recourse do I have for buying a supposed to be reliable car? thankfully it was not on a highway when the transmission failed but rather on the off ramp of the highway.

- Long Beach, CA, USA

My 2000 Lexus RX300 transmission failed and the Lexus dealer cost $4,500 fix it. My car was there couple month ago for regular maintenance, they said every thing ok, it had the oil change last week. They said this is the transmission part problem even it had the transmission oil change regularly.

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

Lexus 2000 RX300 transmission failure.

- Osprey, FL, USA

Dear sir: I am one of those RX300 2000 Lexus owners. I have been faithfully taken my Lexus to the Lexus dealer for every oil change and problem. I recently took my 2000 Lexus with 124,000 miles to Lexus for my regular oil change.. charging me but failure to tell me that my transmission is having problems. I paid for my service but.... I am out the money plus Lexus would like me to pay $4,600 for a new transmission. Omg... I think looking at all the problems with transmission Lexus should help defray the costs............... thanks

- Lynnfielld, MA, USA

Ignition stuck in acc position. Turned off car normally when I tried to start it I was unable to because the ignition was in the acc position instead of the off position. To correct the problem I had to tow my car home and order a new ignition tumbler, and then have it replaced.

- Stanwood, WA, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Lexus RX300. The contact stated that the transmission was replaced in 2008. He recently heard a noise coming from the engine and the rpms displayed inaccurate readings. While idling at a traffic light, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact was able to shift into a low gear and moved the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 75,360.

- Bend, OR, USA

2000 AWD Lexus rx 300.....I love my car, bought it used at 44,000K, 2002 and it has been good except for the transmission, now at 120,000 and everyone, dealer and local independents want $4200-$4500, says it is the 'planetary gears' it wasn't throwing a checking engine light, nor a code just ever so often it wouldn't go in reverse. One day going down the road it just quits going. I had taken it in to a local Toyota/Lexus repair shop many times saying it was changing gears right, and dealer, and they had put the tester on it several times, replaced 02sensors, but all along said it wasn't the transmission, it was! this car has been driven but it has been taken care of as well. I feel if it is a "Lexus' a Toyota gets 300-500,000 on a transmission shouldn't a Lexus do even better?

- Asheville, NC, USA

Transmission failure in Lexus RX300.

- Brentwood, TN, USA

Transmission completely failed at 101,000. Complete maintenance records available.

- Trabuco Canyon, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Lexus RX300. The contact stated that the gear set in the front pump shuts down the transmission of her vehicle. The failure renders the vehicle immobile and does not lubricate the transmission properly. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic, who will replace the transmission. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified because the repair cost would be too expensive. The failure mileage was 120,000.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

Transmission has completely failed at approx 121,000 miles.

- Acworth, GA, USA

After leaving highway transmission failed and front wheels locked. Will not move in any gear.

- Calabasas, CA, USA

After owning and properly maintaining my 2000 Lexus RX300 for many years it the transmission totally locked up on me and my 2 toddlers in the middle of rush hour traffic. It was then flat bedded to a mechanic and I am currently being quoted several thousands of dollars to have the transmission rebuilt.

- Staten Island, NY, USA