2000 Lexus RX problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2000 Lexus RX sits mid-pack among RX years: 30 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 39, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 83% of all reports (25 of 30), far ahead of lighting at 1.
30
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2000 compare to other RX years?
What are the most common 2000 Lexus RX problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 25 | 83% | — flat |
| Airbags | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Brakes | 1 | 3% | new |
| Engine | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 3% | new |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LEXUS RX300. WHILE SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT THE DRIVER SMELLED SMOKE. THE SMOKE WAS PRESENT IN THE TRANSMISSION , AND THERE WAS A LOSS OF TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AS NEEDING A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING…”
“ON 7/26/2022 APPROX 8:00 AM I WAS DRIVING ON BRIGHTON CLOPTON RD WHEN THIS FLAT BED WRECKER WAS BACKING OUT ON HIGHWAY AND I WAS LOOKING DOWN TO MAKE SURE MY SPEEDOMETER WAS AT 30 MPH ALL OF A SUDDEN I CRASHED INTO THIS BED OF THE WRECKER, (NOT ONE) AIRBAG DEPLOYED MY KNEES, SHINS, CHEST BONES ,…”
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WITHOUT WARNING THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT RELEASE FROM THE RETRACTOR. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE RETRACTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. 08/29/06 RIGHT FRONT SEATBELT ASSEMBLY REPLACED GOODWILL WARRANTY REPAIR. *TT ”
2000 Lexus RX — common questions
Is the 2000 Lexus RX reliable?
It is close to typical for the RX: 30 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2000 RX problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (25 complaints), lighting (1 complaints), brakes (1 complaints).
Does the 2000 Lexus RX have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2000 Lexus RX.
Which Lexus RX years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the RX years to avoid are 2010, 2021, 2008, 2007, 2024, 2023, 2019. The cleanest record among RX years belongs to 2026.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.