VehicleVerdict

2000 Lexus Rx300 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 247 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median Rx300 year — the 2000 model ranks #2 of 7 Rx300 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 17 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 57% of all reports (140 of 247), far ahead of engine at 26.

247

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

1

Investigations

23

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

17

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2000 compare to other Rx300 years?

Rx300 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted268 complaints1997: 0 complaints1998: 6 complaints1999: 268 complaints2000: 247 complaints2001: 189 complaints2002: 106 complaints2003: 33 complaints
Rx300 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2000 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rx300 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2000 Lexus Rx300 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission14057%
Engine2611%
Speed Control146%
Brakes125%
Electrical System114%
Lighting62%
Steering52%
Suspension52%
Latches & Locks52%
Seat Belts42%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Body & Structure42%
Other31%
Fuel System31%
Tires & Wheels31%
Airbags10%
Child Seat10%

Does the 2000 Lexus Rx300 have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

08E020000Visibility & WipersMarch 6, 2008 · 931 units

Defect

POLYMER PROCESS DEVELOPMENT IS RECALLING 931 UNITS OF BACK GLASS, P/NO. FB20415ZPY, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON 1999-2004 LEXUS RX300 VEHICLES. THE GLASS FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE AUTOMOTIVE GLAZING MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, GLAZING MATERIALS.

Consequence

THE PURPOSE OF THIS STANDARD IS TO REDUCE INJURIES RESULTING FROM IMPACT TO GLAZING SURFACES.

Remedy

POLYMER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED GLASS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT POLYMER TOLL-FREE AT 800-510-9879.

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

Defect

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED @ 125,000 MILES & STILL DOES NOT SHIFT CORRECTLY... AAMCO SANTA CRUZ CALIFORNIA WILL NOT WARRANTY IT STATING THE PROBLEM IS NOT THE TRANSMISSION IT IS THE COMPUTER WHICH HAS TO BE REPLACED EVEN THOUGH TOYOTA OF SC DID DIAGNOSTIC AND STATED NOTHING WRONG W/ COMPUTER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 7, 2010

“ VEHICLE STARTED LOSING POWER WHILE GOING 35-45 MPH AND EVENTUALLY STALLED. WAS ABLE TO START VEHICLE BUT WON'T GO PASS 25 MPH. WHEN STOPPED, AND SHIFTED ON DRIVE, VEHICLE WON'T MOVE FORWARD. WON'T GO INTO REVERSE EITHER WHEN ENGAGED IN REVERSE. I BELIEVE THIS WAS A TRANSMISSION FAILURE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 29, 2011

“WHEN CHANGING LANES STEERING WHEEL WENT INTO OPPOSITE DIRECTION, RESULTING IN A COLLISION. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE, AND HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE OR CORRECT PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. THROTTLE WAS STICKING. SPEAKER FAILED. CONSUMER HEARD A RATTLING NOISE IN RIGHT FRONT DASH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 8, 2000 · crash

“OVER THE LAST 10-11 MONTHS VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING BRAKE PROBLEMS. VEHICLE TRAVELLING 25MPH, WHEN BRAKES ARE DEPRESSED, PEDAL WILL GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND THEN RETURN TO NORMAL AFTER A FEW SECONDS. VEHICLE HAS BEEN CHECKED BY DEALER 3 TIMES, AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 21, 2002

“WHEN CHANGING LANES STEERING WHEEL WENT INTO OPPOSITE DIRECTION, RESULTING IN A COLLISION. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE, AND HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE OR CORRECT PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. THROTTLE WAS STICKING. SPEAKER FAILED. CONSUMER HEARD A RATTLING NOISE IN RIGHT FRONT DASH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 8, 2000 · crash

2000 Lexus Rx300 — common questions

Is the 2000 Lexus Rx300 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 247 complaints put the 2000 model at #2 of 7 Rx300 years. It is one of the Rx300 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2000 Rx300 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (140 complaints), engine (26 complaints), speed control (14 complaints).

Does the 2000 Lexus Rx300 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2000 Lexus Rx300. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2000 Lexus Rx300 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Lexus Rx300 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Rx300 years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2001. The cleanest record among Rx300 years belongs to 1997.

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.