VehicleVerdict

2001 Lexus Rx300 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 189 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Rx300 year — the 2001 model ranks #3 of 7 Rx300 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 20 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 65% of all reports (123 of 189), far ahead of speed control at 20.

189

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

17

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

20

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Rx300 years?

Rx300 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted268 complaints1997: 0 complaints1998: 6 complaints1999: 268 complaints2000: 247 complaints2001: 189 complaints2002: 106 complaints2003: 33 complaints
Rx300 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rx300 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Lexus Rx300 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission12365%
Speed Control2011%
Engine1810%
Airbags84%
Brakes63%
Electrical System42%
Other32%
Suspension32%
Fuel System21%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Steering11%

Does the 2001 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.

“THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD AFTER THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF, AND THE KEYS WERE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION, WHICH CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 28, 2003 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LEXUS RX300. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS BACKING INTO HIS PARKING SPOT THE VEHICLE HAD SUDDENLY SURGED IN REVERSE CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A NEARBY VEHICLE. NO ONE WAS INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED FOR THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 25, 2009 · crash

“MY 2001 LEXUS RX300 DIED ON THE FREEWAY. I AM TOLD MY TRANSMISSION IS RUINED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I REGULARLY SERVICED MY CAR AND THERE IS NO WAY IT SHOULD HAVE A BLOWN TRANSMISSION WITH ONLY 84,000 MILES. AFTER SEEING ALL THE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET, I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A CLASS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 16, 2008

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED FRONT END DAMAGE AND THE CONTACT SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES AS HER BREAST HIT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 29, 2011 · crash

“CONSUMER REQUESTING INFORMATION REGARDING OXYGEN SENSORS ON LEXUS RX300.*MR THE OXYGEN SENOR WAS REPLACED TWICE. THE FRONT CALIPERS, ROTORS AND WASHER PUMP WERE REPLACED. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 20, 2004

2001 Lexus Rx300 — common questions

Is the 2001 Lexus Rx300 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 189 complaints put the 2001 model at #3 of 7 Rx300 years. It is one of the Rx300 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2001 Rx300 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (123 complaints), speed control (20 complaints), engine (18 complaints).

Does the 2001 Lexus Rx300 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 Lexus Rx300. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.