2002 Lexus RX300

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/29/2010· POWER TRAIN

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS RX300. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND WOULD NOT MOVE IN REVERSE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO POOR MAINTENANCE ALTHOUGH THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE FOLLOWED THE GUIDELINES ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT; THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SOMEONE WOULD GET BACK WITH HIM. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 83,360.

• 12/29/2002· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  THE NEW BLUE LIGHTS IN NEW CARS CREATE BLINDNESS WHEN APPROACHING AT NIGHT. EVEN FROM BEHIND IN REAR VIEW MIRROR THEY CREATE BLINDING DISTRACTION.

• 12/28/2011· AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash

  TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKING VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS AS THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE JUMPED THE CURB AND CRASHED INTO A FENCE BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THE MANUFACTURER SENT A TECHNICIAN TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT BECAUSE THERE WERE TWO FLAT TIRES ON THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE PROPERLY EXAMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000. KMJ UPDATED 01/13/12*LJ UPDATED 02/01/12 ....UPDATED 02/10/12 *BF ALSO, THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. UPDATED 05/03/12

• 12/24/2011· POWER TRAIN

  THE TRANSMISSION TOTALLY FAILED. VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE IN ANY GEAR. RPMS PEGGED OUT AT 6K. HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO NORTHTOWN LEXUS IN AMHERST, NY. THEY AGREED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS TOTALLY SHOT AND WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $5,500 TO REPLACE, JUST FOR THE PART. I SUBSEQUENTLY HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO CONTINENTAL TRANSMISSION IN BUFFALO, NY, WHERE IT WAS REBUILT FOR $3,100. I UNDERSTAND FROM POSTS AT THE LEXUS OWNERS CLUB OF USA THAT RX300 TRANSMISSIONS ARE PRONE TO FAILURE AS THEY WERE NOT DESIGNED FOR THE ADDED STRESSES IMPOSED BY AND SUV. *TR

• 12/23/2009· POWER TRAIN

  TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 98,000 MILES. *TR

• 12/21/2013· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  MY WIFE WAS DRIVING IN FREEWAY (HIGHWAY 101 IN BAY AREA, CA) AROUND 8:00PM. THE CAR WAS AT A SPEED OF ~60 MILES/HR. THE CAR STARTED ACCELERATING INDEPENDENTLY. MY WIFE EXITED 101 IMMEDIATELY AND FOUND THAT SHE COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO FULLY STOP EVEN THOUGH SHE APPLIED THE BRAKE FULLY. THE CAR WAS STILL IDLING FULL THROTTLE AFTER MY WIFE PUT THE CAR IN PARK. THEN MY WIFE SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO LEXUS DEALER SERVICE. THE DEALER'S ADVISOR TOLD ME HE HAS NOT SEEN THIS KIND OF CASE BEFORE AND HE HAS TO TALK TO HIS MANAGER; UNFORTUNATELY HIS MANAGER IS NOT AVAILABLE AND HE WILL HAVE HIS MANAGER CALL ME. *TR

• 12/11/2009· POWER TRAIN

  2002 LEXUS RX 300 STOPPED DEAD WHILE OWNER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. WE LEARNED THAT THE TRANSMISSION ON THE VEHICLE COMPLETE FAILED. VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 65,000 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. *TR

• 12/03/2009· LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 RX300 LEXUS. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH ON A HILL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND THE PEDAL WAS STUCK TO THE FLOOR. SHE WAS ONLY ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AFTER SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL GEAR. THE CONTACT SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE DOORS FAILED TO OPEN UNTIL SHE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE PRESENT IN THE ENGINE AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN MOVING IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER TEST INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FLOOR MATS COULD HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE; ALTHOUGH, THE HOOKS WERE SECURELY FASTENED ONTO THE FLOOR MATS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON ONE OCCASION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,433 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 73,000. UPDATED 01/05/10 *BF UPDATED 01/07/10.*JB

• 11/30/2014· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMFire

  WHILE DRIVING WITH CLIENT FRIENDS TO THE RITZ CARLTON IN RANCHO MIRAGE FOR THANKSGIVING DINNER, THE CAR SUDDENLY STALLED. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING BUT WHEN THE GAS WAS STEPPED ON THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. WE MANAGED TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AT WHICH TIME WE HEARD AN EXPLOSION AND THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. WE ALL IMMEDIATELY JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR FEARING THAT THE GAS TANK WOULD EXPLODE. WE CALLED 911 AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED IN TIME TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES BEFORE THE GAS TANK COULD EXPLODE. THE WINDSHIELD BLEW OUT...THE TIRES EXPLODED AND THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOWED TO THE POLICE IMPOUND LOT AND BECAUSE OF THE HOLIDAY WE HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REACH LEXUS. IT SEEMS APPARENT TO US THAT THIS IS A GAS LEAK ISSUE AS THE UNDER-CARRIAGE OF THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. CONSIDERING THAT LEXUS HAS RECALLED 423,000 CARS FOR A GAS LEAK PROBLEM (OURS WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST) IT SEEMS OBVIOUS THAT THIS MAKE AND MODEL SHOULD ALSO BE RECALLED BEFORE SOMEONE DIES IN A FIRE. THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY FRIGHTENING AND TRAUMATIC EVENT AND WE ALL FEEL VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE SURVIVED IT WITH NO INJURIES....EXCEPT SHATTERED NERVES. *TR

• 11/27/2011· POWER TRAIN

  TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH. FORTUNATELY, WAS CLOSE TO HOME AND ABLE TO MAKE IT BACK TO MY DRIVEWAY. HAD CAR TOWED INTO SHOP AND THEY ADVISED ME OF A TOTAL "TRANSMISSION FAILURE". ALL SERVICES PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, NO UNUSUAL OR HARSH DRIVING CONDITION ON VEHICLE. *TR

• 11/20/2017· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash

  I ENTERED PARKING LOT AND PULLED INTO PARKING SPOT WITH MY FOOT ON BRAKE BARELY GOING. I WAS ALMOST ALL THE WAY INTO SPOT WHEN MY CAR LUNGED UP WITH EXTREMELY HIGH RPMS. I WENT INTO SMALL TREE, DROVE OVER ANOTHER CAR, CAR FLIPPED ON SIDE, THEN FLIPPED OVER ON ROOF AND INTO ANOTHER PARKED CAR. ENGINE OVERTOOK THE BRAKES. I AM ORIGINAL OWNER WITH CAR EXTREMELY WELL MAINTAINED BY LEXUS. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OR FELT THIS CAR LIKE THIS BEFORE.

• 11/15/2010· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

  2002 LEXUS RX300 85000 MILES THE STEEL LINES RUNNING TO THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER STARTED TO LEAK. UPON INSPECTION THEY WERE FOUND TO BE RUSTED THROUGH. THE LINE MUST BE IN A BAD PLACE AND RECEIVE ROAD SPRAY. *TR

• 11/14/2006· SEAT BELTS

  DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE RIGHT REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED TO REMAIN LATCHED. WHEN THE BELT WAS REBUCKLED, THE BUCKLE DISENGAGED AFTER 5 MINUTES. THE SERVICE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT.

• 11/12/2001· SEATS

  ANGLE OF THE REAR WINDOW, THE RELATIVELY NARROW APERTURE OF THE GLASS AND THE LARGE HEADRESTS ON THE REAR SEATS CONSPIRE TOGETHER TO SEVERLY RESTRICT THE DRIVER'S VIEW OUT OF THE REAR VIEW WINDOW. IT IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE ANYTHING ALONG THE REAR "FLANKS" OF THE VEHICLE OUT OF THIS WINDOW WHILE DRIVING. MY SUGGESTION WOULD BE TO INCREASE THE SIZE OF THE VIEWING APERTURE, USE A "LOWER PROFILE" HEADREST IN THE BACK SEAT (LIKE THE ONE IN THE MIDDLE BETWEEN THE TWO REAR SEATS), OR A COMBINATION OF BOTH.*AK

• 11/07/2021· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  The system component that malfunctioned was the Fuel Tank Overfill Check Valve, also referred to the Rollover Valve located in the top of the gas tank. The valve is suppose to prevent any fuel purging or fuel leaking during a rollover accident. Unfortunately, the valve can malfunction during normal refueling without the owner being aware. For a few years, I have been smelling fuel fumes during and after refueling. I would sometimes discover a pool of raw fuel under the gas tank and charcoal canister during/after refueling and up to 12 miles later. The vehicle started hesitating, missing and actually stalling after refueling. Three professional mechanics couldn't solve the problem. In an attempt to eliminate this safety issue, I replaced the gas tank, gas filler tube, fuel vapor purge valve and charcoal canister. I finally discovered a tube from the malfunctioning Overfill Valve was sending raw fuel directly to the charcoal canister, filling the charcoal canister and ultimately overflowing onto the ground outside of the vehicle. I decided to cut a hole in the vehicle floor under the rear seat and replace the Fuel Tank Overfill Check Valve. The design of the replacement valve was different from the original and incorporated a float type check valve rather than just the simple diaphragm in the original. Maybe Toyota/Lexus quietly redesigned the valve, but all owners should be aware of the redesign and the vehicles should be recalled. Thousands of these vehicles are still on the road because people love them. These vehicles and the valves are aging and failing. Dangerous fire potential certainly exist. One previous owner did have this problem, I believe, and his vehicle burned to the ground. It's an extreme safety issue not just because of the hesitating/stalling in traffic after refueling, but mostly because of the raw fuel leaking from the charcoal canister under the vehicle right in the immediate vicinity of the hot exhaust and the gas tank.

• 11/03/2003· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICCrash

  WHEN BRAKING THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR. VEHICLE HIT A TREE AND A CAR AS A RESULT OF BRAKE FAILURE. DEALER HAD BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

• 10/31/2018· POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  SUDDENLY MY GEARS BEGAN SHIFTING INTO NEUTRAL, PARK, REVERSE AND INTO !ST AND 2ND GEAR WITHOUT LOCKING INTO ANY OF THEM. NO MATTER WHAT THE SHIFTER MOVES FREELY. MY CAR ONLY MOVES FORWARD NO MATTER WHICH GEAR IT'S IN, INCLUDING REVERSE. I PUT IT INTO PARK AND IT STILL KEEPS MOVING FORWARD. IN ORDER TO PARK AND STOP, I HAVE TO USE MY EMERGENCY BRAKE AND TURN THE CAR OFF. I DO NOT KNOW THE CAUSE (UNKNOWN) IT JUST SUDDENLY HAPPENED ON A TOLL ROAD AT THE PAY STATION. ALSO, MY INTERNAL LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON WHEN I OPEN ANY DOOR, INCLUDING THE TRUNK LIGHTS. MY RADIO DOES NOT CHANGE STATIONS AND KNOB DOES NOTHING, RECEPTION IS POOR & COMES AND GOES. I CANNOT GET ANY AM STATIONS.

• 10/30/2003· POWER TRAINCrash

  I DRIVE A 2002 LEXUS RX300. I WAS SMELLING A BURNING ODOR FROM BELOW MY CAR AND CALLED UP TO HAVE IT CHECKED BY THE LEXUS SERVICE. THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T SEE ME FOR A WEEK AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO TAKE THE CAR IN FOR CHECK UP. I EXPRESSED MY CONCERN ABOUT DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHILE THIS SMELL WAS PRESENT AND WAS TOLD TO CHECK IF :THERE WAS ANY OBJECT SUCH AS A PLASTIC BAG STUCK UNDER MY CAR. *CHECKED THE OIL, SINCE HE SAID THAT THE ENGINE OIL LUBRICATES THE ENTIRE POWER TRAIN. AFTER TELLING HIM THAT THE DIPSTICK SHOWED THAT THERE WAS NO NEED FOR OIL HE SAID THAT THE VEHICLE "SHOULD BE OK UNTIL I BRING IT IN FOR CHECKUP. BY THIS TIME I HAD DEVELOPED A FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY AND TOTALLY FORGOT ABOUT THE ODOR. UNTIL SATURDAY NIGHT AUGUST 30 WHEN I WAS HEADING WEST ON THE CROSS BRONX EXPRESSWAY.I WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY I HEARD THIS LOUD BANG AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL ON THE HIGH WAY WITH 18 WHEELERS ON EITHER SIDE OF ME. GOD I WAS TERRIFIED. FORTUNATELY I REMEMBERED TO STEER THE CAR IN THE DIRECTION OF THE SKID AND WAS ABLE TO STABILIZE THE VEHICLE AND PREVENT A ROLLOVER. AFTER COMING OUT OF THE CAR AND INSPECTING IT I FOUND THAT THERE WAS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE BUT THE [XXX] CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. HERE I WAS CRIS-CROSSED 21/2 LANES OF TRAFFIC ON THE CROSS BRONX EXPRESSWAY WITH OTHER PEOPLE YELLING AT ME TO MOVE MY[XXX] VEHICLE OUT OF THE WAY AND I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO WAY OF MOVING IT BECAUSE THE REAR AXLE WAS JAMMED. AFTER NOT HAVING MY CAR FOR 1 MONTH TO BE EXACT, I WAS GIVEN BACK MY VEHICLE AND TOLD THAT THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL THAT CAUSED THE AXLE TO SEIZE UP. FORTUNATELY IT WAS COVERED BY WARRANTY. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT KIND OF DAMAGE COULD HAVE OCCURRED ESPECIALLY SINCE THIS CAR ONLY HAD 17,000 MILES ON IT AND WAS DRIVEN ONLY ON PAVED SURFACES. I SERIOUSLY THINK THE THERE WAS A DEFECT AND THAT IT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. *LA INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

• 10/16/2018· AIR BAGS,SEATS

  LEXUS HAS NOT ASSEMBLED/SECURED THE AIRBAG WIRING PROPER UNDERNEATH OF SEAT AND PROMPTS THE B1140 RIGHT-HAND SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY B1141 LEFT-HAND SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR ASSEMBLY CODES IN 2002 RX300 MODELS. THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE AND CAN BE DEADLY FOR THESE CARS CONSIDERING THE AIRBAGS WANT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THE LOSE AND NOT PROPERLY SECURED WIRING. DEALER ASKS $1800 TO GET THIS CORRECTED WHERE AS THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. NEEDS A RECALL FOR BOTH (LEFT/RIGHT) SEATS AIRBAG WIRING/ECM CIRCUITS.

• 10/14/2010· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IN AUGUST 2010, SHE NOTICED THAT THE OIL LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND THEN TURN OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE OIL WAS CHANGED. THE DEALER INSTRUCTED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK AFTER 1,000 MILES. SHE DID AND THE DEALER NOTICED OIL CONSUMPTION BUT COULD NOT FIND OUT WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. THE DEALER STATED THAT ALL THEY COULD DO WAS TO INSTALL A NEW ENGINE OR TO HAVE THE ENGINE RECONSTRUCTED. THE DEALER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD PAY 80% OF THE REPAIR COSTS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE THAN THE 80%. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 63,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.

• 10/14/2010· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. BEFORE THE VEHICLE STALLED, IT WAS SHAKING. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAILPIPE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 38,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 40,000.

• 09/26/2012· POWER TRAIN

  CATASTROPHIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 48,000 MILES. *TR

• 09/25/2007· TIRES

  TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS RX300. THE VEHICLE HAS COOPER DISCOVERER H/T, SIZE P225/70R16 TIRES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES CRACKED AROUND THE RIM AND WERE GRADUALLY LOSING AIR. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE CRACKS. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS LESS THAN 10,000. UPDATED 10/24/07.*JB

• 09/24/2010· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER YET THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED WITH A USED ENGINE WITH GREATER MILEAGE THAN THE ORIGINAL FAILED ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE ALSO EXPERIENCED A FAILURE WITH AN UNKNOWN ELECTRONIC COMPONENT. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE THE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 12/23/10*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE OIL DEPLETED AT AN EXCESSIVE RATE, DESPITE REGULAR OIL CHANGES. UPDATED 01/03/11

• 09/20/2007· AIR BAGSCrash

  A CAR CRASHED INTO SIDE DOOR OF PASSENGER AND SIDE AIR DID NOT INFLATE IN MY 2002 LEXUS RX 300. MY CAR WAS THEN IN A ROLL OVER AND NO OTHER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INCLUDING THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG. *TR

• 09/13/2011· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash

  WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN MY OFFICE PARKING LOT, I HAD AN UNATTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. THE CAR LUNGED OVER THE CURB, UP A SLIGHT INCLINE, HIT A SMALL TREE WHICH KNOCKED DOWN THE PERIMETER FENCE. I CALLED THE LEXUS DEALERSHIP AND THEY GAVE ME AN 800 NUMBER TO CALL. I REPORTED WHAT HAPPENED AND THEY SENT A TOW TRUCK TO BRING MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY INDICATED TO ME THAT I WAS NOT SUPPOSE TO BRING IT TO THEM SO I HAD THE MANAGER DRIVE IT TO THEIR COLLISION PLACE WHERE I HAD THE BUMPER REPAIRED. MY INSURANCE COMPANY DID NOT PAY FOR A RENTAL REPLACEMENT. THE REPAIR COST ME $250 (MY DEDUCTIBLE) + THE RENTAL CAR COST OF APPROX. $210.00. MY INSURANCE PAID FOR THE TREE AND FENCE REPAIR OF ABOUT $2,000+. MY CAR WAS SUBSEQUENTLY INSPECTED BY TOYOTA'S INSPECTION COMPANY. IT TOOK ABOUT 3-4 HOURS AND THE END RESULT WAS THAT THE CAR DID NOT HAVE ANY DEFECTS. I CONTINUE TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN AND MAINTAIN A LARGE DISTANCE BETWEEN VEHICLES. IN 2007 MY CAR HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM WHEN IT ACCELERATED TO A HIGH SPEED BECAUSE THE THROTTLE GOT STUCK DUE TO A MECHANIC'S SERVICE ERROR WHEN WORKED ON THE DAY BEFORE. SINCE TOYOTA SAID MY VEHICLE IS OKAY, I HAD TO PAY THE ALMOST $500 FOR THE REPAIR AND RENTAL CAR AND MY INSURANCE WILL PROBABLY GO UP DUE TO THE PAYMENT MADE TO MY COMPANY FOR THE TREE AND FENCE REPAIR. I THINK THE THROTTLE HAS A FAULTY DESIGN AND I TOLD TOYOTA THAT THIS WAS MY OPINION. *TR

• 09/11/2007· POWER TRAIN

  FAILURE OF TORQUE CONVERTER IN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, RESULTING IN TOTAL FAILURE OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE DISABLED ON BUSY FREEWAY. NO PRIOR WARNING, NO ENGINE CHECK LIGHT, NO TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE ALARM. *TR

• 09/07/2011· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

  WHEN I WAS DRIVING THREE LIGHT TURNED ON AT THE SAME TIME. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, VSC AND TRAC OFF LIGHT. I WENT TO A MECHANIC AND HE STATED THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE SOLENOID. TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC TO CHECK THE OIL PAN AND THE STOLENOIS IS GETTING CLOGGED BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION IS SHOT. *TR

• 09/06/2024· AIR BAGS

  The contact owns a 2002 Lexus RX300. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the air bag warning light flashed on the instrument panel. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

• 09/05/2011· POWER TRAIN

  TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED. TRANSMISSION FAILED ON THE HIGHWAY WITH A MAX SPEED OF 70 MPH. FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO INJURIES. I ENDED UP CALLING A TOW TRUCK TO TOW ME TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP WHERE IT SIT. I AM NOW READING ABOUT THE MANY WHO HAS SUFFERED AND IS SUFFERING TRANSMISSION FAILURE. WHY ISN'T THE GOVERNMENT ACTING ON FORCING LEXUS TO RECALL AND FIX THIS ISSUE? THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED PROBLEM. FIRST AND LAST LEXUS. *TR

• 09/01/2021· TIRES

  4 new tyres were installed by Firestone but driver side wore out despite balancing rotation, alignment performed during install. TyrePlus sister concern replaced with new tyre and prorated as the tyre was at fault. Same tyre blew out on the road. The tread, side all etc damaged the wire harness and car went out of control causing damage to suspension and fuel tank. Fuel began to leak. Car is toatled due to several other damages. TyrePlus does not want to take ownership. However they have all records of up to date maintenance. They referred me to Bridgestone wherein I need to submit 2 estimates. Tyre purchase dates maintenence etc. I have secured the tread and parts of the tyre which blew out and they want me to submit that. I am hesitatnt to submit it as they may tamper with the proof I have to fix it.

• 08/31/2011· POWER TRAINCrash

  EARLY TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON EARLY MODEL LEXUS RX300 FROM 1997 TO 2003. I OWN A 2002 RX300 AND THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AT ABOUT 100,000 MILES. IT HAPPENED WITH NO NOTICE CAUSING MY ENGINE TO SLOW ON THE ROAD AND THEN WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. I SEEM TO BE A LUCKY ONE AS I READ THOUSANDS OF LEXUS RX300 OWNERS TRANSMISSIONS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BETWEEN 70,000 AND 90,000 MILES. LEXUS/TOYOTA HAS DONE NOTHING TO ADMIT THEIR IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THIS CAR AND IN FACT DENIED ANY PROBLEMS TO MYSELF. IT IS COSTING OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES TO OUTLAY BETWEEN $3,000 TO $6,000 FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO BE REPLACED. ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS GO ON THE CLUB LEXUS FORUM FOR LEXUS OWNERS AND TYPE IN TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FOR RX300 AND YOU WILL SEE THOUSANDS OF OWNERS COMPLAINING. PLEASE DO EVERYTHING IN YOUR POWER TO MAKE LEXUS/TOYOTA ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM AND ISSUE A RECALL AND REIMBURSEMENT TO THOSE OWNERS OF THESE CARS. THANK YOU. *TR

• 08/29/2016· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  MY LEXUS HEADLIGHT LENSES BECOME SCRATCHED WHICH DIMINISHES DISTANCE ILLUMINATED AND BRIGHTNESS OF ILLUMINATION. OBJECTS ON THE ROAD ARE NOT VISIBLE AS QUICKLY OR AS CLEARLY AS THEY ARE WITH CLEAR (UNSCRATCHED) LENSES. THESE DEFECTIVE PLASTIC LENSES THAT ARE SCRATCHED UP BY PARTICLES OF THE ROAD MAY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PEOPLE, ANIMALS, OBJECTS AND VEHICLES BEING HIT AT NIGHT. THE DEALERS TELL ME TO HAVE TO LENSES BUFFED AND PAY FOR THAT MYSELF. WHEN THE SCRATCHES ARE FIRST BUFFED OUT, I HAVE IMPROVED SAFETY AT NIGHT BECAUSE THE ILLUMINATION IS BRIGHTER AND VISIBILITY DISTANCE IS GREATER. THE COST OF REPLACING THE HEADLIGHTS IS $851 EACH FOR MY VEHICLE. THE REPLACEMENT HAS THE SAME DEFECT AS MY EXISTING HEADLIGHT. MY VEHICLE IS 14 YEARS OLD, AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE BY MY CAR COMPANY TO CORRECT THIS DEFECT IN ITS MANUFACTURING PROCESS. THERE IS A SERIOUS NEED TO RETURN TO GLASS HEADLIGHTS SINCE THEY DON'T SCRATCH AND LAST, IN MOST CASES, THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD MY HEADLIGHTS BUFFED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE YEARS, BUT THE BUFFING LASTS A SHORTER AMOUNT OF TIME WITH EACH BUFFING. OTHER CAR MANUFACTURERS WITH THESE HEADLIGHT PROBLEMS ARE FORD, TOYOTA, HYUNDAI, BMW, HONDA, ACURA, AND CHEVY. PLASTIC LENSES ARE DEFECTIVE PARTS FOR FRONT HEADLIGHTS. THEY NEED TO BE BANNED AND GLASS HEADLIGHTS RESTORED. THE CAR MANUFACTURERS ARE ENDANGERING THEIR CUSTOMERS' LIVES WITH THIS PART. I FEEL A RECALL IS IN ORDER AND THAT OWNERS OF THE CARS WITH THESE DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHT LENSES SHOULD RECEIVE FREE BUFFING AND FREE HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENTS UNTIL THE MANUFACTURERS CORRECT THE PROBLEM WITH A LENS THAT WILL REMAIN CLEAR. DATE ENTERED FOR "WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?" IS SIMPLY THE DATE I TOOK THE PHOTOS. PROBLEM IS ONGOING NOT SINGLE INCIDENT. LET ME KNOW IF I DID NOT ADD THE DOCUMENTATION CORRECTLY. I WILL TRY AGAIN.

• 08/22/2012· AIR BAGSCrash

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS RX 300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE WAS NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. AS A RESULT, HE SUSTAINED A HEAD INJURY AFTER HITTING THE DASHBOARD. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE SUFFERED A NECK INJURY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 290,000.

• 08/22/2011· POWER TRAIN

  2002 LEXUS RX300 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ISSUE. HAVE BEEN READING ON THE INTERNET AS WELL AS THIS SITE (16 TOTAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT TRANSMISSION/POWER TRAIN FOR THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE). JUST THIS MORNING, MY WIFE (PRINCIPAL DRIVER OF THIS VEHICLE) TRIED TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE (LOCATED INSIDE OUR HOME GARAGE). THE VEHICLE WILL NOT REVERSE. FROM READING OTHER COMPLAINTS, IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS NOW A MORE COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL OF LEXUS THAN EVER BEFORE? THE DANGER INVOLVED IN HAVING TO PLAY WITH A GEAR SHIFT; SHIFTING BACK AND FORTH FROM PARK TO REVERSE, OR REVERSE TO DRIVE, JUST TO MOVE INTO GEAR IS A HAZARD AND DANGER FOR A VEHICLE PARTICULARLY HOUSED IN A GARAGE. I'M ALSO LEARNING THAT OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS MODEL OF LEXUS SUV JUMPING OUT OF GEAR AND LOCKING UP THE AXLES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. LEXUS IS NOT AN INEXPENSIVE VEHICLE, AND OWNERS SHOULD EXPECT MORE FROM A VEHICLE OF THIS PRICE RANGE AND OVERALL QUALITY OTHERWISE. *TR

• 08/19/2010· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  I EXPERIENCED SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION IN MY 2002 LEXUS, RX300 ON 4 AUG, 2010. I WAS IN A PARKING LOT MAKING A LEFT TURN INTO THE PARKING AREA WHEN THE VEHICLE REVVED FULL THROTTLE AND SURGED FORWARD. I APPLIED THE BRAKES FULLY AND WHEN THE VEHICLE DID NOT FULLY STOP I PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL WHILE STILL APPLYING THE BRAKES AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE. IT WAS STILL IDLING FULL THROTTLE. I SHUT IT OFF AND LET IT SIT A FEW MINUTES AND STARTED IT AGAIN. IT WENT TO FULL THROTTLE AND WOULD NOT THROTTLE DOWN. I THEN WENT UNDER THE HOOD AND TRIED TO JIGGLE THE ACCELERATOR LINKAGE BUT TO NO AVAIL. I CALLED THE LOCAL TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY TOLD ME TO GET THE VEHICLE THERE. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE SERVICE CENTER. THEY WOULD NOT DO ANY WORK ON IT OR EVEN LOOK AT IT BECAUSE IT WAS A LEXUS AND THEY HAD BEEN INSTRUCTED NOT TO DO ANYTHING WITH UNINTENDED ACCELERATION PROBLEMS ON ANY TYPE OF VEHICLE THAT WAS NOT A TOYOTA EVEN THOUGH LEXUS IS MANUFACTURED BY TOYOTA. I HAD TO GET IT TO A LEXUS DEALER IN TUCSON, AZ (~80 MILES AWAY) FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE LEXUS DEALER SERVICE CENTER DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A BENT THROTTLE CABLE. SOME HOW A COVER HAD COME LOOSE AND THE CABLE WAS EXPOSED FROM ITS SHEATH AND BENT. I AM SURE THE LEXUS OF TUCSON SERVICE MANAGER, MR. PAUL MINOR COULD EXPLAIN IT EXACTLY BUT THAT IS MY INTERPRETATION OF WHAT HE EXPLAINED TO ME. I ASKED HIM HOW THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED AND HE SAID HE DID NOT KNOW. THE REPAIR WAS ACCOMPLISHED FOR ~$365.00 PARTS AND LABOR. I WILL HAVE THE CAR BACK ON FRIDAY 20 AUG, 2010. I WILL HAVE THE OLD/BAD PARTS ON HAND. I FEEL THIS IS A PROBLEM IN DESIGN THAT LEXUS SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY TO REIMBURSE ME AND TO ISSUE A SAFETY RELEASE AND RECALL. THERE SHOULD BE A FAIL SAFE IF THE THROTTLE CABLE SHOULD BEND. IN MY CASE THE BENT CABLE CAUSED A FULL THROTTLE CONDITION AND SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. I WAS FORTUNATE THAT I WAS AWARE OF WHAT TO DO IN THAT SITUATION AND THAT A PEDESTRIAN OR ANOTHER VEHICLE. *TR

• 08/18/2004· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  WHILE DRIVING CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THEN, VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. *AK

• 08/04/2003· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  SUV BEHIND US AT A LIGHT WITH HIGHLY IRRITATING BRIGHT LIGHTS THAT EVEN OUR SPECIAL REAR VIEW MIRROR DIDN'T REDUCE VERY MUCH. THESE LIGHTS ARE UNNECESSARY AND ALL OUR PASSENGERS COMPLAINED BITTERLY THAT THOSE LIGHTS SHOULD BE OUTLAWED.*AK

• 07/27/2017· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  ENGINE KNOCKS ON ACCELERATION, BURNS OIL BAD, HARD TO START, TRANSMMISION WILL NOT AUTO SHIFT INTO HIGH RANGE ON FREEWAY, CAR LURCHES WHEN GETTING UP TO FREEWAY SPEED

• 07/26/2017· POWER TRAIN

  TAKATA RECALL, LEXUS TRANSMISSION IS MESSING UP NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY. THERE IS A BUNCH OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION MESSING UP AND NO ONE IS DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I AM SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR BECAUSE IT COULD FAIL AT ANY GIVEN TIME. SO PLEASE I ASK YOU TO LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM AND AT LEAST TRY TO HELP THANK YOU

• 07/23/2021· POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash

  Transmission wouldnt shift all of the sudden on the high way no prior mechanical issues was t boned and broke my leg abs and trac off lights mechanic says total transmission failure 121000 miles and this is the second owner of this vehicle

• 07/16/2009· POWER TRAIN

  2002 LEXUS RX 300 TRANSMISSION FAILED,STUCK ON NJ TURNPIKE,TOWED TO PRESTIGE LEXUS IN RAMSEY NJ. DEALER SAID TRANSMISSION BAD. HAVE READ HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF PREMATURE TRANSMISSION FAILURES IN 1999-2002 LEXUS RX 300 VEHICLES. SO FAR LEXUS HAS NOT ADMITTED ANY PROBLEMS AND WILL LOOK INTO IT. COST OF REPAIR 4000.00. STILL IN SHOP. *TR

• 07/15/2012· POWER TRAIN

  I WAS OUT OF TOWN I WAS DRIVING, NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH MY RX AT ALL. IT'S A 2002 LEXUS RX 300, THEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN I GO TO TAKE OFF AT THE STOPLIGHT AND IT WAS HESITATING TO TAKE OFF. MY TRANSMISSION IS NOW COMPLETELY GONE. NO WARNING AT ALL. IF I TAKE MY VEHICLE OVER 35 MPH IS JERKS. TRANSMISSION SLIPS AT STOP LIGHTS, (WITH NO INCLINE). 115000 MILES, AND THE TRANNY GOES OUT. I DO BELIEVE IT HAS BEEN REPLACED BEFORE I PURCHASED THE CAR AS WELL. GREAT JOB LEXUS, NOT. I THOUGHT GOING WITH A LEXUS I WOULD HAVE A QUALITY VEHICLE. MAN WAS I WRONG. *TR

• 07/12/2006· POWER TRAIN

  DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THERE WAS A LACK OF RESPONSIVENESS IN THE VEHICLE WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHERE THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD FAILED, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE.

• 07/10/2009· POWER TRAIN

  TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN LEXUS 2002 RX 300. *TR

• 06/27/2011· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE CHECK OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE OIL WAS CONTAMINATING THE ENGINE THROUGH A CRACKED PISTON RING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 94,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

• 06/18/2009· POWER TRAIN

  ON FEBRUARY 20, 2009, I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 LEXUS RX300 WITH APPROXIMATELY 79K MILES WHEN IT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE. I BROUGHT VEHICLE TO REPAIR SHOP WHERE I WAS INFORMED THAT THE KNOCK SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I HAD THEM REPLACED AND VEHICLE SEEMED TO BE WORKING FINE. ON MAY 5, 2009, MY TRANSMISSION BEGAN SLIPPING WHEN SHIFTING FROM 1ST TO 2ND AND 2ND TO 3RD. WHEN VEHICLE BROUGHT TO REPAIR FACILITY AND I WAS INFORMED THAT TRANSMISSION IS NO GOOD AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. AT THIS TIME I LOOKED ON INTERNET AND FOUND THAT MANY LEXUS RX300 ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE COST OF REPAIRS IS APPROXIMATELY $4,500. I PAID $1,500 FOR KNOCK SENSORS TO BE REPLACED ALREADY. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR

• 06/15/2005· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

  DT: LEXUS, RX 300 SUV 2002, CONSUMER COMPLAINED OF A BRAKE PROBLEM. EVERY 9,000 MILES BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED. THE DRUMS WORE OUT, AND THE STEERING COLUM SHIMMIED LEFT TO RIGHT. DEALERSHIP ADMITTED THERE WAS A BRAKE PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP FIXED THE PROBLEM TWICE. CONSUMER WAS AFFRAID TO DRIVE VEHICLE ON THE FREEWAY, CONSUMER HAD NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE BECAUSE OF LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *AK

• 06/14/2004· AIR BAGSCrash

  VEHICLE INVOLVED IN COLLISION AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.*MR THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE LEFT DRIVER'S SIDE WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HIS CHEST, LEFT LEG, BACK SHOULDER, ETC. THE PASSENGERS SUSTAINED MINOR CUTS BRUISES AND CONTUSIONS. *NM

• 06/09/2005· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  HAVE GONE THROUGH 4 BATTERIES -- 3 WITHIN 3 MONTHS. FLETCHER JONES DEALERSHIP IN LAS VEGAS, NV KEEPS INSISTING NOTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE (LEXUS RX300-2002) + SIMPLY REPLACES THE DEAD BATTERY. LEXUS REGIONAL SERVICE NEVER SEEMS ABLE TO REACH THE DEALERSHIP. NO ONE HAS ANY IDEA OR EXPLANATION WHY BATTERIES KEEP FAILING FOR NO APPARANT REASON.