Most common 2000 Lexus RX problems
Share of the 29 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus RX complaints by model year
Best RX years: 2012, 2013, 2014. Years to avoid: 2023, 2024, 2021, 2022, 2025. Compare all years →
What 2000 Lexus RX owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 25 →
2000 rx300 do not shift into the 3 gear while driving, the transmission shifts from 1 &2 but not 3. The engine speed is high and doesn't shift. We haven't driven it since, trying to find out what to do next with this vehicle. I have a friend that have the same make & model and he's had the same problems also!
After $3000+ in repairs for the main seals leaking, the rear seals leaking, timing belt replacement, and all other belts replaced, my check engine light appeared, and I brought it to the dealership. They later informed me that my engine is being replaced. They made no mention of the class action lawsuit, due to engine sludge build-up, that prompted the replacement, but I soon received a letter regarding it, and all the Lexus and Toyota models affected. I complained about the $3000 charge, but got no satisfaction from the dealership, but only the explanation, "we had no way of knowing that the engine was going to develop 'sludge'." now, with less than 1000 miles on the new engine my check engine light comes on again, the car is making awful noises under the dash like a speaker is blown, and the transmission seems to not ever get into first gear. …
2000 Lexus RX engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 22 / 19 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Wagon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2000 Lexus RX a good car?
Based on 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2000 RX rates use caution: 1.9× as many complaints as a typical year of the RX at the same age. It is one of the RX years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2000 Lexus RX?
The transmission & drivetrain — 25 complaints, 86% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the seat belts (1) and engine & cooling (1).
How many recalls does the 2000 Lexus RX have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2000 Lexus RX. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus RX?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2013 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2023, 2024, 2021, 2022 and 2025. See the full Lexus RX years comparison.
At what mileage do 2000 Lexus RX problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 90,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.