Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Lexus RX owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
Transmission started making a whining sound at certain speeds about a year and a half earlier. Toyota dealer confirmed odd noise from transmission, but said there was nothing they could do apart from removing transmission. I was in a nearby state when the tranny finally went out - 1st gear still works and sometimes 2nd gear, but 3rd, 4th and reverse all went out when I was accelerating onto the highway - a loud bang and then it revved up like it was in neutral even though it was in drive. I'm concerned this was a design flaw, but Lexus does not agree and has offered no compensation up to this point. They said if I want to take it further I need the Toyota dealer to confirm the tranny is out. I said that would not be difficult and am in the process of doing that now. I am curious how some people have gotten Lexus to pay a portion of their bill. …
Driving on the freeway my car ceased forward engagement. I was almost rear ended however, I was successful in maneuvering off the freeway. I was stranded out of town for several hours. After having towed to a Lexus dealership in sacramento for an assessment it was determined that the transmission malfunctioned and advised the cost would be approximately $4,400. I contacted the Lexus corporation because no transmission should fail only having 89,000 miles and 7 years of age with regular maintenance. I also found out that the Lexus 1999 & 2000 rx300 models have a known transmission defect but no recall, why?
2000 model Lexus rx300 with 75000 miles. Transmission went out after spending a week in a cold (never abover freezing) parking lot. Lexus dealer is claiming that the fluid needed to be replaced every 20K miles, although the user manual clearly states that under normal usage the transmission fluid does not need to be replaced. The transmission went out while driving, and no forward or reverse engagment was possible. Lexus is quoting 5200 for a complete rebuilt (not even new) transmission. I have owned many cars and this is the first transmission problem I have ever had, and with many fewer miles than my other cars.
2000 Lexus rx300. The transmission went out unexpectedly at 126,000 miles. I have several other vehicles (maxima 292,000+ miles, silverado 1500 p/u 120,000+ miles and Honda accord 240,000+ miles ) and none of the what is supposed to be inferior cars have had any sort of transmission problems. But a Lexus , which is supposed to mean quality, goes out at only 126,000. According to recent research on the lexusclubowners.com forum it appears that the rx300's and the 330's are plagued with transmission problems that should be addressed by the Lexus corporation.
I have a Lexus rx300. It is a 2000 with 58,000 miles. The transmission went out and Lexus refuses to fix it under warranty (claiming its 6 year or 70,000 miles). Now that I am doing research, it appears that this is a major problem with the rx300. It appears they have faulty transmissions. I am hoping you can help. The forums seem to indicate that if we file reports, hopefully there will be a recall or some sort of legal claim. The Lexus of santa monica want to charge me $4,800, they offered a 10% discount.
Failed transmission 2000 rx300 Lexus miles 72000 I was told that this was the first of its kind at victory Toyota seaside ca and the mechanics had never seen this before I was perusing regular maintenance schedules for the rx300 and found roughly 20 some failed transmissions listed on the 1999 and 2000 models. Toyota is not taking responsibility for this crappy design but it was mentioned that the next year the design was improved!! We also paid 7000$ for the job and other folks paid on the order of 4000.
Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to place the vehicle into the drive gear the automatic transmission control module failed. Neither the drive nor reverse gear could be engaged. The vehicle was unable to move and was towed to the dealership. Upon inspection, the dealership discovered metal particles in the transmission oil. The diagnosis indentified that the transmission was lubricated with metal shavings and other contaminants therefore the entire transmission system would need to be replaced.
I have a 2000 Lexus RX 300 with 103,000 miles. While driving it suddenly lurched, would not go and lurched again. The transmission failed suddenly. It "froze" meaning would not shift, the car would not move etc. I have never had any other problems with this car. I have owned it for more than 3 years. When I bought it, it had 33,000 miles. It has been fully and regularly serviced according to the manual. The car now is in the transmission shop having the transmission replaced.
Transmission complaints in other RX years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2000 Lexus RX?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2000 Lexus RX, 86% of the model year's 29 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Lexus RX transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2000 Lexus RX. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 Lexus RX transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 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.