Lexus RX300 Problems by Year

We compared every Lexus RX300 model year from 1999–2003 using 719 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 2 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2000 and 1999, which drew far more complaints than other RX300 years at the same age. The best years are 2003 and 2002.

5model years
719complaints
2recalls
2000, 1999worst years
2003, 2002best years

Complaints by model year

199920002001200220032212161698825
Owner complaints per model year, Lexus RX300. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
200325−82%—TransmissionGood
200288−50%—TransmissionGood
20011691.2×—TransmissionAverage
20002161.6×—TransmissionCaution
19992211.5×2TransmissionCaution

* Complaints compared with the median RX300 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Lexus RX300 problems

Latest Lexus RX300 recalls

Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch

NHTSA recall 99V-011 · Jan 20, 1999 · 23,441 vehicles

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The headlights and taillights May not automatically illuminate in low ambient light when the headlight switch is placed in the "auto" position.

Remedy: Dealers will install a modified body electronic control unit.

Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Differential proportional valve

NHTSA recall 99V-012 · Jan 20, 1999 · 6,503 vehicles

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with the optional traction control system. Due to improper design of the rear brake tube distribution, if one of the dual brake lines fails when the driver applies the brake, the vehicle will feel unstable compared to vehicles with proper rear brake tube distribution.

Remedy: Dealers will install modified brake tubes.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Lexus RX300 should you avoid?

2000 and 1999 — these years have the most complaints relative to other RX300 years at the same age, led by transmission & drivetrain problems in the 2000.

What is the best year for the Lexus RX300?

2003 has the fewest complaints compared with other RX300 years at the same age, followed by 2002. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Lexus RX300 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (435), engine & cooling (88) and speed control & acceleration (65). Transmission complaints peak in the 2000 model year.

How many recalls has the Lexus RX300 had?

2 recalls across 1999–2003. The model year with the most is 1999.

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.