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 2002 Lexus RX300 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Lexus RX300. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started to jerk and failed to accelerate as the vehicle stability control and traction control off warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift gears. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the throttle body and e- solenoid needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 198,000. The VIN was not available.
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. …
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.
Tl 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.
I own a 2002 RX300 by Lexus. This has in general been a good vehicle, until the transmission went out when I was 350 miles from home. The independent transmission shop that I took the car to showed me information that indicated the Lexus vehicles from 1998 - 2002 have a history of significant transmission problems. These problems include the premature failure of the transmission and the inability in some cases of getting a new "rebuilt" transmission to Sync with the vehicle computer. The information I read indicated that up to 25% of vehicles in these model years have failure. This is unacceptable. Can you please investigate this.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Lexus RX300. The contact stated that the vehicle consumed oil excessively. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly slowed down and began to sputter. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop where the contact stated that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The transmission also became stuck and took an extended amount of time to shift into gear. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop where the contact was informed that both the transmission and motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The current mileage was approximately 140,000. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
A total failure of my transmission left me stranded on the highway, no warning, no signals, just quit. I've driven Toyota products for 30 years and several over 200K miles and I've never had such a catastrophic failure. The cost to repair is $4000 from the dealer. The sad thing is that I just paid this vehicle off less than a week ago. After searching many forums of Lexus owners I have found out that the early rx300s were all susceptible to this failure., why hasn't and doesn't Lexus admit this failure. Lexus has just lost loyal customer for them and Toyota products.
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.
Transmission complaints in other RX300 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Lexus RX300?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Lexus RX300, 43% of the model year's 88 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Lexus RX300 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2002 Lexus RX300. 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 2002 Lexus RX300 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 102,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.