Most common 2003 Lexus RX300 problems
Share of the 25 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus RX300 complaints by model year
Best RX300 years: 2003, 2002. Years to avoid: 2000, 1999. Compare all years →
What 2003 Lexus RX300 owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
My wife drove the vehicle to work. She parked, turned the engine off, and removed the key while the shifter was in the neutral position. Thinking that it was in "park", she exited the vehicle and began to walk away. The vehicle rolled backward and pinned her right let in between its rear bumper and the bumper of another vehicle.
The transmissions in Lexus RX300 models are unsafe. The transmission in my RX300 had to be replaced at 70,000 miles and again at 120,000 miles. Lexus is not standing behind their product. There have been numerous complaints about the transmission in the RX300 model. Lexus will not acknowledge this defect. Also, I was misled at the dealership the first time they replaced the transmission. I was assured that the transmission was not "refurbished", when, indeed, it is not a new transmission. The definition of the word "refurbished" was in question. The transmission going out repeatedly and so early in the RX300 model is a safety hazard. Lexus' failure to acknowledge the problem and their decision to wait until someone has a problem with the transmission is a safety issue in itself.
Speed control & acceleration
Tl contact owns a 2003 Lexus RX300. While driving 10 MPH out of the parking lot the vehicle accelerated and he lost control. As he swerved the vehicle he hit three small trees, a wooden fence, and a brick wall before the vehicle stopped. The ambulance and police department came because he was trapped in the vehicle. He was taken to the hospital for injures to his lower back. The vehicle was destroyed. There is a police report if needed. The insurance company was notified. The dealer nor manufacturer have not been called. The failure mileage was 14,070. Updated 05/10/10 the vehicle was declared a loss. Updated 05/17/10.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Lexus RX300. While driving into a driveway at speeds of fewer than 8 MPH, she heard a loud revving noise and the vehicle accelerated without intent. The vehicle crashed into the garage door and pushed the two vehicles into the driveway through a cement wall and into her home. There were no injuries. Neither the manufacturer nor dealer was contacted. The repairs were covered through her insurance company. The failure mileage was 38,000 and the current mileage was 70,000.
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2003 Lexus RX300. The contact stated that the HVAC system was inoperable. Additionally, the VSC and check engine warning lights were illuminated while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed at an AutoZone with a catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
While traveling out to denver from omaha, received low oil pressure light on my 2003 Lexus RX300. Pulled over immediately, had car towed to Lexus dealership. They immediately knew what to look for and say..the car has been misused, (no oil changes) and oil gelling was result. Within minutes they said the engine was shot and would require new engine. They showed me the sludge which was only found on one cylinder head, by the oil return line. Quantity was about one handful and as stated, only near the return line, remainder of head clean. I had changed oil night before trip. They will not honor power train warranty, since I cannot prove oil was changed every 7500 miles. Car has 50,000, and I purchased car from individual who stated he always maintained car but cannot prove with receipts. …
2003 Lexus RX300 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 21 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Wagon.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Lexus RX300 a good car?
Based on 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 RX300 rates better than average: 82% fewer complaints than a typical year of the RX300 at the same age. It is one of the best RX300 years by this measure. 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 2003 Lexus RX300?
The transmission & drivetrain — 7 complaints, 28% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the speed control & acceleration (5) and engine & cooling (4).
How many recalls does the 2003 Lexus RX300 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2003 Lexus RX300. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus RX300?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2003 and 2002. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000 and 1999. See the full Lexus RX300 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Lexus RX300 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 26% 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.