2003 Lexus RX 300 Consumer Discussions

Lexus RX Transmission Problems

• Re: Rx 300 Tranny issue [slsrme]

  Written by: ed95682 on Aug 18, 2011 8:25:16 PM

  Well, I too am one of the 'lucky ones'. The transmission in our 2002 RX300 went out today, without any warning. We called our local Lexus dealer in the Sacramento area and they were sympathetic to our problem and even shared the fact that this has been an ongoing problem with 1999-2002 models. Apparently, Lexus has known of the problem and even corrected the transmission problem in the 2003 and later ... Read More

Lexus RX 300 door locks

• Re: door lock Actuator [gmkane]

  Written by: casino2 on May 19, 2011 4:15:45 PM

  It is best that you purchased a new one because a used can fail prematurely. The labor cost and the time is the factor. I had a 2003 Lexus LS 430 and both front passenger and drive side's door actuator stop working. My 2001 Lexus RX 300 driver's side just replace recently after 10 years. My cousin with a 2003 Lexus GS 300 front driver's side was down. They don't make ... Read More

Lexus RX Transmission Problems

• Re: Lexus RX 300 Transmission [mrboston]

  Written by: wwest on May 14, 2010 8:43:55 AM

  "...to much torque on the aluminum..." No, the early RX300 transaxles had/have a factory design flaw that was finally overcome via the adoption of DBW throttles beginning with the RX330 models. Via the adoption of DBW the engine was prevented from rising above idle until the transaxle could finish, fully and completely, changing gears. Due to the design flaw there were instances in which a gear change would sometimes take 1-2 ... Read More

Lexus RX 350 Driving Experiences and Problems

• Re: 2010 RX Vs 09/08/07 CPO [vollyf]

  Written by: marqevans on Mar 24, 2010 8:03:40 PM

  Let me start by saying they have all been very quiet. I was most impressed with the quitness of the 1999 rx 300. I think because it was my first Lexus. I had the 2000 rx 300, 2003 rx 300, and 2005 rx 330 all of which were quiet.. The 2008 and 2010 rx 350's with the 3.5 liter engine is a bit noisier at cold start up. Hope this helps. ... Read More

Lexus RX Transmission Problems

• LEXUS RX 300 Transmission Failure

  Written by: mrboston on Mar 22, 2010 10:46:07 AM

  Lexus to save cost, made many of the transmission parts out of aluminum instead of steel. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that it took Lexus three years of problems to change back to steel gears etc starting in 2003 model RX.

• Re: LEXUS TRANSMISSION DEFECT [usdscuba]

  Written by: mrboston on Jan 7, 2010 7:12:05 PM

  I agree someone should get a class action lawsuit going as I have been driving 45 years without a transmissio nfailure. I bought the first LS 400 in 1990 and had 300.000 miles on it, (eighteen years old), and it ran like a top. The RX 300 from 1999 - 2003 transmissions are junk.

Lexus RX 300

• Re: problem with key's remote function [dsalce]

  Written by: mikey00 on Dec 28, 2006 11:18:26 AM

  There are lots of alternatives to the dealer which cost much less. Google RX300 key for many options. Here's one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2001-2002-2003-LEXUS-RX-300-RX300-CHIP-KEY_W0QQcm- dZViewItemQQcategoryZ40016QQihZ020QQitemZ300063448615QQrdZ1

• Re: '02 RX 300 or '02 Volvo V70 [grace5]

  Written by: wwest on Aug 9, 2006 2:01:37 PM

  The entire Toyota/Lexus FWD and/or front biased AWD vehicles seem to be affected by what some refer to as a "firmware" BUG within the engine/transaxle control ECU. It was first noticed, noticeable, in the early RX300's as a propensity to upshift the transaxle at weird times. For instance just before coming to a full stop. Wherein most transaxles shifted into first the RX300 would upshift initially and then downshift into first ... Read More

• Sold our 2001 RX 300

  Written by: jodar96 on Feb 9, 2006 10:34:55 AM

  We just sold our 2001 RX300 2WD with 81K miles for $17,500. Bought it almost two years ago with 58K miles for $20,800. Likes: Fit/finish Quality Solid feel Decent power on highway Top notch leather seat quality and comfort Unmatched excellrnt brake feel Dislikes: No room for items. Narrow interior Annoying/poorly designed center console The worst turning circle of anything I have ever owned. My 2003 Ford Explorer feels likes it ... Read More

• Re: need some general feedback please! [abblisa]

  Written by: calpath on Jan 3, 2006 6:06:25 PM

  I have a 2003 RX 300. A Lexus dealer was going to charge me $700 for the 30,000 mile service (flush radiator, oil, fluids, check belts, whatever else). I found a local mechanic who did it for about $270. Haven't tried the local Toyota dealer.

• need some general feedback please!

  Written by: abblisa on Dec 18, 2005 1:57:45 PM

  My husband and I went car shopping and we really like the "02 ML 320 and the 2002 or 2003 Lexus RX 300. After reading too much "bad news" about the ML 320 i decided to pursue the 02 or 03 lexus rx300, it has $37,000 miles, very clean, smells good, no tears..We are middle income family and have to unload my 03 yukonxl denali. Is the RX300 very expensive to ... Read More

• Towing with RX 300

  Written by: jodar96 on Jul 4, 2005 6:51:44 PM

  We have a 2001 RX300. I don't dare to tow anything with RX300 than two bikes on a rack. The FWD RX engine is not truck type engine to pull campers. remember that RX300 is based on Camy platform and not Tacoma. I alway wonder about that A/T overheat light in the dash. Why does Lexus feel they need a overheat warning light for A/T? No one else has the light. ... Read More

• Re: Trailer Wiring [pschiffe]

  Written by: steve_ on Jun 21, 2005 7:39:42 PM

  Do you mean this post, Pete? mikey00, "Lexus RX 300" #7680, 7 Sep 2003 7:36 pm [lol, you're editing while I'm trying to guess what your search hit. Right click copy on the post in question will copy the link - copying search results doesn't work]. Steve, Host

• Our FWD 2001 RX 300

  Written by: jodar96 on Jun 4, 2005 10:01:25 AM

  Bought a used one in Dec 2003 with 58K for my wife It has been a great vehicle, put together fine, drives great, and have had no issues with it. This Lexus has the most solid brakes I have ever seen. As much as we love it, since It can't pull anyting......... it needs to go!! Bought a 2003 Ford Explorer XLT sport. although it will never come close to RX ... Read More

Lexus RX 330

• Handling and Power of 2005 RX330

  Written by: legendman on Apr 6, 2005 1:18:26 AM

  What are the general impressions of how the 2005 RX 330 drives? I have driven a 1999 RX and 2003 RX 300 by way of comparison. The 2005 RX seems a little "looser" up front; not as taut and connected as the older models. Will an AWD give better cornering on dry pavement or will it only "shine" during inclement weather? Also, should one believe Lexus' claims of only one (1) ... Read More

• jr: reviews of the RX300 and RX330

  Written by: cotmc on Sep 13, 2003 3:47:25 PM

  You stated the RX300 "was about the highest rated vehicle on the market". Yeah, that was true back in 1999 and 2000, but there have been several reviews and premium SUV comparos since 2001 in which the RX300 was no longer rated among the best. Newer models had surpassed the RX300, according to the automotive critics. Just look at recent reviews here in Edmunds if you don't believe me. As an ... Read More

• RX330 Production

  Written by: rx330guy on Jan 6, 2003 10:45:22 PM

  According to Denny Clements, Lexus group vice president and general manager "The 2004 RX 330 goes into production at its Kyushi, Japan, factory in February and will replace the 2003 RX 300 in showrooms shortly thereafter. But by September, production of the new RX also will be started at an assembly plant in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. It will mark the first time in history that a Lexus is built outside Japan." ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: Sylvia on Jul 19, 2002 9:44:08 AM

  The 2004 Lexus RX 330 Luxury SUV, due out in 2003 boasts a larger engine and body (thrid-row + more cargo space) than the RX 300. http://www.edmunds.com/future/2004/lexus/rx330/4drsuv/preview.html