Faults:

Had a transmission problem shifting gears between 2nd and 3rd; hesitates, then does a hard shift.

Dealer service diagnosis was to replace the whole transmission, which will cost about $5000.

General Comments:

Car's been very good so far, but problems started just recently.

Had to replace the air intake control valve, just about a month ago, because the car won't start, and it was not cheap.

Faults:

At 28,000 miles, it started burning oil. Lexus replaced the engine at no cost.

At 100,000 miles, it had transmission problems. Lexus paid half of replacement.

At 167,000 miles, it needs new rear wheel bearings.

I have replaced the O2 sensors twice.

The check engine light is still on.

General Comments:

Believe what you hear about buying first model year of vehicles.

I love this car, barring the fact it's had too many problems for a luxury price range vehicle.

Faults:

My transmission was lagging, and I had a friend look at it. Thought my transmission was going out, but he told me it was the transmission speed sensor. Replaced the sensor, and car runs great.

Hope it helps someone!

General Comments:

Hate the turning radius.

However lots of space.

Faults:

About people complaining with transmission problems. For God's sake, change the transmission fluid with flush.

When I got car, it was 10 years old with 120 000 miles on it. In 2 months, one morning the car refused to move; the engine was working fine.

I thought, that's it, time for new transmission.

Brought it to friend of mine's transmission shop; he flashed the transmission with a special machine, replacing all the old fluid, put in new tranny filter, and the car was driving like new.

His comment was that no one ever changed tranny fluid on this car.

Since then I've put 44000 miles on it, and love this car.

General Comments:

Love it.

Faults:

At 85,000 miles my transmission went out. The dealer quoted me 6,000.00 to replace it. I ended up paying 2,000.00 to have it rebuilt. At 145,000 my Lexus transmission is gone out again.

My automatic locks have started to lock and unlock.

The oxygen sensors needed to be replaced. I purchased this SUV used as a returned lease; it was in excellent condition.

General Comments:

The SUV is well built. I have no problems with blind spots. And when it is driving, it drives well.

Faults:

Starter went out at around 110k miles.

Knock sensor replaced at 123k miles.

General Comments:

I've been very happy with my RX300. It's comfortable and safe. Any repairs I've done are normal wear and tear issues, no chronic mechanical issues.

General Comments:

I have 137000 miles, both city and highway, and virtually no problems other than coil packs at 120,000 (expected) and normal maintenance.

I have maintained the transmission at 25000 intervals, and have used synthetic oil since 50,000.

I suspect a lot of the transmission complaints are based on lack of service by prior owners (e.g. lease owners) etc.

Faults:

1) Most recently as of now, having to replace my transmission at 91K miles. I cannot believe it, this is why I purchased a Lexus -- not to spend $5K on a $40K car in this short amount of time. I am reading all the reports of the same issue in 1999/2000 RX 300. Most disturbing is the replacement transmissions are also failing, it is clearly a bad design. I reported this to NHTSA & would recommend everyone do so. http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/

Lexus Customer Service is 800-255-3987 -- be prepared to wait a long time.

They will tell you the dealer must inspect it. They also told me they have had complaints about this particular vehicle.

My friend also told me a Lexus mechanic told him the Lexus cars have known transmission issues, and to be sure to get the major services done. The mechanic said "these are not a Toyota, we work a lot on these engines". He chose to buy an Acura instead.

2) The "blower module" went out at about 80K miles. This part blows the hot or cold air for AC or heat. Replacement part is $500.

3) The seat belts quit retracting properly. Fixed once under warranty, happening again.

4) The "light assembly module" went out. Causes either side lights or tail lights to go out -- not all of them, but the same light stays out. You can tell it's not a fuse or a light bulb because it is not in the same line, & when you change these items, it doesn't help. Common issue I'm told. $500 part + labor.

Pam

p.s. I am going to have my Lexus inspected at the dealer. If they don't do anything, I am contacting the media & starting a class action lawsuit. Very bothersome that the follow up tranny's also fail at low miles. Very poor business practice on the part of Lexus/Toyota; this should have absolutely been made right when they discovered the issue.

Email: Info@AimingHigher.com

General Comments:

Overall, besides the transmission issue, and Lexus's failure to properly address this issue, I love the car. It drives well, is comfortable, and is very safe with the side air bags. I love the flexibility of the back seats folding, love the heated seats, love how it drives, love how solid it is overall.

I hope Lexus will stand behind their product, or I'll never be able to buy one again. That is a bummer; really have loved Lexus.