Like most, I drove off the Lexus lot quite excited to finally have one of these fabled vehicles. However, signs of trouble surfaced quickly and have not stopped:
The vehicle was delivered with an improperly installed front strut which caused it to pull very badly to the right--I noticed it on my way home from delivery.
It has been recalled four times in less than two years.
I, too, notice the transmission problems others have noted. I never felt it was a safety issue, but I'm not a spirited driver. However, it is annoying.
The engine makes a tapping noise at idle that sounds like a valve tap--the dealer tells me it's the injectors.
The driver's window buzzes when the radio plays a song with good bass.
The standard radio has very poor sound quality.
So, so many dash squeaks and creaks.
The cargo cover rarely stays pulled to the tailgate door--usually rolling up on its own on the first or second stop after I pull it over cargo--or just falling down onto the cargo like a blanket.
Dealer treatment has been less than promised or expected. For my most recent appointment, I called, someone picked up and just hung up the phone. I called again and had the same experience. I called the main number the third time to explain what had just happened, only to be told, "Oh, yes, they're pretty busy now and probably can't take calls." I sat on hold for over eight minutes waiting for someone to take the call--only to have to wait a month before getting an appointment. Then, I received a call that my car would take two days rather than one for its 15,000 mile service stop.
This is not what I expected. There were no apologies about the price of this vehicle in the showroom and plenty of assurances of how great it and my experience with it and with Lexus would be. Not so. If you are drooling over a Lexus as I did, beware that all is not what it appears--at least not all of the time.
As an interesting side note, I received plenty of surveys in the first few months of owning the vehicle. As I began scoring the car and my experience low, the surveys stopped coming. Is this a coincidence or is this how Lexus keeps its customer service ratings high--by weeding out low-scoring customers? I'm not a suspicious type, but I must admit to wondering about this.
The RX is the only Lexus vehicle with problems. It was there first suv (suddlenly useless vehicle) and they didn't get the kinks worked out until the new RX330 came out. I think the engine was underpowered for such a heavy car putting strain on the motor and transmission. I have owned 3 Lexus, an RX being one of them, and love them all. My LS430 is my favorite, but I also like my LS400. Both are amazing and have no problems. My RX on the other hand has has problems. It makes a wierd noise when its cold and just like you the dealer said its the injectors. I thinks that's BS! The service at my dealer is great. I know the manager, so I can call him directly with my questions and he can help. Id get another Lexus, perhaps the new RX. I'm sure you don't want to pay another 40 grand, but, in my opinion, its worth it. Would you rather pay 40 grand for a reliable vehicle or 60 to 80 for a piece of crap Mercedes. Its your choice, but I recomend trading you Lexus in for a newer one. Thanks for the great review.
Well, I got an old Pontiac... but it runs like a champ!! I'd definetley complain if I were you.
This review is for 2003 RX 300 AWD (US market). We were in the market for one and realized that lexus RX went to the 3.3 liter (330) with 5 speed transmission in 2004 (that’s the new shape). After reading the reviews on this and other websites we decided to stay away from the 2004 and higher models due to transmission problems. We drove at least 10 2003 RX300 with AWD (3.0 liter engine with 4 speed transmission) in Chicago, IL market. They all had 30K to 50K miles. While the vehicles were nice, they all had some problems. Most of the vehicles had the transmission surge problem every one is talking about (I was surprised to see hesitation in 4 speed transmission as well). Some had electrical/cd related problems. The vehicles were also at the lexus and other reputable dealerships and they all refused to agree on transmission problems.
We ended up buying a 2003 highlander limited with leather and heated seats. It has 55K miles, but drives very nice. Although it shares a lot of parts with RX, the transmission seems to be okay (we have only owned it a month). Not sure why, but highlander seems to have better ride and power then its RX sibling.
I'm sorry, but you guys seem to be nit-picking. I guarantee you that if you were to buy a bmw x3 or mercedes ml350 you would have more problems. Cars are not perfect deal with it, even though lexus is close.
AMEN!! Cars are not perfect, but yet people think they are! Lexus is as close as it comes. Hunny, the Highlander and the RX are the same car. So you got an RX, with out some of the options, and a boxy frame.
The transmissions problems actually are problems at all> The RX has a computer that learns how you drive. When buying a used RX, the computer has already been programed with someone elses driving, that is why you get the power surges. I purchased a new 2006 RX330 and I love it. The only problem I have is people won't stop talking about it. All cars have problems, especially Mercedes. My partner works for Mercedes, and he told me that he wouldn't have one. He has a 2005 Jaguar, and that car has been in the shop for more petty issues. I love my Lexus, a nd now am an Lexus Advocate!! Reconsider the RX my friend, you won't find a better car!!
Thank you!! I feel that Lexus is by far the best luxury vehicle for the money. My brother is a mechanic for Mercedes, and he swears they are the worst car on the road. My partner owns an Acura TL, as well as a BMW X5. The Acura is an awesome car, even if the wood grain is plastic. The X5 has great options, but isn't as reliable as my RX330. My RX330 is a 2006, and its 2 months old. I have already, but over 8500 miles on this car, and no problems. I had a 99 Lexus RX300, and got close to 200,000 miles out of it before I traded it in. When I did trade it, I couldnt believe that I got $7500 for that many miles! Lexus treats their customers like first class, and I am sold for life. All cars have problems, and Lexus is no exception, however, they are more reliable than any other car on the road I feel. If you want a smooth ride that's reliable and has all the bells and whistels, go for the RX!!
The comment above is just the way I feel. After owning 6 Lexus and now on my 7th and 8th I still have faith in Lexus. I got my first Lexus in 1989, which was the LS400. I had bought my first luxury car in 1987 which was a Mercedes 420sel. Loved the car, but the Lexus looked more modern for the time and I liked it better. I drove the LS400 for 235,000miles when in 1995 I traded it for the newer body LS400. I drove the 95 for 175,000miles during that time buying the wife a 1997 SC400. The wife had always driven Mercedes until her S500 motor blew at 13,000miles. In 1999 the wife wanted the RX300 so I took the SC400 which only had 34,000miles at the time. My wife drove the RX300 for 160,000 until she got her RX330 in 2004. The SC400 was driven only 95,000miles before being traded on a 2001 LS430. I still drive my 2001 LS430 which has 135,000miles. We also have the SC430 for a weekend car. My daughter got a 2005 IS300 for her sweet 16. I have always loved Lexus and always will. Have the oil changes and timing belt done on time and they will last forever. I still wish I would have kept my first Lexus just to have seen what the mileage was when it died.
I never owned a Lexus, so my comments may not be as relevant as comments from someone who owned few of those status symbols. However, I've owned 6 or 7 Toyotas and I can tell that those cars are best to none. My 1986 Tercel 4x4 was the most dependable car I've ever owned, I purchased it for $50 and it ran for 2 years without any major problems, before transmission fell apart (at 250,000 miles). My 1992 Toyota Camry has about 150,000 miles and it still runs like a clock. I've purchased it from the original owner who took a good care of it and car felt brand new even though it was 12 years old at the time. My 1992 Toyota Previa has little issues with electrical components, power door locks, CD player and Air Conditioning, however motor runs strong at 170,000 miles and I'm planning on keeping it for a long time.
My 2003 Corolla Matrix has been reliable and very useful hauling three people and a trunk full of IKEA goodies including full size bed for 550 miles.
Every one of those Toyotas been reliable, dependable and easy to service. Despite being 4x4, rear wheel drive minivan, mid size car and compact hatchback they all have one thing in common - four cylinder engine. After reading how troublesome are Toyota V6 and 5 speed automatic transmissions, I wonder why people keep buying cars with that flawed engine/transmission combo? Sure it's more powerful, but you can only go as fast as Geo Metro in front of you in rush hour traffic. If you want reliability and dependability go with 4 cylinder (Highlander vs RX 330, Camry vs. ES 330), if you want power and status symbol go with V6, but don't expect it to be as trouble-free as Corollas and Camrys.
AMEN to the commenter above>> I have a 2002 Rav4 with the 1Az-FE 4cyl engine and its still going strong with 85000K miles with no probems (knock on wood!)... The RX is a great suv that impresses its occupants, as I have a friend who has one.
To lock cargo cover in place you need to use small butons on the side walls, atleast this is how its done in my car.
With regards to the reliability issues... is it because the 2nd generation RX is built in North America?
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