During normal driving, with no signs of failure, the vehicle suddenly would lose power when pressed on gas, it acted as if it were in neutral---engine revs up, but car does not move. Then when switched to second gear or L, transmission still would not engage. Had it towed to a local transmission shop, it turned out to be the planetary gear broke. Searched online Lexus forum, found out very many people reported the same failure in transmission.

- Oceanside, CA, USA

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.

- Eatonton, GA, USA

I have a 2003 Lexus RX300 with 134,000 miles. The transmission failed on 2/20/09. After a couple of days of a slight whine, three lights came on the dashboard. I took it in to my local repair shop. They ran a computer diagnosis and it came back with transmission failure. I purchased the vehicle while still under warranty at 48,000 miles in 2006. I have had the transmission serviced twice at the recommended intervals. It was due for a 3rd service. Internet blogs report that transmission failure is a chronic problem with this vehicle after 70,000 miles. In almost 40 years of driving, I have never had a transmission failure before. I owned a Lexus ES300 previously and Volvo before that. The Lexus dealer says it is out of warranty. Cost of replacement is quoted at $4200.

- Graham, NC, USA

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.

- Helotes, TX, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Lexus RX300. While driving 65 mph, the engine shut off without warning and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The transmission was determined to be the cause of the failure and was replaced at the cost of $3,922.40. A report was filed with the manufacturer and they stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The contact did not establish a relationship with the dealer; therefore, they would not assist. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 78,926 and current mileage is 79,000. Updated 3/9/09 the vehicle would not shift into reverse. Updated 03/10/09.

- Massillon, OH, USA