Premature transmission failure. Purchased used with 85,000 miles. Transmission fluid changed at suggested intervals. Car will not move in any transmission selector position. After research, found that this is a common problem with this year and model Lexus.

- Ewing, NJ, USA

We bought this vehicle (Lexus RX300 4WD) on 11/29/2002 with 27,080 miles on it from local Lexus dealer. It is my wife's primary vehicle and she drives it to work daily (about 20 miles per day). At 111,000 miles the check engine light came on and the transmission was shifting erratically ie. Down shifting suddenly when it shouldn't and slipping gears. It also makes a strange constant noise. It had been more and more shifting this way off and on for 2 or 3 months. I took it to Lexus dealer on 8/24/2011 because of check engine light and the service consultant stated it needs new transmission (this was said in the same tone of "you need a new air filter") and they would replace it for $5,208.80. When I asked service consultant if this was a very common problem he stated that it was not. He said my transmission could totally fail at any time even while driving. This is a definite safety issue. The operators manual states "it is necessary to change transmission fluid only if your vehicle is driven under special operating conditions" which we don't. I checked edmunds and blogs on line and there are hundreds of complaints over this issue and I think it needs to be investigated because I don't want my wife to get in an accident on the interstate and so it just sets in my garage.

- Lenexa, KS, USA

Full transmission failure without any advance symptoms at 103,500 miles. Vehicle regularly serviced, including 90K complete service at dealer.

- Woodland Hills, CA, USA

This letter is a follow up to a claim I made regarding my 2000 Lexus RX300 and its impending transmission issues. I had requested from Lexus some good faith compensation for the replacement of my transmission due to the extenuating nature of the issues surround transmission in RX300 in the model year 1999, 2000 and 2001. Soon after I purchased the car I found interesting posting at edumnds.com on the more than average failure of the transmissions. At that time I purchased an extended warranty, since I figured that it was not if the transmission failed but when. True to form and right on schedule the transmission failed at 98,000 miles. I was denied any compensation on my issue and was told that Lexus had no knowledge of the problem. Background. Over 109 complaints have been filed with the national highway safety administration for 1999 Rx300S, 108 for model year 2000 (mine) and over 100 for 2001. Over 56 pages on edumnds.com contain complaints on this issue. Yet I was told by the customer service representative at Lexus of America that he in fact knew of no issues regarding transmissions in these vehicles. Either he was very nave or not being complete forthright with me if a simple google search produced my results. He claimed that proper servicing of the system would have avoided the issue ' which is also dispelled by other owners. I understand and accept that fact that used vehicles require a certain amount of upkeep and replacement and I accept that premise and plan for those costs. However, I do not believe that I should have to finance a repair that is truly a design flaw in the vehicle and not through any consequence of my simple ownership. I would expect more major repairs on a vehicle of a lesser quality, but not for vehicle that costs $45,000 and boasts 'the pursuit of perfection.' I see this as an integrity issue and that is what's appalling from a company that I have supported since 1989 when I bought my first Camry that I sold 12 years later.

- Highwood, IL, USA

Own a Lexus 2000 RX300, transmission failed while driving at highway speed, would not move in any gear. The vehicle only had 56,825 miles. Contacted a Lexus dealer and no help was offered, said it would cost $6000 for the repairs.I made a formal request from Lexus usa for help but they declined any responsibility. I was 1600 miles from home so I had an independent transmission shop make the repairs.Lexus is in fact aware of the problems with the rx 300 transmissions, but refuses to take responsibility for their defective design transmission. I would like to know of any class action suit for this problem. I know they have redesigned the transmission on later models to correct the problem!

- Meridian, ID, USA

Bought 2000 Lexus RX300 in January 2008. By May 2009 replacing transmission around130,000miles. 1st it stared like it was hesitating. By mid day on the interstate during 65/hr, the transmission went out. Had to pullover to the side of the road 30mile/hr at 4000 RPM. Transmission was replaced.drove it home 1 week later same thing. Took back to mr transmission said it was nothing wrong with transmission. Sensors oxygen replaced stop for a little bit. Noticed on and off transmission would slip. Transmission out again along with car idling high and making a popping noise. I guess nothing (recall) will not happen because no one died that seems to be how it works or if it something minor like ummm a light.

- Crossplaims, TN, USA

2000 RX300 Lexus. Consumer writes in regards to transmission problems the consumer stated the vehicle would not shift into gear. The repair shop found metal in the transmission fluid. The consumer was advised the transmission was beyond repair and a rebuilt transmission was installed.

- Anaheim, CA, USA

Erratic shifting, transmission slippage, jerking vehicle, just missed a vehicle crash. This occurred one time without any notice or check engine light indication. Complete transmission failure, unable to move the vehicle. Transmission is being rebuilt by an independent transmission specialist. Planetary gears, solenoid, clutches, and other numerous parts.

- Cadillac, MI, USA

Lexus RX300 4-w-drive [xxx] with 109,715 miles experienced a transaxle failure. Transaxle had been flushed at 30,000, 60,000 and 90,000 miles. Repair bill was $5233.16 and the reman part was $3552.23 of the total price. This premature failure is accompanied by many premature failures as revealed in the internet talk forums and appears to be a design problem. Lexus offered $750 compensation. I question the aluminum gears and revolutions allowed during shift as possible design flaws. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Lancaster, PA, USA

Transmission had to be replaced @ 125,000 miles & still does not shift correctly... aamco santa cruz California will not warranty it stating the problem is not the transmission it is the computer which has to be replaced even though Toyota of SC did diagnostic and stated nothing wrong w/ computer in vehicle - aamco has had vehicle aprox 2 months.

- Santa Cruz, CA, USA

2000 Lexus RX300. Consumer states problem with transmission the consumer stated the wheels seized.

- Howell, NJ, USA

I have 2 Lexus rx 300. One of the Lexus which has 127000 miles suddenly it wont go in reverse and then after few tries and pumping gas it went in reverse. It is right now with Lexus dealer and they said they couldn't find anything, but are investigating. Reading thru the web lots of people have similar problem. I hope transmission problem does not happen while driving the car and wont cause serious accidents. My wife and kids ride these vehicles. I would like to find out any steps have been taken by NHTSA so far in this matter.

- Catonsville, MD, USA

2000 Lexus RX300 with 96,600K miles. Transmission failed and locked car up in busy intersection. New incident, and a repair will cost $5, 000 or more.

- Chicago, IL, USA

Automatic transmission failure at 84,000 miles. Lexus was purchased new and has received all dealer's recommended service at same dealership except the last few, which were performed at another Lexus dealership. Dealer wants $4,700 to replace transmission with rebuilt transmission.

- Newport Beach, CA, USA

2000 rx 300 fwd with 95K miles crossing ca hwy1 car started making dragging noises and would not accelerate. Does not go into low gears, neutral or reverse. Occurs 100% of the time. Transmission is dead due to "engineering design flaw" according to the transmission shop rebuilding it for $4000. Thanks Lexus - I'm never buying Lexus or Toyota again.

- Sf, CA, USA

In Oct 2009, noticed a slip 2000 RX300 transmissions 30mph. Would not slip out of 1st gear so when 5 mph to get home. Have RX300 towed to mechanic. Transmission failed at 140,000 miles. Replaced with rebuilt transmission.

- Churchton, MD, USA

2000 Lexus rx 300 with 82K miles has broken transmission. The car has been well maintained and driven by my wife and the trans went out last fri when she was leaving the parking lot.

- Hb, CA, USA

2000 RX300 transmission failure at approximately 121,000 miles... dealer does not do rebuilds, so quoted for $4100 a new one without any detailed information on what exactly was wrong with it. Had it towed to reputable specialist, and was told a rebuild would cost more than a "re-manufacture"... $3600 + tax for 12 month warranty. Got it done, brought it home the 1st day and is leaking transmission fluid so need to bring back for a possible fix or swap. Not happy. No other mechanical issues with the car for the 7 years we've owned it.

- Brentwood, TN, USA

Lexus rx 300: Automatic transmission complaint. My 2000 Lexus rx 300 is having transmission issues. Sometimes it will not shift into overdrive. I'm a mother of three and use the car primarily to Transport children and the family dog to various places--I.e. to school, sporting events, carpooling as well as running various household errands and other family related activities. I have maintained the automobile regularly, do not drive abusively, and have not wrecked the automobile. I understand that many other 1999 & 2000 RX300 owners have experienced similar (or worse) automatic transmission problems. Please investigate the Lexus RX300 1999 and 2000 models to determine if this is a widespread flaw and worthy of a recall. Thank you.

- Birmingham, AL, USA

RX300 transmission went out at 96,00 miles. Then 6 months later, the motor needed work. This is not a quality car as I was led to believe. It has cost too much out of pocket money when the warranty was not honored by houston northside Lexus.

- Houston, TX, USA