2001 Lexus RX 3.0L V6 from North America

Summary:

Looks like a Lexus, but does not drive or age like a Lexus

Faults:

Multiple emissions OBDII codes.

Multiple misfire OBDII codes right before the transmission went out.

Transmission started sounding like it was low on fluid but was not. Torque converter was coming apart and clogging the filter and the flow of fluid.

$3500 to have a rebuilt transmission installed.

General Comments:

I have owned Lexus LS400 and LS460L. The RX300 was nice, but from the beginning it felt like a much cheaper build. The seats leather was much cheaper grade and all RX300s I have seen have a torn or very worn leather driver's seat with the vinyl skirt always torn. The door locks and the vent actuator door motors are known issues that you will be repairing within the 1st 100k miles. Love the look and the sound system. Not up to Lexus standard in my opinion.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 25th November, 2017

2nd Dec 2017, 18:47

I really don’t think you can complain about a 15 year old car with 140k on it when you got it. It’s a modern production car - it’s worn out at that age and mileage unless it has been treated like a baby all of its life. I honestly don’t think you can expect anything else!

3rd Dec 2017, 11:50

From what I have heard, this generation had a high rate of transmission problems. The story is that Toyota/Lexus used they same transmission found in the Toyota Camry V6, although the Toyota Harrier/Lexus RX 300 weighs several hundred pounds more.

2001 Lexus RX 300 from North America

Summary:

Keeping the truck forever!

Faults:

I had new front and rear brakes installed at 69,000 miles.

Replaced windshield water pump at 43,000 miles.

Replaced alternator and power steering belt at 49,000 miles.

New battery at 82,000 miles, and another one at 102,000 miles.

Complete transmission flush at 84,000 miles.

Replaced two rear liftgate shocks at 97,000 miles.

Flushed radiator, replaced lower hose and upper hose, thermostat, valve gaskets, dog bone style engine mount, replaced power steering fluid at 104,000 miles.

Replaced new air/fuel sensor at 101,000 miles.

Replaced the front driver's power door lock assembly, and made a new key at 103,000 miles.

Replaced center brake light bulb at 77,000 miles.

Had a slight problem with the front passenger's side power window, but repaired at 101,000 miles.

I purchased the truck brand new, and it keeps going still.

General Comments:

Still very strong engine response.

A very good reliable truck.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd April, 2011

2001 Lexus RX 300 from North America

Faults:

My Lexus was driving fine with no problems, and all of a sudden, it started to jerk when it would go into gear, and would only go 40 miles, then it came to a total stop. I was on a highway, and it was not safe, had to push it out of the road. The check engine light never came on; no indication it was having any problems.

Now I have a cost of 3400.00 to replace my transmission, which I found out from my mechanic that it's an electrical problem that Toyota called a recall on, so I plan on getting Toyota to pay the costs to replace it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 30th December, 2010

2001 Lexus RX 300 3.0 from North America

Summary:

The best mid size SUV in the early 90's

Faults:

Windshield pump motor - should not had gone at 80k miles. Not cheap; it cost $75 for the part, but I was able to replace it myself.

Brake pads - both front & back pads pretty much frozen with the metal holder, so made the braking not quite efficient.

Rear brake caliper bolts holder sticking - pretty frozen solid (not sliding with the pads). I had to use a hammer to break them loose.

General Comments:

Overall it is a good family SUV, but the car is approaching 100k miles, so the common engine sludge & tranny problem is starting to worry me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th November, 2010

2001 Lexus RX 300 from North America

Summary:

Absolutely the best vehicle on the road

Faults:

Nothing so far.

General Comments:

I previously owned a 1999 Lexus RX300. I initially purchased it because of the safety, reliability and comfort ratings. I was not disappointed in the least until I rolled my vehicle twice on a twisty mountain road on August 19, 2008. Believe it or not, I walked away from the crash albeit my vehicle looked like a smashed cookie. Just a trip to the ER and several weeks of recovering from the seat belt and air bags and I was as good as new. I would never have given up this vehicle were it not for the accident.

Since my 1999 RX300 saved my life, I bought another used one. My new vehicle is a 2001 and I just love it. I feel confident in the safety, reliability and comfort levels. I will never own another vehicle other than a Lexus.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th October, 2009