NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 176 owner complaints for the 2001 Lexus RX300. Most complaints involve power train (124) and vehicle speed control (21). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
POLYMER PROCESS DEVELOPMENT IS RECALLING 931 UNITS OF BACK GLASS, P/NO. FB20415ZPY, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON 1999-2004 LEXUS RX300 VEHICLES. THE GLASS FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE AUTOMOTIVE GLAZING MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, GLAZING MATERIALS.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“PURCHASED FROM MY MOTHER IN 2013 AT 115K AFTER SHE HAD PURCHASED NEW FROM DEALERSHIP. BABIED, DEALER SERVICED, MY TRANSMISSION GAVE OUT AT 130K AT A COST OF $3800!!! THEN IN LESS THAN A YEAR IT WENT AGAIN, AND IT WAS UNDER AAMCO WARRANTY. THEN TRANSMISSION WENT AGAIN IN 2018, AND JUST OUT OF WARRANTY. WHY IS THERE NOT A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT!!!!!! CAR DIED 3 SEPARATE TIMES WITHOUT WARNING IN VERY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. $3800 WAS MY ENTIRE SAVINGS, AND NOW MY LEXUS WAS THE ONLY THING I HAD OF VALUE, AND IT IS WORTH $250 AS A JUNKER!”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LEXUS RX300. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE BRAKES FAILED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE FAILURE RECURRED ONCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.”
“I PURCHASED A 2001 LEXUS RX 300 FROM A PRIVATE PARTY IN FEBRUARY OF THIS YEAR. WITHIN DAYS OF THE PURCHASE THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THAT WAS REPLACED, BUT I HAD ALSO NOTICED SOME BLUE SMOKE WHEN I STARTED IT. I TOOK IT INTO MY AUTO MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME THAT THE CAR WAS BURNING OIL, AND ACTUALLY THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION SUIT FILED AGAINST TOYOTA RELATED TO THE PROBLEMS, I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT THIS CONDITION WILL LEAD TO ENGINE FAILURE IF THE ENGINE IS NOT REPLACED. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO FILE A COMPLAINT IN REGARDS TO THIS ISSUE TO SEE IF I QUALIFY TO BE PART OF THE LAWSUIT AND FILE A CLAIM. *KB”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX 300 Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 21 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
| RX 300 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
5 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 176 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (124), vehicle speed control (21), engine and engine cooling (13). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2001 Lexus RX300 at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).