Engine
3.0L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Power train
132 complaint records1 fire report3 crash reports
"NOTICED INABILITY OF THE TRANSMISSION TO CONSISTENTLY UPSHIFT INTO OVERDRIVE IN FREEWAY CONDITIONS WITH MINIMUM LOAD, FLAT SURFACE. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
31 complaint records2 fire reports
"ENGINE DESIGN IS FAULTY. WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE OIL BECOMES VERY HOT AND TURNS INTO SLUDGE. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATES ON DASH CONTINUOUSLY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Air bags
15 complaint records11 crash reports
"DURING VEHICLE COLLISION THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, VEHICLE WAS HIT DIRECTLY ON THE SIDE OF THE SENSOR. *MJS..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP02004 opened Apr 2002 | closed Jun 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE SEIZURE |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99V012000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE OPTIONAL TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM. DUE TO IMPROPER DESIGN OF THE REAR BRAKE TUBE DISTRIBUTION, IF ONE OF THE DUAL BRAKE LINES FAILS WHEN THE DRIVER APPLIES THE... | Normally free |
| 99V011000 | Exterior Lighting | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE HEADLIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS MAY NOT AUTOMATICALLY ILLUMINATE IN LOW AMBIENT LIGHT WHEN THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH IS PLACED IN THE "AUTO" POSITION. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999013 1999-01-29 | Lights And Instruments | 1,363 | On certain vehicles, due to a programming error of the automatic light control system, the headlights and tail lights may not automatically illuminate in low and ambient light when the headlight switch is placed in the "Auto Position". |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety Recall 22 Apr 2022 | Equipment | Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022 | |
| Lexus PRO19-02 - Jan 2022 | Equipment | POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. | |
| Lexus Safety Re May 2020 | Equipment | Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements | |
| L-SB-0008-20 Apr 2020 | Equipment | TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, PG002-90, L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003 93, and PG002-90. | |
| L-SB-0179-17 Obs Apr 2020 | Equipment | TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| L-SB-0048-08 Obs Dec 2017 | Equipment | TSB: Replacement Certification Labels. OBSOLETE NOTICE November 28, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0179-17. | |
| L-SB-0025-14 Jul 2015 | Equipment | TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. | |
| L-SB-0010-15 May 2015 | Equipment | LSB: The procedure in this bulletin is a general guideline on how to properly diagnose the air conditioning system after a component failure. Refer to the applicable Repair Manual for vehicle specific repair procedures and parts. | |
| L-SB-0066-11 Rev Apr 2015 | Equipment | LSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. | |
| L-SB-0025-14 Rev Nov 2014 | Equipment | TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. | |
| L-SB-0082-14 Oct 2014 | Power Train | TSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or transmission damage. | |
| L-SB-0007-11 Rev Oct 2014 | Power Train | TSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle assembly replacement. | |
| L-SB-0041-11 Rev Oct 2014 | Power Train | TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE-October 16, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0082-14. | |
| LSB008214 Oct 2014 | Power Train | Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions | |
| L-SB-0025-14 Rev Jul 2014 | Equipment | TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. | |
| LSB002514A Jul 2014 | Equipment | Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset | |
| LSB002514B Jul 2014 | Electrical System | Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset | |
| LSB002514 Jul 2014 | Electrical System | Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset. | |
| L-TT-0111-13 Jan 2014 | Air Bags | Lexus vehicles are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. | |
| L-SB-0092-13 Dec 2013 | Visibility | The following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance. | |
| L-BO-004-05 Obso Dec 2013 | Visibility | This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0092-13. | |
| LSB009213B Dec 2013 | Visibility | Windshield Wiper Blade Maintenance and cleaning | |
| L-SB-0143-11 Rev Nov 2013 | Seats | Beginning in 1998, Lexus introduced side airbags as optional equipment. Lexus does NOT recommend replacement of original seat covers with non-Lexus leather or other seat cover materials on vehicles due to the following: Seat covers NOT recommended by Lexus may affect side airbag... | |
| L-TT-0031-10 Nov 2013 | Equipment | Adhesive & sealant cross reference Information | |
| L-TT-0145-13 Nov 2013 | Visibility | Spots in Window glass | |
| LTT014513 Nov 2013 | Visibility | Spots in Window Glass - vehicle exterior | |
| L-SB-0041-11 Rev Oct 2013 | Power Train | This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0082-14. | |
| L-SB-0010-13 Feb 2013 | Equipment | A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system. This bulletin references the correct method for installing the Brake Pedal Force Gauge. | |
| LSB001013 Feb 2013 | Service Brakes | Brake Pedal Force Gauge SST for Parking Brake Inspection. | |
| L-TT-0111-13 Jan 2013 | Air Bags | Lexus vehicles are equipped with SRS, including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pretensioner devices did not per | |
| LSB-0143-11 Nov 2011 | Seats | LEXUS: INFORMATION REGARDING THE SEAT COVER REPLACEMENT, EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIR BAGS, THE MODIFICATIONS THAT MIGHT NEGATIVELY AFFECT SIDE AIR BAG PERFORMANCE CAN RESULT IN SEVERE INJURIES. *PE | |
| 00504 Aug 2004 | Power Train | PROPER IDENTIFICATION OF THE 5 SOLENOIDS USED IN THE U140E/U140F TRANSMISSIONS. *TT | |
| BR00102 Mar 2003 | Service Brakes | INFORMATION ON REDUCING FRONT BRAKE SQUEAL NOISE. *TT | |
| 01202 Oct 2002 | Suspension | SUSPENSION BALL JOINT INSPECTION METHOD. *TT | |
| 010102 Jan 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT FOR CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED SPECIFIC MECHANICAL ENGINE PROBLEMS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE CONDITION KNOWN AS OIL GELLING OR SLUDGE. *TT | |
| AC00201 Nov 2001 | Equipment | SUBJECT REGARDING AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR SHAFT SEAL REPAIR. *SLC | |
| BO01101 Sep 2001 | Unknown Or Other | SUBJECT REGARDING IMPROVEMENTS TO CENTER CUP HOLDER. *TT | |
| BO00901 Aug 2001 | Seat Belts | INFORMATION ON PREVENTING PARTICLE BUILDUP AND PRESERVE THE APPEARANCE OF THE SHOULDER BELT ANCHOR.*JB | |
| BR00101 Feb 2001 | Service Brakes | SUBJECT REGARDING FRONT BRAKE SQUEAL NOISE. *TT | |
| ST010101 Feb 2001 | Steering | SUBJECT REGARDING STEERING WHEELNUT SERVICE SPECIFICATION. *TT | |
| NV01000 Dec 2000 | Structure | BRIEF INFORMATION ON GLOVE BOX RATTLE NOISE. *TT | |
| BO00800 Dec 2000 | Structure | SUBJECT REGARDING PRODUCTION CHANGES TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE REAR HATCH. *TT | |
| BR00400 Dec 2000 | Service Brakes | BRIEF INFORMATION REGARDING FRONT BRAKE SQUEAL NOISE. *TT | |
| TC00100 Oct 2000 | Power Train | INFORMATION ON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK. *TT | |
| BO00400 Aug 2000 | Seats | SUBJECT REGARDING SEAT HEATER REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| EL00400 Apr 2000 | Structure | CONCERNS WITH THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK WON'T LOCK / UNLOCK ELECTRICALLY WHEN OPERATING FROM THE MASTER SWITCH OR WIRELESS KEY, BUT WILL OPERATE WITH THE MANUAL CONTROL; THE MULTIPLEX COMMUNICATION CONTINUES TRANSMITTING DATA AFTER THE IGNITION IS TURNED OFF AND ALL DOORS ARE... | |
| NV00600 Apr 2000 | Structure | SUBJECT REGARDING GLOVE BOX RATTLE NOISE. *TT | |
| AX00300 Mar 2000 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON THE TRAILER WIRE HARNESS. *MJS | |
| SU00299 Dec 1999 | Suspension | SERVICE INFORMATION TO ELIMINATE FRONT SUSPENSION SUPPORT NOISE. *TT | |
| AX00599 Nov 1999 | Structure | INFORMATION ON THE AVAILABILITY OF THE REAR WIND DEFLECTOR WIND NOISE FIELD REAPIR KIT. *TT | |
| EG00599 Oct 1999 | Unknown Or Other | VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A MIL "ON" DTC P1133. *TT | |
| AU00299 Sep 1999 | Equipment | CONCERNS WITH CASSETTE PLAYER NOT ACCEPTING CASSETTE TAPE ON VEHICLES WITHIN CERTAIN VIN RANGES. *TT | |
| EG00599 Sep 1999 | Unknown Or Other | SOME VEHICLES WITHIN CERTAIN VIN RANGES MAY EXHIBIT A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1133. *TT | |
| TC00299 Aug 1999 | Power Train | EXHIBITING AN INTERMITTENT SHUDDER DURING THE 2-3 SHIFT. *TT | |
| NV00199 Jun 1999 | Seat Belts | SERVICE PROCEDURES TO ELIMINATE POTENTIAL BUZZ OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTOR AREA. *TT | |
| NV00899 Jun 1999 | Unknown Or Other | SUBJECT REGARDING SQUEAKS AND RATTLES SERVICE TIPS - INSTRUMENT PANEL AREA. *TT | |
| SS00499 Jun 1999 | Unknown Or Other | SUBJECT REGARDING THE LEXUS DIAGNOSTIC TESTER SPECIAL SERVICE TOOL USED TO ADD AND REWRITE WIRELESS RECOGNITION CODES. *TT | |
| SS00599 Jun 1999 | Unknown Or Other | SUBJECT REGARDING DIAGNOSTIC TESTER SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS USED TO ADD AND REWRITE WIRELESS RECOGNITION CODES. *TT | |
| SS00699 Jun 1999 | Electrical System | INFORMATION REGARDING THE SCANTOOL IMMBOLIZER KEY CODE UTILITY. *TT | |
| SS00399 Jun 1999 | Unknown Or Other | SUBJECT REGARDING NEW SST AND REPAIR MANUAL PROCEDURE FOR U140F TRANSFER OVERHAUL. *TT |
Showing 60 of 104 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Lexus Rx300 →