MotorDeets

Lexus RX300 problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every RX300 from 1998 to 2003: 722 owner complaints and 2 recalls across 6 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1999 (221), 2000 (216), 2001 (169). Best fuel economy: 19 mpg combined (2000).

Lexus RX300
Photo: order_242 from Chile · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Transmission & drivetrain435
Engine & cooling72
Speed control / throttle66
Airbags36
Electrical28
Brakes (hydraulic)20
Visibility (wipers, glass)16
Seat belts16

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199803–
1999222119
2000021619
2001016918
200208818
200302518

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Lexus RX300.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Lexus RX300?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1999 (221), 2000 (216), 2001 (169).

How many recalls has the Lexus RX300 had?

Across 1998–2003, NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).