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2001 Lexus RX300

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2001 Lexus RX300 is a luxury crossover SUV known for its comfortable ride, reliability, and smooth performance. It was offered with a single engine option: a 3.0-liter 1MZ-FE V6 engine producing 220 horsepower and 222 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the RX300 for its build quality, quiet cabin, and overall dependability. Common complaints include relatively high fuel consumption, some dated interior features, and potential for age-related repairs.

Engine

3.0L 1MZ-FE V6

  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks, often originating from the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, or rear main seal. Symptoms include oil spots on the driveway, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ depending on the location of the leak and labor rates.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Failed Ignition Coils
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, decreased fuel economy, and a check engine light illuminated. Diagnosis often reveals a faulty ignition coil.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty ignition coil(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per coil (including diagnosis and labor).
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Variable Valve Timing (VVT) System Issues (Sludge)
    • Description/Symptoms: Due to poor maintenance and infrequent oil changes, sludge can build up and impact the VVT system leading to engine knocking, reduced performance, and a check engine light.
    • Solution: Engine flush with high-quality oil, and in severe cases, disassembly and cleaning of the VVT components or engine replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 for an engine flush, $500 - $2,000+ for VVT component cleaning or replacement. Engine replacement could be $3,000+.
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Aisin Warner A541E 4-Speed Automatic

  • Harsh Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough or jerky shifts between gears, especially when cold. This can sometimes be related to old or contaminated transmission fluid, or wear in the transmission valve body.
    • Solution: Performing a transmission fluid flush and filter replacement, or rebuilding/replacing the valve body. In severe cases, transmission rebuild or replacement might be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 for fluid flush and filter, $500 - $1500+ for valve body work, $2000+ for transmission rebuild/replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Transmission Slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: The engine revs higher than normal without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed.
    • Solution: If it is not severe, try replacing the automatic transmission fluid and filter. In cases of severe slipping, a transmission rebuild or replacement might be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 for fluid flush and filter, $2000+ for transmission rebuild/replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Strut and Shock Absorber Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll during cornering, uneven tire wear, and fluid leaking from the struts/shocks.
    • Solution: Replacing the worn struts and shock absorbers.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+ for a complete strut/shock replacement on all four corners.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sway Bar Link Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, especially when going over bumps or turning. This noise is usually caused by worn sway bar links.
    • Solution: Replacing the worn sway bar links.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Oxygen Sensor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, poor fuel economy, rough idling, and potential catalytic converter damage.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty oxygen sensor(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per sensor (including diagnosis and labor).
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Power Window Regulator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Windows failing to go up or down, or making grinding noises during operation.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty power window regulator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust (Especially in Northern Climates)
    • Description/Symptoms: Rust formation on the undercarriage, rocker panels, and around wheel wells.
    • Solution: Rust repair, which can range from minor sanding and painting to more extensive bodywork and panel replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2,000+ depending on the severity of the rust.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Navigation Screen Failure (if equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: The navigation screen may become dim, unreadable, or completely fail to function.
    • Solution: Replacing the navigation screen unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ (replacement parts are becoming harder to find).
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Climate Control Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Inconsistent or non-functional climate control system.
    • Solution: Could require replacing the AC compressor, blower motor, and/or control unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2001 Lexus RX300 is generally a reliable vehicle, but like any car of this age, it’s prone to certain issues. Engine oil leaks and transmission problems are fairly common and can be costly to repair. Suspension components also wear over time, requiring replacement. Electrical issues such as oxygen sensor failures and power window malfunctions are also potential concerns. Interior features like the navigation screen (if equipped) can also be problematic. Overall, while many issues can be minor and inexpensive, potential buyers should be aware that some repairs can be costly, especially if the vehicle has not been well-maintained.

Lexus, RX300
Lexus RX300 2001
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