2002 Lexus RX300

The 2002 Lexus RX300 is a popular luxury SUV known for its comfortable ride, reliability, and smooth powertrain. It came equipped with 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 generally appreciate the RX300 for its build quality, comfortable interior, and dependability. Common complaints include the dated technology, somewhat lackluster fuel economy, and some age-related repairs.

Engine

3.0L 1MZ-FE V6

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks often develop from the valve cover gaskets and/or the front crankshaft seal. Symptoms include visible oil drips, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the valve cover gaskets and/or the front crankshaft seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ depending on location and severity.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Failed Oxygen Sensors
  • Description/Symptoms: Decreased fuel economy, rough running engine, check engine light illumination (typically codes P0135, P0155, P0171, P0174).
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty oxygen sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per sensor, depending on location and whether using OEM or aftermarket parts.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Aisin-Warner A541E 4-Speed Automatic

• Delayed or Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation when shifting between gears, especially from 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd. Can also involve harsh “thunking” shifts.
  • Solution: In some cases, a transmission fluid flush and filter change might alleviate the issue. More severe cases could require valve body repair or replacement, or even a full transmission rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (fluid/filter change) to $3,000+ (rebuild).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, especially when accelerating. May also experience difficulty engaging gears.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter. It is often recommended to replace the transmission fluid and filter at the same time.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut and Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bumpy ride, excessive bouncing, poor handling, clunking noises from the suspension.
  • Solution: Replacement of the worn struts and/or shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1200+ per axle (both sides).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway Bar Link Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or clunking noises when driving over bumps, especially at lower speeds. Can also affect handling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the worn sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per pair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window moving slowly or not at all, grinding noises when operating the window.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty power window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Lighting Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim or non-functional lights in the instrument cluster, making it difficult to see gauges at night.
  • Solution: Replacement of the burned-out bulbs or, in some cases, repair/replacement of the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+ depending on the severity and repair method.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rear Hatch Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear hatch (tailgate) failing to stay open on its own.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear hatch struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ for the pair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Navigation Screen Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The navigation screen (if equipped) can fail or become difficult to read due to age and degradation of the LCD.
  • Solution: Replacement of the screen or the entire navigation unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Display Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Pixels fading or complete failure of the climate control display.
  • Solution: Replacement of the display unit or the entire climate control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Lexus RX300 remains a generally reliable vehicle, but its age means that certain issues are becoming more prevalent. Engine oil leaks, transmission shifting problems, and suspension wear are common concerns. Electrical issues, such as power window failures and instrument cluster lighting problems, can also occur. Interior components, like the navigation and climate control screens, may also fail due to age. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but potential buyers should be aware of these potential maintenance items when considering purchasing a used RX300. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others, like transmission rebuilds, can be quite costly.