2001 Lexus RX
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 35 |
| 2000 | 29 |
| 2001 | 19 |
| 2002 | 12 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2004 | 40 |
| 2005 | 27 |
| 2006 | 31 |
| 2007 | 58 |
| 2008 | 69 |
| 2009 | 34 |
| 2010 | 75 |
| 2011 | 29 |
| 2012 | 11 |
| 2013 | 18 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2015 | 20 |
| 2016 | 27 |
| 2017 | 45 |
| 2018 | 24 |
| 2019 | 33 |
| 2020 | 44 |
| 2021 | 69 |
| 2022 | 26 |
| 2023 | 53 |
| 2024 | 52 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 19 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
9 of 19 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
2001 LEXUS RX-300 TRANSMISSION FAILED JUST BEFORE 84,000 MILES, DISABLING VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY. WARRANTY DID NOT COVER REPAIR. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20060826
PREMATURE TRANSMISSION FAILURE> REPLACED TRANSMISSION FEB 06 STILL NOT SHIFTING AFTER 3 TRIES SERVICED THE TRANS - MIRACLE FIX? MAY 06 DIRTY FLUID REPORTED BY ANOTHER SHOP. LEXUS SOLUTION SERVICE AGAIN WITHIN 4,500 MILES OF THE TRANS REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060505
WHILE DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED THE LEXUS LURCHED FORWARD, AND THEN BECAME INOPERABLE. TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 86,000 MILES. THE CAR WAS RECENTLY SERVICED FOR THE TRANSMISSION MAINTENANCE AT 80,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060411
4 of 19 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
I BOUGHT A CAR FROM A PRIVATE PARTY/DEALER ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT REPAIRS NEEDED ARE MORE THAN CARS WORTH, THEN I CHECKED CAR FAX TO FIND OUT THAT MILEAGE HAD BEEN TURNED BACK A LOT..
NHTSA ODI report, 20200106
TRANSMISSION FAILED AT A LOW MILAGE, AND THE REPAIR COST IS MORE THAN A CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20130731
I WAS JUST GETTING OFF THE HIGHWAY AND MY CAR STOPPED MOVING. MY TRANSMISSION TOTALLY WENT OUT WITH NO WARNING. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED MOMENTS SOONER I COULD HAVE BEEN IN A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT AS I WAS GOING 60 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130508
3 of 19 total reports mention: tires.
1 of 19 total reports mentions: wheels.
Show complaint excerpts
I BOUGHT A CAR FROM A PRIVATE PARTY/DEALER ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT REPAIRS NEEDED ARE MORE THAN CARS WORTH, THEN I CHECKED CAR FAX TO FIND OUT THAT MILEAGE HAD BEEN TURNED BACK A LOT..
NHTSA ODI report, 20200106
1 of 19 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Lexus RX — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (3 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2001 Lexus RX reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Lexus RX?
The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 47% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Lexus RX have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.