2000 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2000 Lexus RX has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is U140E/U151E Automatic Transmission Failure from Burned Planetary Gearset and Delayed Engagement ($2,800-$5,000 repair). Across all issues, repair costs range from $250 to $5,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2000-2003 Lexus RX 3.0L 1MZ-FE V6, early first-generation RX300 models are well known for premature automatic transmission failure, especially on AWD vehicles but also on FWD examples. Owners report delayed engagement into Drive or Reverse, harsh shifting, slipping on acceleration, and eventual loss of movement; teardown reports commonly cite burned clutches and damaged planetary gear components. The issue is widely documented in owner communities, repair databases, and NHTSA complaints, and is often attributed to a transmission that runs hot and is heavily stressed by vehicle weight.
Diagnosis usually starts with checking fluid condition, line pressure behavior, and whether engagement delay or flare shifts are present when warm. In most cases, fluid changes do not cure an already failing unit; the durable fix is a quality rebuild or replacement transmission, often with updated hard parts and careful inspection of the cooler and valve body. Many owners also add an auxiliary transmission cooler after replacement to reduce repeat failures.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2000-2006 Lexus RX, both RX300 and RX330 generations commonly develop power steering fluid leaks, especially from the high-pressure hose and related line connections. Owners report red fluid on the driveway, groaning or whining while turning, and heavier steering effort as fluid level drops. If ignored, the pump can run dry and fail, increasing repair cost significantly.
Inspect the pressure hose, return lines, reservoir, and pump area for wetness, then confirm whether the leak is from the crimped hose section or a fitting. Replace the leaking hose or line assembly, refill with the correct fluid, and bleed the system fully; if the pump has been noisy for long, inspect for internal damage. Cleaning the subframe and alternator area is important because leaked fluid can spread widely.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 LEXUS RX, AND MODEL YEAR 2006 LEXUS GS AND IS VEHICLES. BRAKE FLUID CONTAINING POLYMERS IS USED THAT ACTS AS LUBRICANTS FOR CERTAIN BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS. IF REPLACEMENT BRAKE FLUID IS USED THAT DOES NOT CONTAIN SUCH POLYMERS, OR THAT CONTAINS ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS, A PART OF THE RUBBER SEAL LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER MAY BECOME DRY, AND THE SEAL MAY CURL DURING MOVEMENT OF THE PISTON. IF THIS OCCURS, A SMALL AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID COULD SLOWLY LEAK FROM THE SEAL INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2000-2000 Lexus RX has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: U140E/U151E Automatic Transmission Failure from Burned Planetary Gearset and Delayed Engagement, Power Steering Pressure Hose Leak and Pump Whine from Fluid Loss. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2000-2000 Lexus RX has 2 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: U140E/U151E Automatic Transmission Failure from Burned Planetary Gearset and Delayed Engagement. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Lexus RX issues range from $250 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, U140E/U151E Automatic Transmission Failure from Burned Planetary Gearset and Delayed Engagement, typically costs $2,800-$5,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Early first-generation RX300 models are well known for premature automatic transmission failure, especially on AWD vehicles but also on FWD examples. Owners report delayed engagement into Drive or Reverse, harsh shifting, slipping on acceleration, and eventual loss of movement; t… Repairs typically run $2,800-$5,000. Severity: high.
Both RX300 and RX330 generations commonly develop power steering fluid leaks, especially from the high-pressure hose and related line connections. Owners report red fluid on the driveway, groaning or whining while turning, and heavier steering effort as fluid level drops. If igno… Repairs typically run $250-$900. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
