Lexus RX300/ RX 330 common issues

Welcome to the Lexus RX (mk2), this midsize luxury crossover is one of the most reliable SUV's on the road. However, it still has some common faults that are worth looking out for. This is my 2005 Lexus RX 300 (aka 330 in the USA). Some of these common issues have occurred on my RX and it is worth noting before you buy yours.
In the UK Lexus cars are prone to rust so it worth checking the underside of your Lexus for any major rust. Also the brakes are known to warp as well as suspension arms needing replaced.
Sit back Lexax and enjoy this Lexus RX 300/330 video.
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[@casparcoaster1936]

I bought an 99 rx300 for $1400 usd a few years ago, 220K miles, so loved the stereo, powerful, precise front wheel drive, just couldn't believe smooth handling and acceleration. When I finally took it in to change the all fluids and filters w/ a local mech, he informed me it has a cracked block, someone had sealed w/ a liquid sealant. I put my fingers in my ears, looked away, and had them put on 4 new tires. She runs great for more almost 3 years, over 240K so far, but needed a steering pump. Please keep this story to yourself..

[@counterstrike89]

How was the visibility in this car, I'm thinking about getting one, this one, www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=585072976&allListingType=all-cars&makeCodeList=LEXUS&modelCodeList=RX300&city=Concord&state=NH&zip=03301&location=&maxMileage=100000&searchRadius=0&marketExtension=include&sortBy=relevance&incremental=ALL&dma=&isNewSearch=false&referrer=%2Fcars-for-sale%2Fall-cars%2Flexus%2Frx-300%2Fconcord-nh-03301%3FmaxMileage%3D100000%26searchRadius%3D0%26location%3D%26marketExtension%3Dinclude%26sortBy%3Drelevance%26incremental%3DALL&clickType=listing

[@andyroid5028]

*"...put my fingers in my ears, looked away..."* That's how I handle all of my problems. Haha. Seriously, that's incredible that the block is still going strong after having been repaired. I bet the previous owner allowed the oil to run out (due to never changing the oil). Good luck!

[@DavidTYoung]

GREAT VIDEO ON THE RX

[@user-et1mi9ck2n]

I purchased 05 lexus rx330 with 134,000mi back in Jan. 2024 for $6,000, I thought it was a good buy. Previous owner replaced radiator, alternator, front brake pads, timing belt, water pump, thermostat. But I had to replace 4 tires, rear rotors & brake pads, 02 sensor, power steering high pressure hose, power steering pump, valve cover gaskets, spark plugs, ignition coils, top manifold gasket, pcv valve, throttle body position sensor, accelerator pedal position sensor, tailgate struts, dash cover all within 5 months later. In the near future both lower control arms, both front cvs axles, rack & pinion. Damn this is alot of parts needed to be replaced. Im spending another $5,000 😮

[@firoznanji1771]

I have a 2000 Toyota Harrier ( sister to RX300), here in Maputo/Mozambique, been driving for 12 years now here in the most atrocious roads in Africa. Been performing well, very luxurious, fun to drive. Never had major issues, although been maintaining it regularly. Very popular car in Africa. I would recommend anyone to buy it.

[@RevLexus]

Oh great! have you seen my video on the hidden features of this car?

[@annaaitken6041]

great video

[@TheRenard10]

This is my dream car i want!

[@DavidTYoung]

It is soo nice

[@rodney2287]

@@DavidTYoung i love it. it is just awesome.

[@DavidTYoung]

@@rodney2287 woo

[@timetowakeup6302]

I've got an 04 RX330 with 200K miles. Transmission is starting to have some slight issues with lagging and jerking, which I understand is very common with these.

[@RevLexus]

I believe that's an issue with poor maintenance as the transmission is pretty bulletproof otherwise :)

[@brandongraham2552]

@@RevLexus is there anything we can do short of swap or rebuild. I bought a 99 a few days ago for 900 it's a wonderful car but jerks when shifting smooth ride otherwise I don't plan on giving up on her

[@RevLexus]

@@brandongraham2552 great price

[@brandongraham2552]

@@RevLexus thanks I just have to stop her from closing the funky chicken when shifting . The previous owner told me it was O2 sensors so my fingers are crossed.Love the vid

[@timetowakeup6302]

@@RevLexus Well the automatic transmissions on the AWD RX330 - specifically 04 & 05- are widely known for their transmission problems. A simple Google search will show you this to be true. The last word I would use to describe them is bulletproof.

[@bantamsescort]

I have a Toyota Harrier, basically jdm RX. Most Japanese imports seem to have cracked dash boards. Common problem on early 2000s Toyota /Lexus. Great car though.

[@RevLexus]

Oh really? I have heard of them but never seen in real life! Did yours crack? It really is!

[@toledorx6091]

There was a recall in the US a couple of years ago and all RX330 owners were eligible for free dash replacement. My dash was not cracked but it was shiny smooth as if someone rubbed Vaseline all over the surface. The problem with the dash seems to depend on the weather and sunlight as owners in the southern US were more likely to have cracked dash.

[@RevLexus]

@@toledorx6091 very interesting!

[@toupsclassroomtoupsclassro9557]

love the way you talk...............

[@RevLexus]

Thank you, I have several videos on my channel if I can interest you ? :)

[@JGBecknell]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@RevLexus]

@@JGBecknell thank you

[@JGBecknell]

@@RevLexus absolutely! As a big Lexus fan myself I have enjoyed all of your videos. Keep them coming. Oh and I always love a good accent. Scottish? 😉

[@RevLexus]

@@JGBecknell Thanks for watching, I am a big Lexus fan myself (if you can't tell) Yeah I am Scottish, good eye ;)

[@user-fp8vb5yg8o]

Good evening sir I have Toyota Lexus RX 350 having a problem of air suspension shocks I want to know where to adjust it hi normal or low and I also want to know where the air suspension pump is located in the car

[@RevLexus]

I dont know sorry, are you able to google? I know there are diagrams on the Lexus Forum if struggling

[@beverlyjohnson8251]

So true

[@anonymous4201]

Hi, new to your channel and loving it so far. I’m not familiar with the RX but considering getting one. Found one for £3k with 120k mileage on a 05/06 reg, I know it’s a bit higher than yours but the car looks mint. Haven’t driven it yet. You think it’s worth it? Also what’s the difference between RX 300 and 350 aside from 3.0 and 3.5 litre engines and higher BHP? Thanks in advance

[@RevLexus]

I would say that is too much money for the mileage! I would go in at£2500. The power does increase, however the road tax jumps up from £330 (roughly) to over £500 if you get the rx350 model

[@counterstrike89]

Is this good for visibility compared to Subaru do you think?

[@RevLexus]

@@counterstrike89 Good question, I have driven the Forester and I would say that had better visibility. However, the RX was smoother to drive.

[@counterstrike89]

@@RevLexus Yeah, ok, I just realized yours was 2005. There is a 2000 one that is the 300 and it may have better visibility not sure, did you try this one? www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=585072976&allListingType=all-cars&makeCodeList=LEXUS&modelCodeList=RX300&city=Concord&state=NH&zip=03301&location=&maxMileage=100000&searchRadius=0&marketExtension=include&sortBy=relevance&incremental=ALL&dma=&isNewSearch=false&referrer=%2Fcars-for-sale%2Fall-cars%2Flexus%2Frx-300%2Fconcord-nh-03301%3FmaxMileage%3D100000%26searchRadius%3D0%26location%3D%26marketExtension%3Dinclude%26sortBy%3Drelevance%26incremental%3DALL&clickType=listing

[@RevLexus]

@@counterstrike89 That one has low mileage! I paid £3,000 for my 2005 model. Maybe have a look for the Mk2 RX? :)

[@glasgowrockers8855]

Nice car the RX

[@kellysutton2780]

Nice but engine not so much

[@toms_garage]

Interesting

[@AskBradFischer]

Question for you on my Lexus 2004 RX 330....rear hatch will not go up with motor, BUT it will go down just fine with the motor. Any thoughts ?.

[@RevLexus]

Mine does that some times actually! Lexus dealer told me the motor was on way out! But I found it works on opening if you unlock then press button on fob :)

[@toledorx6091]

I have the same problem. The power hatch will close fine, but won't open automatically. This may be due to a leaking struts rather than bad motor.

[@josephgbocchino]

rx300 and rx330 are the last of non interference engines..... very important... engine doesn't get ruined if timing belt fails....

[@RevLexus]

I know soo good, same as the IS 250, that is non interference :)

[@davidperry4013]

The rx350 has a timing chain with metal guides

[@wilf18]

Hi mate my 2003 mark 2 Lexus 300 SE-L has suddenly started bouncing like a rodeo when driving. It’s horrid. AFS off light come on at same time. Coincidence ? Any idea pal ?

[@RevLexus]

Is it when you are accelerating? or just general driving? Have you had the transmission check/dif changed? Maybe suspension bushes?

[@kellysutton2780]

I have a 2005 lexus rx330 and my check engine vsc light came on undid the battery cables and hooked them back up lights went off then it was idling rough and was out of coolant so I just sent it to garage God knows what is wrong with the crazy thing I thought I had bought a good one but doesn't seem so

[@althafoibrahim]

I have one problem with my Lexus, while Turing beep sound is coming what's the issue

[@RevLexus]

Oh I haven't heard of that issue! Is it the steering rack?

[@jjaynes02]

I have a 2006 Lexus RX330 and the clock does not display the time. What could be wrong?

[@RevLexus]

I dont know, maybe try the forums?

[@jjaynes02]

@@RevLexus What forums?

[@RevLexus]

@@jjaynes02 Lexus forums either on Facebook or Lexusowners dot com

[@journeyofmoises8785]

If anybody has a problem with the speedometer if it automatically goes down and vsc and abs light comes on and stays on change the input speed sensor and if that doesn’t fix it change your alternator your alternator should be 130 amps for a Lexus RX 330 2004

[@anitemalauakupouli8936]

Have this issue at the moment I replaced my battery and that went dead over night 😥

[@journeyofmoises8785]

@@anitemalauakupouli8936 check your spark plugs and your alternator

[@anitemalauakupouli8936]

@@journeyofmoises8785 definitely going to do that it’s parked up planning to get it done with in the month

[@journeyofmoises8785]

@@anitemalauakupouli8936 glad to help out a fellow Lexus RX 330 driver

[@ceasarasmith5297]

My engine light came on in 2023 and went to a auto mech, ; couldn't get light off no matter what they fixed and replaced according to codes . Then took it to a Lexus dealership and they did a lot of work like first mech , kept car for months & half and steal couldn't shut engine light off. Still dealing with this problem. Po300/ po301/ po305/ po016. Camshaft position sensors fixed misfires fixed, a whole lot of fixing was going on and light still on. Lexus dealership said they can't figure it out. But I was charged $3000 for the work. I didn't pay that amount because it was fixed, but I paid half. Still looking for mech to at least turn off engine light . But I'm out of money fixing a wonderful driving strong car with a engine light that won't go off. Help me people! 🥴😧😲🧐

[@sonofachef1470]

Hello buddy my rx300 keeps telling me I've crossed the border when driving do you know what this is and how I can turn off

[@RevLexus]

what border?

[@sampson07]

What kinda of petro do you use?

[@RevLexus]

Just regular (95 octane)

[@jonoblox7153]

I have one and there is a problem where the sunroof opens randomly

[@josephspellman2698]

Have to swap the chip! Usually goes away but you have to dry it out completely. LS430 has the issue and they share the same overhead console.

[@rob5896]

I wouldn’t describe these issues as RX 300 Issues lol and a lot of what you mention is down poor maintenance and could happen to any car...

[@mando2.049]

Two or Problems going on rn my car is not accelerating it will get to 40 and I press my foot to the floor and it won’t accelerate at all and then the other issue is the steering wheel is making a weaker noise every time I accelerate it sounds like an electric issue with the way they steering rack goes in and out when the car gets turned on and off if that makes sense

[@RevLexus]

I have honestly no idea what could be causing that issue :(

[@shavellegonzalez8806]

My 1999 Lexus rx 300 is doing this now what did u do the fix the problem

[@user-et1mi9ck2n]

​@@RevLexusneed to check the throttle body position sensor & accelerator pedal position sensor.

[@user-ef9ro4hz4x]

I want to know why they can selecting from 1 to 2 and stop selecting

[@RevLexus]

I have no idea sorry

[@Dansk55]

Very cheap car to maintain here in the states. Door lock actuators, knock sensor, and suspension as mentioned are the likely things you'll need to fix. Very simple DIY apart from knock sensor which you can actually bypass and use one sensor by bypassing the bad one in the glove box. Also, make sure to change engine oil 3k and trans 30k. Especially the transmission. They are known to have issues if neglected.

[@RevLexus]

Yeah that is true, Lexus are popular there too!! Parts are harder to get here. There are only 2 Lexus dealerships in my country and no specialists.

[@thomastalks3841]

😍

[@georgeallan6550]

The Stereo stopped working on my 2002 RX 300?

[@RevLexus]

did you get it fixed?

[@georgeallan6550]

No it is not fixed. @@RevLexus

[@georgeallan6550]

When it stopped working it was in stages. For a while the CDs were playing and i couldn't turn it off and then when I pulled the cd cartridge out it wouldl not start playing again and the display says AUDIO OFF. There is a tape in the cassette and it will not eject or play. @@RevLexus

[@RevLexus]

can you pull the unit out and check the internals@@georgeallan6550

[@georgeallan6550]

I don't know how to do that. Do you have a video that shows how to do that?@@RevLexus

[@TanManFixes]

door lock actuators ....huge pain in the ass. I just bought new ones off Ebay, about $50 usd for all 4.

[@RevLexus]

glad you got yours sorted

[@firoznanji1771]

@@RevLexus Yes, they seem to act up quite a bit.

[@codyg4375]

@@RevLexuswould bad door lock actuator cause a parasitic drain on battery? Passenger door doesn’t lock and seem to be having a battery draining issue, brand new starter, battery, and alternator is good

[@RevLexus]

@@codyg4375 not sure, have you searched the forums?

[@QueenMooky94]

My issue is that the only Shift that works is Reverse.

[@RevLexus]

aww no, gearbox issues?

[@b4u284]

Very expensive on fuel☹

[@RevLexus]

Yeah in the UK anyways, cheap if in Middle east or America

[@user-ef9ro4hz4x]

Lexus 350 selecting from 1to 2 and stop selecting

[@sajjadyb]

Can we have English subtitles 🤣

[@RevLexus]

How come?? I am speaking English lmao

[@annaaitken6041]

He is speaking English, no need to be rude

[@RobbScholarTube]

Just slow it down to half speed lol

[@DavidTYoung]

He is speaking English?

[@andrewjschutz]

@@annaaitken6041 you’ve never REALLY hung out with dudes being dudes. Friendly pokin fun is all. Plus he’s half right lol

[@ginnyhills9373]

Air suspension goes very hard intermittently

[@RevLexus]

does it need replaced?

[@panama-canada]

What language does it speak? Such heavy accent!

[@dennisbrooks6892]

He's speaking English I think he's from England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 nuff said

[@samwisethebrave288]

Subtitles

[@RevLexus]

I think you can turn them on if you don't speak English?

[@underpaidlocator]

Brad Pitt in Snatch is easier to understand.

[@mr.iforgot3062]

I know everything! I eat witches! I eat em in my soup!

[@mcjitsu]

Can we have the Scottish translated to American ;-)

[@RevLexus]

Haha cheeky ;)

[@angeladillon4465]

I love the accent!

[@ishaks8152]

Just imagine your only girlfriend having that accent.

[@RevLexus]

🙃

[@dongnippano156]

I heard "Blibity, blabity, blah. Blibity, blabity, blah." I think he was speaking English but I'm truly not sure.

[@funnyhunny3407]

Adjust your listening skills because this world is made of many accents.

[@dude-pu6fn]

Haha 🤣

[@abdulkhafidsulaymaan]

man I can't understand none of this dude saying

[@cappaculla]

He speaks English better than can write it.

[@heeaach]

can you speak slower a little bit???

[@RevLexus]

I can certainly try for future videos :)

[@cappaculla]

Thicko

[@iloverbk1]

Excuse my ignorance Danny boy, your English is a lamb, however not being from the misty highlands I trip up to follow ya lad! Please pipe down your cadence a wee ness so that a las may gather your gold. Otherwise you’re just as well belting out old melodies half cocked in a tavern down the lane.

[@marianpazdzioch7300]

My one have 12500 miles and stiil is perfect

[@RevLexus]

amazingly low miles

[@IRE-ut6cw]

great video