The Lemon Index2000 Lexus RX.
The 2000 Lexus RX is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 34 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 34, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 18 to 19 mpg combined. The best Lexus RX year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 245 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Lexus RX year. 2000 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 79K to 122K miles on the car (187 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 86K–125K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 56K–121K miles
Recalls 5
- lights 2009
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- lights 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES.
- visibility 2008
POLYMER PROCESS DEVELOPMENT IS RECALLING 931 UNITS OF BACK GLASS, P/NO.
Show all 5 recalls
- lights 2006
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
- lights 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Lexus told dealers about
Lexus sent dealers 68 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Subject regarding steering wheelnut service specification
- Special policy adjustment for customers who have experienced specific mechanical engine…
- Service information to eliminate front suspension support noise
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedEngine seizure2002
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Fuel cost and engines
About $3400–3550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Took vehicle in for a routine check ,and after a couple of days consumer notice vehicle was driving differently. Took back vehicle to dealer and, they stated that engine needed replacing. Please provide any further information.
2000 Lexus RX owner · NHTSA complaint 896006
More owner reports
Consumer took vehicle to dealer for brakes. On august 15, 2001 engine check light came on. Consumer took vehicle back to dealer.
NHTSA complaint 895876
Car's engine would not turn over when the car was in a garage after 5 days of no use.
NHTSA complaint 758608
Quick answers
Is the 2000 Lexus RX reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.9× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 34; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Lexus RX year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2000 Lexus RX problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (24%), brakes (24%) and steering (9%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2000 Lexus RX have?
5 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2000 Lexus RX get?
18 to 19 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2000 Lexus RX problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 79,800 and 122,000 miles. The middle report was at 101,000 miles, from 187 complaints.
Does the 2000 Lexus RX have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2000 Lexus RX cost in fuel a year?
About $3400 to $3550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2000 Lexus RX have?
3.0L 6-cyl.
What Lexus RX year is better than the 2000?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2011 and 2012.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works