Model reliability

Lexus Rx300 reliability

The Lexus Rx300 fails its MOT less often than most cars over 10 years old: 32% of 4,162 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

Over 10 years old

32% failed their MOT

Better than most

From 4,162 MOT tests of Lexus Rx300s this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 47% more oftenBrake performance8.5% vs 5.8%

Fails 31% more oftenExhaust emissions6.7% vs 5.1%Fix about £150

Fails 2× as oftenComponent mounting prescribed areas3.1% vs 1.4%

Fails 2× as oftenABS / EBS / ESC2.2% vs 1%

Advised 2× as oftenSuspension arms25.3% vs 12.1%

Advised 33% more oftenMechanical brake components22.4% vs 16.9%

Advised 2× as oftenFluid leaks19.7% vs 10.1%

Advised 2× as oftenSub-frames10% vs 4.2%

Safety recalls

4 DVSA recalls for the Lexus Rx300

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2023/29920 Nov 2023Built 2018Affected vehicles are fitted with a high-pressure fuel pump which over time could develop a crack which could lead to a fuel leak and a risk of a vehicle fire.

Affected vehicles are fitted with a high-pressure fuel pump which over time could develop a crack which could lead to a fuel leak and a risk of a vehicle fire.

Fix: Check and replace high pressure fuel pump if necessary.�

Recalled models: RX300 · 1 vehicles

R/2011/15018 Jan 2012Built 2004–2005Steering may be affected

Due to a none conformance to specification the front crankshaft pulley inner and outer rubber mounted section may separate. If the separation occurs noise will become apparent the ignition warning lamp may illuminate and in the worst case the power steering drive belt may detach from the pulley which will result in the driver having to significantly increase their effort to steer the vehicle especially at low speed.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check and where necessary replace the crankshaft pulley.

Recalled models: LEXUS RX300 · 4,162 vehicles

R/2010/1708 Nov 2010Built 2003–2005Brake master cylinder may fail.

If the incorrect brake fluid is used in the brake system it is possible that the rear seal can become dry and curl in its recess due to the operation of the piston. This can result in a brake fluid leak which will when the fluid reaches a low level illuminate the brake fluid low warning light on the dash.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the rear seal with an improved one.

Recalled models: LEXUS RX300 · 15,445 vehicles

R/2004/19915 Dec 2004Built 2004Possibility that the stop lamp could fail

In the stop lamp switch of subject vehicles equipped with LED stop lamps there is the possibility that silicone oxide may be generated the surface of the contact point and in consequence the resistance of the contact could increase. In this circumstance current may not flow causing the stop lamp to become inoperative.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the subject switch replaced with a quality assured unit.

Recalled models: LEXUS RX300 · 5,936 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Lexus Rx300 before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.

Lexus Rx300 reliability

4 DVSA recalls for the Lexus Rx300

Checking a Lexus Rx300 before you buy

Run this check on every listing, automatically.