1999 Lexus RX
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 1999 Lexus RX. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
35 complaints1 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
There IS a known problem with this year model they are built with a defective transmission... I have not had anything happen to me personally but I am terrified it will. There are plenty of verified situations reported online where the transmissions on this particular year model have been driving…
There IS a known problem with this year model they are built with a defective transmission... I have not had anything happen to me personally but I am terrified it will. There are plenty of verified situations reported online where the transmissions on this particular year model have been driving and serious events have occurred having to do with this defective transmission. That lexus IS aware of. This should not be consumers problen it IS lexus'faultband they should repair it.!
- Air bags · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owned a 1999 lexus RX. The contact stated that the vehicle was at stand still on the outside of the garage and allowed the front passenger to exit the vehicle, when the vehicle accelerated on it's own. The contact stated the brake pedal was depressed with both feet but failed to…
TL* the contact owned a 1999 lexus RX. The contact stated that the vehicle was at stand still on the outside of the garage and allowed the front passenger to exit the vehicle, when the vehicle accelerated on it's own. The contact stated the brake pedal was depressed with both feet but failed to stop the vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into the garage wall, a table saw, a large wooden two layered work ben, a concrete wall, into a den downstairs of the home, a pool table, and a bar section. The air bags did not deployed. The contact stated she sustained back, knee and shoulder injuries and was currently attending physical therapy. No police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was towed to impound lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired as of yet. an unknown dealer was contacted and a voicemail was left. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
- Power train
Transmission failed. *tr
- Power train
While driving down the interstate returning from a family trip from mississippi at approximately 150 miles from my home the rx300 stopped on the highway and would not pull forward in any drive position. It was about 10PM and most businesses were closed. After pulling off the road, I tried putting…
While driving down the interstate returning from a family trip from mississippi at approximately 150 miles from my home the rx300 stopped on the highway and would not pull forward in any drive position. It was about 10PM and most businesses were closed. After pulling off the road, I tried putting the car in various drive positions and it would never gain any momentum. I slowly pulled back onto the highway using my emergency blinkers while the car would pull slowly at times and not at all at others. finally I was able to coast off the highway to a gas station at the exit. I allowed the vehicle to cool down for about an hour and tried to move it again and it moved about twenty feet and stopped again. fortunately I had not gotten on the road and was able to coast back to a parking area. I then had to have a tow truck pick up my car and tow it the 150 miles back to my city to my mechanic who informed me that the transmission was completely gone and needed to be replaced. my car had been well maintained and previously had no problems. the car was thoroughly checked out by a mechanic only three months before. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Engine · Power train
When driving my lexus RX 300 1999 it feels very forced and when on the express way the rpm goes up to 5 when im driving 60mph and when I come to a complete stop and its time to go my car stalls as if it was in neutral very scary when I have my newborn and a 7 year old in the car. I have maintained…
When driving my lexus RX 300 1999 it feels very forced and when on the express way the rpm goes up to 5 when im driving 60mph and when I come to a complete stop and its time to go my car stalls as if it was in neutral very scary when I have my newborn and a 7 year old in the car. I have maintained my car to the upmost standards from the best gas synthetic oil changes constantly checking everything IS in good conditions . For a lexus I am very upset because my mechanic has said its the transmission and that I will have to replace it which costs 4-5,000 dollars and I mean IS a 15 year old car worth putting 5 grand into it? I expected this car to last me a little bit longer I mean from what I was told this car should go to almost 300,000 but its obviously not. I am very disappointed that a lexus would have this common problem from what I've seen and read. *js
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
1999 lexus rx300 transmission failure. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission failure at approximately 110,000 miles on 1999 lexus rx300. traveling at low speed (25 mph) transmission "lurched" lost power and we drifted to a stop on a narrow two lane road - on a blind curve of course - at night. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
At 80,000 our 1999 lexus RX 300 transmission had to be replaced for $3,500. now at 144,000 the transmission needs to be replaced again for $4,000. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission in my 1999 lexus rx300 failed prematurely at 110,000. I have read that there are numerous complaints with this model's transmission and feel that lexus should reimburse me for the $4000+ repair charges. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While driving at approximately 50 mph the engine began to rev up without input nor increase in speed. transmission failure required tow to shop for repair. inspection by shop showed complete failure of planetary gear and resultant damage to other gears. required complete rebuild of transmission in excess of $4600 with an additional $1300 in subsequent repairs due to poor rebuild. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 lexus rx300. while driving 60 mph, the transmission suddenly failed without warning. the vehicle was towed to the repair shop and lexus stated that the warranty expired. The failure mileage was 135,000 and current mileage was 140,000. updated 10/09/07. *Jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
1999 lexus rx300 AWD, transmission failed while driving on the highway at speed limit of 75 mph. transmission went in to neutral, and created a serious driving hazard that required maneuvering through traffic with no control to get off the highway. the transmission would not go back in to gear and there was no way to control the speed of the car. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission failure for 1999 lexus rx300. occurred at high speed on interstate. 110K miles with recommended service. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
The transmission on my RX 300 year 1999 went out. *tr
- Power train › Manual transmission
I purchased my 99 RX 300 in february of 2006 at 51,800 miles with records of all service done when needed with a lexus dealer. I believed I had purchased a beautiful car with very low miles for the year that would last me for a few years. at 60,800 miles the car suddenly went in to neutral on the…
I purchased my 99 RX 300 in february of 2006 at 51,800 miles with records of all service done when needed with a lexus dealer. I believed I had purchased a beautiful car with very low miles for the year that would last me for a few years. at 60,800 miles the car suddenly went in to neutral on the highway. had to be towed to my mechanic and was informed that my transmission needed to be rebuilt. this was a 3,600 job. also have had to replace all 4 struts at another $1,000. I informed lexus of my frustration. have not received any support or financial assistance. not happy with this vehicle and will probably never buy another lexus as I don't feel they are standing behind their product.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
As I entered the interstate in the 1999 rx300, it wouldn't change gears. I barely avoided a traffic accident and was barely able to exit the interstate. As I tried to find somewhere to pull over the rpms climbed higher and higher , and I wasn't able to travel over 20 mph. Once I pulled over and…
As I entered the interstate in the 1999 rx300, it wouldn't change gears. I barely avoided a traffic accident and was barely able to exit the interstate. As I tried to find somewhere to pull over the rpms climbed higher and higher , and I wasn't able to travel over 20 mph. Once I pulled over and tried to park the car I discovered that the car wouldn't reverse. I took it to a mechanic, he said the transmission failed. I had to pay $3,000 for the repairs. the car had 157,000 miles. One should get more miles out of a lexus, especially when paying as much as you did for the car. I was still not sure why this isn't a recall. I noticed there were numerous complaints concerning the transmission. Many of the transmission failures happened exactly the same way mine did. Had lexus looked at the fact that the transmission failures continuously happen to people while they were driving on major highways and interstate? That was a huge risk for lexus to take. This should seriously bring me a recall. *ak
- Seat belts › Rear/other
Rear seat belt passenger side IS locked up and will not extend. we are unable to properly place seatbelt - a definite safety concern. at this moment, we are in the process of getting it looked at by a lexus dealer. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
TL*- while driving a 1999 lexus rx300 at the speed of 70 mph the engine light turned on, and the vehicle decelerated. the engine seemed as though it was in neutral. the contact stated that the vehicle lost power. she pulled to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle, but it would not go…
TL*- while driving a 1999 lexus rx300 at the speed of 70 mph the engine light turned on, and the vehicle decelerated. the engine seemed as though it was in neutral. the contact stated that the vehicle lost power. she pulled to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle, but it would not go into drive or reverse gear. the vehicle was making a whining noise. she took the vehicle to the local mechanic, and was informed that there was a small crack in the exhaust manifold. she stated that when the weather was cold the vehicle seemed to stay in first gear a little longer than normal before it shifted. she informed the dealership of the failure on 01/2006. the dealership informed her that this was a normal reaction of the vehicle with this type of transmission. they said that the transmission needed to be replaced, which was the first indication that the vehicle had a transmission failure. the failure mileage was 124,972.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Automatic transmission failed. *Jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission in 1999 lexus rx300 failed on major highway. managed to pull off into a gas station and await a tow truck. car completely stalled. would not go back or forward. Had to put in a new transmission at a cost of $4,016.22. the car had 87,387 miles. in speaking with the person doing the…
Transmission in 1999 lexus rx300 failed on major highway. managed to pull off into a gas station and await a tow truck. car completely stalled. would not go back or forward. Had to put in a new transmission at a cost of $4,016.22. the car had 87,387 miles. in speaking with the person doing the repair, this was the 4TH time that month that a transmission had to be replaced on a '99 RX 300 lexus that had low mileage. car had been properly serviced. different websites state that this IS a design defect in the RX 300 model. in speaking with lexus customer support, they claimed that there was nothing that could be done in the way of helping to cover the cost. coincidentally, a member of my family had the same thing happened in 2005 to a RX 300 with mileage at 75,000 and lexus covered the transmission part. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Recently took my car in and found out that my transmission had gone out after 108,000 miles and would be $4200 to replace rebuild. After researching about the lexus rx300 1999 model I am finding out there are several problems with this vehicles transmission . *Nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Lexus RX 300 engine died at 90K with no warning. Was stranded on dark highway. Paid 4K to replace engine. Very disappointing for such expensive car. *Nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
TL*- the contact stated that the 1999 lexus RX 300, had transmission failure on 01/27/07. While driving 65 mph with good the road conditions the vehicle lost acceleration. the contact turned on emergency lights and pulled to the side of the road. the contact had the vehicle towed to a…
TL*- the contact stated that the 1999 lexus RX 300, had transmission failure on 01/27/07. While driving 65 mph with good the road conditions the vehicle lost acceleration. the contact turned on emergency lights and pulled to the side of the road. the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealership, and was informed that the transmission failed. The contact stated that the dealership informed him it was an internal failure. the dealership informed him that there was a sealant problem with the transmission. the dealership informed him he would be responsible for purchase of a new transmission. the contact stated that there were only 71,000 miles on vehicle, and that he did not have any problems with transmission before this incident. *Ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Two days after purchasing a 2007 lexus rx350, I gave my 1999 lexus RX 300 which has 103,000 miles on it to my daughter. she drove the car 300 miles home to dallas only to have the transmission begin to balk at going into reverse the next day. the transmission place wants $4000 to rebuild the…
Two days after purchasing a 2007 lexus rx350, I gave my 1999 lexus RX 300 which has 103,000 miles on it to my daughter. she drove the car 300 miles home to dallas only to have the transmission begin to balk at going into reverse the next day. the transmission place wants $4000 to rebuild the transmission, and there IS also a bad rattle in the front end of the vehicle that I fear to find out what it may be. I bought this car partly for lexus's reputation for reliability. I have had minor things go wrong with it, among those an oil gasket that cost $1500 to replace in the oil pan and multiple bouts of O2 sensors and air flow meters going out or needing to be cleaned. still I expected to drive the car for 250,000 miles because of the reputation. now I don't know what to do. my daughter loves the car, but can't afford these costly repairs. I wouldn't feel right selling the car to an unsuspecting stranger either. I think lexus should stand behind this car and reimburse my costs for items like transmission and front end repairs that should be something that should not go out at this mileage. *jb
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10214355Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
- 10207945POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Lexus.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.
- 10205383Spots in Window Glass - vehicle exterior
- 10205352Windshield Wiper Blade Maintenance and cleaning
- 10205346Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
- 10205331Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset
- 10205329Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset.
- 10176283Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
- 10174889TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
- 10174888TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, PG002-90, L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003 93, and PG002-90. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1990 ? 2020 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
- 10133657TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, and PG002-90. Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, and PG002-90 are obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. Vehicle replacement certification labels (vinyl label installed on driver door or door post) and VIN lates (metal plate riveted to dashboard) may be available from Lexus, provided the request meets one of the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
- 10132074Beginning in 1998, Lexus introduced side airbags as optional equipment. Lexus does NOT recommend replacement of original seat covers with non-Lexus leather or other seat cover materials on vehicles due to the following: Seat covers NOT recommended by Lexus may affect side airbag performance, in general or in part, during an accident. Modifications that negatively affect side airbag performance can result in severe occupant injuries. Seat covers are an integral part of this safety system. Replacing fabric seat covers with non-Lexus leather or other seat cover materials may compromise the effectiveness of this safety system. The design of the seat is complex, integrating safety and strength with comfort and luxury. Lexus strongly discourages modifying original equipment seats that have optional side airbags. Additionally, Lexus strongly advises against the installation or use of aftermarket seat covers, which could impair the performance of the side airbags in the event of an accident.
Every Lexus RX model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.