1999 Lexus RX300 problems
Owners have filed 268 complaints about the 1999 Lexus RX300 with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 49.3% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 10.1%.
Complaints268
Crashes21
Fires13
Injuries18
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 49.3% · 132
Engine and engine cooling 10.1% · 27
Air bags 5.6% · 15
Vehicle speed control 4.1% · 11
Seat belts 3.7% · 10
Electrical system 3.0% · 8
Service brakes, hydraulic 3.0% · 8
Tires 2.6% · 7
Severity
Of those complaints, 21 describe a crash, 13 describe a fire and 18 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 4 model years of the Lexus RX300 in this data, 1999 draws the most complaints of any of them.
Filing volume has held steady, 12 in the last three years against 13 in the three before.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 103,835 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 1999 Lexus RX300. The contact stated that the he was unable to drive more than 5 mph. The mechanic drained the transmission fluid; however, the failure continued to occur. In addition, they recommended that the transmission be replaced. The manufacturer offered a $1,500 voucher towards the repair; but the contact declined the offer. The current and failure mileages were 87,082. Power train · reported at 87,082 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Lexus RX300. At approximately 55 mph with clear road conditions, the transmission unexpectedly shifted gears. The vehicle began to jerk followed by a loss in power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The failure was diagnosed as internal transmission failure and has not been repaired. The current and failure vehicle mileage were 103000. Power train · reported at 103,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 Lexus RX300. The contact stated that the vehicle would not shift into drive or reverse. While attempting to make a turn, there was an abnormal noise coming from the hood of the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle seized. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 300,000. Power train · reported at 300,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…