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1999 Lexus RX problems

The most common problem on the 1999 Lexus RX is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 104,000 miles. It has 1.2 times the complaints of a typical RX model year.

Typical year1.2x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
35
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
12
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
18mpg
Typical repair
$4,016

The worst 1999 Lexus RX problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Transmission
    29
  • Engine
    3
  • Seat belts
    3
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Airbags
    1
  • Suspension
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1999 Lexus RX

Transmission failure 16

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 1999 Lexus RX 12

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 12 bulletins for the 1999 Lexus RX

1999 Lexus RX fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.0L 6‑cyl4WD172018

What 1999 Lexus RX owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 30, 2020 · 112,000 miles · GA

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.!

Filed Aug 5, 2019 · Acceleration, Airbags · 120,000 miles · TN · crash · 1 injury

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.

Filed Dec 29, 2014 · Transmission · NC

Transmission failed.

Filed Dec 22, 2014 · Transmission · 161,808 miles · GA

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).

Filed May 19, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 150,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed Jan 10, 2008 · Transmission · 116,000 miles · IL

Transmission.

Filed Jan 6, 2008 · Transmission · 145,642 miles · AL

1999 lexus rx300 transmission failure.

Filed Dec 17, 2007 · Transmission · 116,000 miles · WV

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.

Filed Dec 1, 2007 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · MI

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.

Filed Dec 1, 2007 · Transmission · 110,000 miles · IN

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.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1999 Lexus RX before you buy

Compare the 1999 Lexus RX

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Other model years

1999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 1999 Lexus RX

Is the 1999 Lexus RX reliable?

Owners have filed 35 complaints about the 1999 Lexus RX, 1.2 times a typical RX model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1999 Lexus RX?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 29 complaints, typically around 104,000 miles. Next is engine (3).

How many recalls does the 1999 Lexus RX have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 1999 Lexus RX get?

Official estimates for the 1999 Lexus RX range from 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, 4WD) gets 17 city and 20 highway.

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