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.!
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.
- Transmission29
- Engine3
- Seat belts3
- Acceleration1
- Airbags1
- Suspension1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1999 Lexus RX
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.
- Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign
- POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground...
- Safety Recall and Service Campaign
- Supersession notice
- Obsolete notice
- Supersession notice
- Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
- Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset
- Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset.
- Windshield Wiper Blade Maintenance and cleaning
1999 Lexus RX fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 17 | 20 | 18 |
What 1999 Lexus RX owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
Transmission failed.
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).
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.
Transmission.
1999 lexus rx300 transmission failure.
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.
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.
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.
Compare the 1999 Lexus RX
RX vs Acura MDXRX vs BMW X5RX vs Volvo XC90RX vs Audi Q7RX vs Mercedes-Benz GLE 350RX vs Cadillac XT5
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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