1999 Lexus RX300: check engine light

Filed Mar 22, 2022 · Brakes · 249,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 1999 Lexus RX300. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the brakes failed and could not be depressed to stop the vehicle. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the side of the road and stopped by shifting into neutral. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, where it was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The contact became aware of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 99V012000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 249,000.

Filed Mar 16, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 230,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 lexus rx300. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start without the diagnostic code reader. If the diagnostic code reader was removed from the vehicle, the vehicle would shut off. The check engine light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who stated that several different failure codes appeared for the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired several times for several codes; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware, but was not familiar with the failure and did not offer a repair. The approximate failure mileage was 230,000.

Filed Mar 5, 2013 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 228,000 miles · VA

My check engine light came on. I had the oil changed for the second time within 30 days because I thought it was an oil problem. The light went off as I was leaving the place. A couple days later the light would come on when I made turns, blink, then go back off. A few days later, it came back on steady, and the car started to jerk while I was driving on the interstate. It would jerk, then slowly increase speed. Last saturday, I applied brakes, and the car rolled another few feet. Had to swerve left to keep from rear ending a vehicle. Today, upon slowing down to enter my driveway, it did it again, and I nearly hit a brick column at the beginning of the driveway. It doesn't jerk frequently, but it seems to do it more often when I am on cruise control. I love my SUV and am always bragging about what a reliable car it is. I can't afford to replace it, retired and on disability.

Filed Jul 19, 2011 · Transmission · 128,030 miles · GA

Lexus rx300, transmission shift problems at gear 3 and 4. Rpm goes over 4000, irrespective of warm or cold engine. I have an engine light code 0765 (solenoid shift d malfunction).

Filed May 20, 2010 · Brakes, Engine · 145,000 miles · WI

My 1999 -- lexus rx300 has about 140k miles on it. The car is now parked so I don't kill myself or my family while driving. A couple months ago, my car just started jerking as if it was going to cut off and my check engine light came on. I work off a major highway and I was really scared. My car speed would be 50-55mph but the rpms would be as high as 6. I have never experienced anything like that before. I went to the car repair shop - I had some mis-fires and they were fixed for $150, no problem. The car repair recommended I get my front brakes done because my miles per gallon had slipped to 15 in the city. A couple weeks later, I got my front brakes done, no problems until one evening, I was driving home when my check engine light came on again...this time I was at the stop light and my car started idling/jerking like I needed to give it some gas or it was going to die. My check engine light is now blinking on my dash board. My husband took my car to a transmission shop and the lexus dealership they say 2-coil ignitions have failed. And that my spark plugs need to be replaced. I also have some other transmission problems but in order to get the check engine light to stop blinking I have to fix, the coil ignition problem which cost between $515 to $775. Then they can run more test to see there is any more problems. My car is parked for now. There should be some sort of recall since this is a common problem with all '99 lexus rx300. This is crazy.

Filed Apr 8, 2010 · Transmission · 113,440 miles · OR

About one week ago, I noticed a tinny/humming noise coming from somewhere under the hood of my rx300. I took it to several mechanics to have them tell me what was wrong with it, but by the time I got there the engine was operating at normal temperatures and the noise was practically non-existent. Yesterday morning, while traveling at highway speeds, it would suddenly lose power and the tachometer would show the rpms raising suddenly, as if it was in neutral. It would do this for several seconds or more before deciding to apply power to the wheels again when it wanted to. This has caused me to have to creep along at times, unsure of what it might do next. Not being in control of when (or where for that matter) my vehicle will go is a safety concern. Will it poop out on me when I'm needing to pass somebody or trying to turn left across oncoming traffic? Will it lunge me forward on its own at an unpredictable moment? Yesterday afternoon my "check engine" light came on, my mechanic told me the code rang up as "shift solenoid." this car has always been taken care of according to manual specs. My last tranny fluid change was about three months ago. The car also appears to have a rear engine leak at the gasket between the engine and tranny. This "quality" lexus car has less than 114k miles on it! My sister just had her rear engine seal replaced and her transmission rebuilt for $4400 and hers has just 125k miles on it. What a joke! I will never by a toyota again. I've always gotten better safety and longevity out of fords. Poo on you lexus. I am scheduling a time to have my mechanic repair this; still waiting on a quote though. I expect a min of $400, but once he opens the tranny up he may advise me to rebuild the thing (another $4-$5k). Lexus either believes in safety, in which case they should fess up to poor engineering and fix their mistake, or they don't! Deaths/injuries:? = not yet.

Filed Feb 2, 2010 · Transmission · 45,765 miles · PA

I purchased a lexus rx300 in october 2009. The car has been maintained and proper fluids checked or replaced. On february of 2010 the transmission went out. No warning lights indicating that there was an issue with engine or transmission. Now I am told that it will cost approximately 4400k to replace. As I research I come to find out that I have purchased a top of line vehicle with a mid class transmission (camry). Car is sitting in driveway still no check engine or warning lights. Something is wrong with this picture.

Filed Sep 17, 2009 · Transmission · IN

I am trying to decide what to do at this rock and hard place with my 1999 lexus rx that I purchased new. I love this car, however since the warranty ended, I've had a series of problems. Sensors mostly and a check engine light that always seems to be linked to co2 issues. It has been on and off for about three years now. Finally, I had a checkup done when my car started to infrequently shudder when it downshifts from 3rd to 2nd gear or delay reverse when put in gear. Nothing showed up engine/transmission wise...... Thought it was an alignment problem with the tires so had it realigned. Problem still remains and appears to be worsening and I'm getting concerned about driving it. The car has 86,000 miles on it and I have always had the lexus dealership do the scheduled maintenance when appropriate. This is a very poor quality issue for a company who claims to have quality as their main goal. I guess they just don't claim to have "good or great" quality as their motto. I will be shouting this loud and clear to all of my friends.

Filed Dec 14, 2008 · Engine, Lights · IA

I have experienced several problems with my 1999 lexus rx300. I have notice via the internet that these are wide spread problems but no recalls have been occurring. These are the incidences that I have problems with: * debris can get into the idle air control valve that allows air into the engine causing the engine to have a low idle speed, or stall when it is cold. (this occurred in the past, perhaps 2004. Lexus eventually replaced my engine in 2005.) * sludge can build up in the engine. I routinely have to have the sludge cleaned out to avoid engine problems. * the 'check engine' light comes on because the mass air flow sensor sends incorrect information to the engine's computer. This can cause a loss of power on acceleration. (this started occurring on december 11, 2008.) * the 'check engine' light comes on because a component of the oxygen sensor stops working, and the car is unable to determine the proper ratio of air to fuel for the engine. (this has occurred in the past, perhaps 2005. We had to pay for new air flow sensors.) * light bulbs frequently burn out in the taillights. * the front suspension makes very loud noises when going over bumps or rough roads. The support bushing for the suspension needs to be replaced. (this began happening in december 2007. Lexus told us we need new struts.) * a throbbing wind noise from the moonroof. One cannot have the moonroof open at the same time as the windows or ones ear drums experience severe pain. (this has existed from purchase.) I believe the 1999 lexus rx 300 might very well be a good candidate for the lemon laws, yet we're not seeing problems being addressed with recalls.

Filed Aug 11, 2008 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · IL

I have a 1999 lexus rx300...transmission failed at 150k miles no warning just stranded me while out running errands. The cost to fix this was 3k and no car door over a week. This car also had an engine that lexus replaced due to oil sludging. Really wanted to kept he car until 200k but now the check engine light is on.

Filed Mar 7, 2007 · Transmission · 67,000 miles · FL

At 67,000, my transmission would not shift. Fortunately, this occurred in my driveway and not on the road. No warning, just no transmission. After replacing transmission, check engine light stuck on. Replaced a broken sensor. I am out $4,000.00 for a defect that I believe lexus is very aware of.

Filed Oct 13, 2006 · Transmission · 140,000 miles · 00

First failure happened during a left turn at a busy multi-lane intersection. Transmission dropped out of gear instead of shifting leaving me powerless at a very vulnerable time. The vehicle had sufficient momentum that I managed to drift up and over an adjacent curb. I was at the mercy of alert drivers in the intersection at the time. A lexus rebuilt transmission was installed by a toyota mechanic. After 12 months and many attempts at getting the engine light to remain extinguished I was advised today by lexus of calgary that the second transmission is now failing. The first transmission and now this one are failing to shift when required most, recently while attempting to accelerate during a lane change. It is dangerous to not have power when you need it most.