1999 Lexus RX300: sudden loss of power

Filed Jul 19, 2011 · Transmission · 142,500 miles · MA

138,000 used vehicle. Upon purchase did timing belt, water pump and all belts. Then had a transmission flush. Went on a 500 mile round trip and upon returning lost overdrive. Made it home then next day a severe lose of power and trans would not shift. After restarting would shift but no overdrive. After investigating found hundreds of similar incidents when you query lexus transmission failure. I can understand losing a transmission but reading all these complainants it is clear that this product is defective.

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 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 Nov 6, 2000 · Electrical · NY · fire

Was traveling 10mph when vehicle lost power. Noticed a glow under hood. Stopped vehicle & jumped out. Vehicle caught on fire immediately afterwards. Fire department arrived & put flames out. Gave no indication of cause of fire. Had vehicle towed to lexus dealership. Everything under the hood was consumed by fire & melted.

Filed Aug 15, 2000 · Engine, Transmission · CA

Contact person: kevin ezratty service manger, bob baker lexus el cajon,ca 92020 (619) 440 5398 car overheats and stalls when towing a 2500 lb r/v trailer rx300 specs 3500lb. When towing in mountain terrain with ambient temperature around 100 degrees and going up hill, the car temp indicator will approach the red zone and will lose all power and stall. There is no warning or time to pull off the road, traffic mostly trucks makes it very scary and dangerous. The transmission was replaced and the car driven 1000 miles and it happened again, with no place to pull off. I returned the car to dealer, they have no idea if they are looking for a mechanical or electrical problem, ther is no history of any lexus rx300 with this type of failure. Their suggestions are don't drive in the mountains, don't drive in the desert, don't use the air conditioner, don't tow the r/v trailer, don't drive with any wind. They also requested that they be allowed to take my personal property, the r/v trailer and tow it around the mountains and desert and see if they can make it fail again. I asked if anyone in the facility had ever pulled a trailer, the answer was no one, so I declined. (I have $55,000 invested) I purchased this vehicle for the sole purpose of towing this trailer , now they tell me that just because the car is certified to tow 3500 lbs doesn't mean that it can. At this time we are at a stand still, they can't repair the car and I travel a lot and don't feel safe driving it. Without the trailer it seems to be fine, it is equipped with the trailer towing package. The transmission oil temp indicator does not light up, so I think the engine is becoming hot and shutting the car down, see page 208 owners manual. Your help and suggestions are appreciated. Thank you.