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.
1999 Lexus RX300 engine complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 28 of 28, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I change motor oil every 5,000 miles, as per manufacturer's schedule. Also performed a 'large' ($1,400) maintenance at lexus dealer. Car ('99 rx300 awd) had rear engine seal leak at 68,000 miles. It seems a large number of the rx300s experience the same problem, due to hardening (defective) seal material abutting a hot crankcase.
I have a lexus rx300 awd and just found out that the transmission needs to be replaced at 120,000 miles. I was very shocked when I took my vehicle in for scheduled maintenance and was told that the transmission is going out and it would be $5720 to repair it. I am very disgusted with this because I started researching the issue and have found that there are several problems with this "so called luxury vehicle" that is suppose to last you to 250,000 miles or more.
Lexus 1999 rx 300 had oil sludge in 2000 and I was originally charged by lexus pembroke pines then about 1 year later reimbursed as a customer convience. My lexus now has thrown a rod at 88,000 which I feel and can get expert mechanics to verify that this is the after effect of the oil gel. The only thing that was done was a oil cleaning and gasket change. The internal parts oil pump, rods,crankshaft were not dismantled and thoroughly cleaned removing any left over remnants of oil gunk which after time would restrict oil flow to the working parts. Lexus denies all liability and I feel this falls under the class action suit and I need protection which I cannot afford. Your assistance and further help in pointing out cases in complete engine breakdown will help me get lexus to open there eyes and hopefully help others.
Our vehicle's oil consumption began to increase at approximately 90k miles. It would take at least a quart of oil every 700 miles or so. The check engine light also illuminated around 100k miles. Finally brought it to our lexus dealership and told that we needed a new engine block and top end overhaul. The reason given was "oil sludge" due to lack of proper service. The service dept quoted us 8,000 dollars to do the repairs. Unfortunately we did not have the money so we are going to try and find a new engine on our own.
Took 1999 lexus rx 300 in for regular service at 39,000 miles, and asked dealer to check engine noise. Dealer found cracked exhaust manifold and split exhaust pipe coming off manifold. Maifold replaced under extended warranty plan but split exhaust not covered because car was out of original warranty. Dealer carried exhaust manifolds in stock due to frequency of problem. This was a design/manufacturing defect and should have been covered by manufacturer.
Had my 60,000 mile service done on my 1999 rx300. The wife drove it when I got home and told me the car was running sluggish, didn't accelerate like it did before I brought it in. I took the car out to drive it and feel what she was telling me and noticed that when I would let off the gas and coast them give it gas there was a clunking noise. I took it to the dealer, the mechanic heard the noise and said he wasn't sure what it was. The service person said that I should just drive it normal and not try to make it clunk and it should be ok. If it kept doing it to make an appointment to bring it back. Car will be out of warranty! In 4 months.
Exhaust manifold crack.
I own a 1999 lexus rx300 and have had an engine sludge problem which was repaired by the dealer with the valve seal replacement being performed. Also had front exhaust manifold and front down pipe failure(crack) occurring at about 71,000 miles. Unsure as to any relationship between the two.
I own 1999 lexus rx300, since february of the last year, I had numerous problems with the car's engine (it has sludge), transmission, emission system, and over use of gas per mile. First problem started during the first month of my ownership and since that time the vehicle has spent weeks in auto repair shops. Lexus dealer and others charged me lavish fees but never fixed the problems and lexus dealers even never admitted that serious problems existed.
Exhaust manifold on right side of engine cracked, which resulated in replacement of the manifold and 2 sensor at owners expense. The part cracked at 71,000 miles and lexus would not reimburse repair because the car was out of warranty. Exhaust manifolds should not crack at 71,000 miles, if ever. Dt
Vehicle did not start four times in six week period. Battery replaced twice. Problem still exist.
Engine failed due to sludge. Took to arbitration did not win. Vehicle out of service for last 10 months. Lexus dealer and customer service contacted over 50 times. Even with new policy engine still has not been repaired. Lexus and dealer have treated me like a villian. Piad for vehicle that is unuseable.
Engine design is faulty. While driving vehicle oil becomes very hot and turns into sludge. Engine check light illuminates on dash continuously. Please provide any further information.
Engine sludge, resulting in engine replacement.
Engine design fault in the cooling channels to the cylinder head of the vehicle were made too small resulting in excessives engine operating temperatures causing frying of the engine oil turning it to sludge, the sludge clogs the engine ports eventually causing engine failure. Nlm
Engine stalls at idle, dealer claims from high oil viscosity despite oil being changed every 5000 miles. Dealer says that because of the way the engine is mounted that it runs hot and that only certain oils are reccomended. Says that quaker state oil, which we used, should be changed every 3000 miles since it is not "as good" as the oil they use at the dealer. This is not suggested in the owners manual and I would suspect poor engine design that allows development of excessive heat. Secondly, the gas tank sensor failed- gas gauge ran half when the tank was empty. Dealer says he has seen this "several" times. Suspect problem with this component.
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.
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