1999 Lexus RX300: engine stalls while driving

Filed Aug 19, 2011 · Transmission · 89,000 miles · CA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 lexus rx300. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH uphill there was a burning smell and the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle onto the shoulder. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who stated the transmission failed. The dealer stated there were no recalls and the repair cost would be $5000. The manufacturer advised the contact that a representative would return the call. The failure mileage was 89,000.

Filed Apr 14, 2010 · Transmission · 99,000 miles · WA

1999 lexus rx 300 vehicle 99,000 miles in very good repair suddenly stalls due to transmission failure on the freeway. No previous warning. I was very fortunate to "coast" off the highway into a safe area to stop the vehicle. It would no longer move, transmission was reported to be dead by two mechanics. After researching this model there are many reports about transmission failures some causing accidents and injuries. Neither was the case with my incident but it is a disturbing trend.

Filed Feb 3, 2009 · Transmission · 136,000 miles · GA

The transmission on my 1999 lexus rx300 failed. There was little to no indication of the problem before full failure occurred. My wife was driving the vehicle when it stalled and was almost in an accident. This looks to be a very common problem with this vehicle. It will cost me $5000 to repair.

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 Jan 7, 2008 · Transmission · 89,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 lexus rx-300. The contact stated that he heard a crackling noise when he applied the brake then the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that ten minutes later he was able to restart. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the transmission caused the failure. As of january 7, 2008, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. The failure mileage was 89,000 and current mileage was 89,000. Updated 02-14-08. *kb the consumer stated the vehicle would frequently loose power.

Filed Nov 24, 2006 · Suspension, Transmission · 73,000 miles · CA

I own a 99 rx300 awd. Purchased the car from a dealership corporation that also owned lexus of serramonte in sf bay area at 68k miles. The vehicle apparently had all services done on time as my dealer noted and was serviced at their facility since the vehicle left their dealer lot. So the car was locally owned and repaired. At 74k my transmission started to act up where I found the car to be bellow 20% of its temperature the car will either not shift into 4th or over drive. My dealer told me to replace the transmission fluid but that only worsened the problem where if the engine is bellow that temperature it will start jumping when going from 1st to 2nd, and takes a while to shift between gears. The dealer tells me that this is normal operation of any car at 90k miles. Now my biggest problem is that my car stalls if it''s at it normal temperature after starting it up, it will die, unless I keep the pedal depressed for fuel to flow into the engine after the starter disables. I owned plenty of cars well over 20 and never had any of my vehicles ever had a similar problem except one car that has been totaled twice in its entire life. This is not a normal vehicle behavior nor appropriate dealer response when trying to keep a great customer relationship. This creates a lot of distrust and feeling that you're having your leg pulled. This is an issue that needs to be addressed by the vehicle manufacturer and turned into a recall, as I am finding out that 90% of 99-2000 lexus rx300's out there have the exact same problem.

Filed Aug 25, 2000 · Engine, Fuel system · MI

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.

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.