1999 Lexus RX300: transmission slipping

Filed Jul 12, 2011 · Transmission · 228,000 miles · GA

1999 lexus rx300 which had transmission service on march 17th 2011 at , began to make a whirring sound and slip out of gear while driving on interstate 85 north on saturday july 9th 2011. I immediatly pulled off onto the shoulder of the interstate to check the fluid and it showed full on the dip stick. On monday july 11th 2011 the rx300 in question was taken to the same dealership which performed the service of the transmission on march 17th 2011, and they informed me that I would need a new transmission costing upward of $4500. After further investigation I have found there are thousands of complaints regarding the rx300 model years 1999-2001 describing the exact same drive train failure. It is apparent that lexus is aware of this issue and has failed to issue any type of warning to its consumers of impending transaxle failure due to an inferior shifting apparatus. As stated earlier service was performed on my rx300 and any mention of impending problems were absent. As a consumer I feel that it is the responsibility of lexus to warn its customers of any problems which may arise due to inadequate equipment. Below are links to other websites which list complaints of the exact transaxle failure. A recall for repairs should be issued as this is a serious vehicle failure. If I had been informed of this impending issue costly repairs and damage certainly would have been avoided. Us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=28020 - http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/webx/.f111d9c/1. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Jul 20, 2010 · Transmission · 180,000 miles · GA

I bought a '99 lexus rx300 for my wife at 62k miles. I did all of the schedule maintenance including the expensive stuff (like the timing belt change). Unbeknownst to me, the engine rear main seal was leaking at the time that I purchased it. I figured it was simple and "its a lexus, right?". I found out that it would cost $1700 to fix and that it was common on this model. I ignored the leak because my wife loved the truck otherwise. Unrelated to the oil leak, at 183,000 miles I'm driving on a family vacation with the car on cruise control and the transmission suddenly starts to slip. I manage to make it my destination, but after research and getting diagnostics from the dealership and trans shops, I found it would cost $3000-$4000 to fix. I decided to fix it and paid $3700 for it. No sooner than I took off driving, the car started smoking horribly and was now slipping in 1,2, and 3rd gear. These transmissions are a nightmare to repair, and I would recommend anyone that buys one to count your losses when it fails and trash the car.

Filed May 13, 2010 · Transmission · 96,000 miles · IL

I was driving on a interstate and the transmission started slipping until it gave out.

Filed Sep 14, 2009 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · AL

Transmission on my 1999 lexus rx300 started slipping. We took it into a lexus dealer and were told to not do anything until the transmission failed, then bring it in. I asked if we should have it serviced or some maintenance to prevent a failure and they advised that it was not worth it. It failed, then the dealer wants $4,200 to fix it. Research shows that this year and model lexus has transmission problems nationwide and suggests it is a widespread problem. This is a safety issue as well as general mechanical failure.

Filed Mar 26, 2009 · Transmission · 152,052 miles · CA

Transmission had slipping problems about 6 months ago. Drained trans & changed filters. Removed shift solenoids & checked to see if they operated. Road tested fairly good. Found out from reputable trans repair person that this particular year model trans has had many problems that lexus has not been addressing. They can rebuild trans but cannot update computer for the shifting problems which will ruin trans during test drive. Now my trans will not go into reverse.

Filed Feb 25, 2009 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · NC

I own a 1999 lexus rx300 fwd. I have had multiple problems with this vehicle. When I bought it jan 2008 ignition coil 1 and 3 failed. Two months later 3, , and 6 failed. Both times when vehicle failed I was driving on interstate 85 vehicle would not go over 45 and would not go into overdrive!!! Now the transmission is acting up. It is slipping and also decides to gear down when doing 70mph down the interstate. Was at a stop light and the light turned green and the vehicle wouldn't move, finally caught gear and jerked. Was almost hit by oncoming traffic. I do not feel safe in this so called "luxury vehicle". It is still under extended warranty, and is going to lexus dealership tomm. I cant wait to hear what they say the out come is. Car has been fully serviced and up to date. Just came out of lexus dealership 2 weeks ago having problems!!??? Now its going back. Lexus needs to recall the transmissions they are faulty!! I have read several complaints and not one action from the manufacturer yet?? They have already replace rear main seals, cam seals, and something else at 2000.00 dollars...ugh when its cold, it takes the car about 12 mins to go into overdrive. I keep hearing a whining sound, and shudder sounds. I only have like 16,000 miles left on warranty. So some one please tell me what to do or where to go!!! This is such a headache!!

Filed Feb 17, 2009 · Transmission · 115,000 miles · AZ

Simply driving the transmission started to slip, very quickly (20-30 miles) the transmission was slipping so badly the car had to be put into 2nd gear to get it to the auto repair shop. The car will not drive in drive and can only move forward in the lower automatic gears.