1999 Lexus RX: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 35 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (79% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
35
owner complaints
0
fire reports
107,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Among the quietest RX years (#18 of 20 by complaints, age-adjusted)No fire reportsNo recall campaignsProblems tend to appear late (median 107,000 mi)Weak spot: power train (79%)
Common problems
Computed from 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)79% · 27 complaints
Seat Belts9% · 3 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)3% · 1 complaint
Engine (engine mechanics)3% · 1 complaint
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)3% · 1 complaint
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)3% · 1 complaint
“There is a known problem with this year model they are built with a defective transmission... I have not had anything happen to me personally but I am terrified it will. There are plenty of verified situations reported online where the transmissions on this particular year model have been driving and serious events have occurred having to do with this defective transmission. That lexus is aware of. This should not be consumers problen it is lexus'faultband they should repair it.!”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2020
“Transmission failure at approximately 110,000 miles on 1999 lexus rx300. Traveling at low speed (25 mph) transmission "lurched" lost power and we drifted to a stop on a narrow two lane road - on a blind curve of course - at night. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2007
“Transmission in my 1999 lexus rx300 failed prematurely at 110,000. I have read that there are numerous complaints with this model's transmission and feel that lexus should reimburse me for the $4000+ repair charges. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
“At 80,000 our 1999 lexus rx 300 transmission had to be replaced for $3,500. Now at 144,000 the transmission needs to be replaced again for $4,000. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2007
“1999 lexus rx300 awd, transmission failed while driving on the highway at speed limit of 75 mph. Transmission went in to neutral, and created a serious driving hazard that required maneuvering through traffic with no control to get off the highway. The transmission would not go back in to gear and there was no way to control the speed of the car. *jb”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2007
“Transmission failure for 1999 lexus rx300. Occurred at high speed on interstate. 110k miles with recommended service. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2007
“Rear seat belt passenger side is locked up and will not extend. We are unable to properly place seatbelt - a definite safety concern. At this moment, we are in the process of getting it looked at by a lexus dealer. *jb”Owner report · Seat Belts · Apr 2007
“Tl*the contact owns a 1999 lexus rx300. While driving 60 mph, the transmission suddenly failed without warning. The vehicle was towed to the repair shop and lexus stated that the warranty expired. The failure mileage was 135,000 and current mileage was 140,000. Updated 10/09/07. *jb”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2007
“Recently took my car in and found out that my transmission had gone out after 108,000 miles and would be $4200 to replace rebuild. After researching about the lexus rx300 1999 model I am finding out there are several problems with this vehicles transmission . *nm”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2007
“While driving my 1999 rx300 on the highway, the transmission went out on me. I felt I was losing power and decided to pull over on the shoulder. I then try to turn off my engine to see if restarting it back up will resolve the issue. When I start the car back up and put it on drive, the car will not move. Needless to say I had to call a tow to tow my car back home. *nm”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2006
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
Check your exact RX by VIN
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Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Lexus RX reliable?
NHTSA has 35 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Lexus RX. The most complained-about area is power train (79% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 Lexus RX problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 107,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.