1999 Lexus RX300: problems, recalls and reliability

“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 lexus rx300. While driving approximately 30 mph, the rpms suddenly increased and the vehicle accelerated to speeds above 85 mph. During the incident, flames were seen coming from the exhaust. The contact sustained a neck injury, which required medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who indicated that the flames created a hole in the catalytic converter and the oxygen sensor was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer (o'brien lexus in bellevue wa) were notified. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 179,825. *tt *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2018

“This week I got a flat tire, a screw in tire. One tire shop wouldn't repair it, so I parked the car a few days after they put the full-size spare on it. Then I drove it 20 miles with the spare, and it started activating the ABS when I brake at gentle/normal speeds. So I had the flat tire repaired and thought the problem would go away. There is no change with the fixed tired put back on/balanced. The car activates ABS every time I brake pretty much now. I do have awd, but this should not happen. I just bought this vehicle 3 months ago used & had it thoroughly inspected prior to purchasing it. This is a safety issue!”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2017

“Tl* the contact owned a 1999 lexus rx300. While driving 45 mph in inclement weather, the contact crashed into the rear of a stopped vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained head and left knee injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and then towed to her residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 178,000. The vehicle was destroyed.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2017

“I was driving down the street doing about 40 or so and all four wheels locked up at once suddenly. It causing the car to a come pleat stop in the road. The car behind me had to lock up all most causing a accident.”Owner report · Power Train · May 2016

“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 lexus rx300. The brake light failed to illuminate when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who informed the contact of NHTSA campaign number: 99v011000 (exterior lighting), which was related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 184,000.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Mar 2016

“On january 17th, 2016, I took my '99 lexus rx300 to church, parked the car, and joined the sunday service. An hour after parking the vehicle (during which time it was not running or in use), I was told that there was smoke coming from it and went outside. Within minutes, the front end was bursting in flames. The fire destroyed the entire front portion of the car, including the engine, transmission, tires, and dashboard. I don't know what could have been the cause; it was seemingly random.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2016

“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 lexus rx300. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start without the diagnostic code reader. If the diagnostic code reader was removed from the vehicle, the vehicle would shut off. The check engine light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who stated that several different failure codes appeared for the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired several times for several codes; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware, but was not familiar with the failure and did not offer a repair. The approximate failure mileage was 230,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2015