1999 Lexus RX 300 from North America

Summary:

Reliable, comfy and good car for small family

Faults:

Starter went out at around 110k miles.

Knock sensor replaced at 123k miles.

General Comments:

I've been very happy with my RX300. It's comfortable and safe. Any repairs I've done are normal wear and tear issues, no chronic mechanical issues.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 21st June, 2010

1999 Lexus RX 300 from North America

Summary:

Best car I have ever owned

General Comments:

I have 137000 miles, both city and highway, and virtually no problems other than coil packs at 120,000 (expected) and normal maintenance.

I have maintained the transmission at 25000 intervals, and have used synthetic oil since 50,000.

I suspect a lot of the transmission complaints are based on lack of service by prior owners (e.g. lease owners) etc.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 12th June, 2010

1999 Lexus RX 300 V6 AWD from North America

Summary:

Love it overall, but not as reliable as I expected from Lexus

Faults:

1) Most recently as of now, having to replace my transmission at 91K miles. I cannot believe it, this is why I purchased a Lexus -- not to spend $5K on a $40K car in this short amount of time. I am reading all the reports of the same issue in 1999/2000 RX 300. Most disturbing is the replacement transmissions are also failing, it is clearly a bad design. I reported this to NHTSA & would recommend everyone do so. http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/

Lexus Customer Service is 800-255-3987 -- be prepared to wait a long time.

They will tell you the dealer must inspect it. They also told me they have had complaints about this particular vehicle.

My friend also told me a Lexus mechanic told him the Lexus cars have known transmission issues, and to be sure to get the major services done. The mechanic said "these are not a Toyota, we work a lot on these engines". He chose to buy an Acura instead.

2) The "blower module" went out at about 80K miles. This part blows the hot or cold air for AC or heat. Replacement part is $500.

3) The seat belts quit retracting properly. Fixed once under warranty, happening again.

4) The "light assembly module" went out. Causes either side lights or tail lights to go out -- not all of them, but the same light stays out. You can tell it's not a fuse or a light bulb because it is not in the same line, & when you change these items, it doesn't help. Common issue I'm told. $500 part + labor.

Pam

p.s. I am going to have my Lexus inspected at the dealer. If they don't do anything, I am contacting the media & starting a class action lawsuit. Very bothersome that the follow up tranny's also fail at low miles. Very poor business practice on the part of Lexus/Toyota; this should have absolutely been made right when they discovered the issue.

Email: Info@AimingHigher.com

General Comments:

Overall, besides the transmission issue, and Lexus's failure to properly address this issue, I love the car. It drives well, is comfortable, and is very safe with the side air bags. I love the flexibility of the back seats folding, love the heated seats, love how it drives, love how solid it is overall.

I hope Lexus will stand behind their product, or I'll never be able to buy one again. That is a bummer; really have loved Lexus.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 8th June, 2010

1999 Lexus RX 300 from North America

Summary:

I love my car and want to keep it

Faults:

Transmission went out 2007 and I replaced it.

Cannot put the shift in gear. It will not go to park.

General Comments:

The car is wonderful and I have had great results from it.

But it's built for 300,000 miles, so I am just over half way there.

Just paid $4,500 to replace the engine a couple of years ago.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th June, 2010

1999 Lexus RX 300 from North America

Summary:

Great car, except for the manufacturer not acknowledging the defect in the part

Faults:

At about 123k miles, transmission just died. Took it to a shop, and determined the planetary gear in transmission had failed (chronic problem, not recognized by the dealer as a defect and not recalled). After fighting with the dealer and the manufacturer, had to pay 3200 to have transmission replaced.

Now knock sensors are setting off the CEL, and sending codes that knock sensors are bad. Repair did not cover it, and now cannot drive due to lack of overdrive, which if driven with bad knock sensors is the result - bad part is the technician, who is very knowledgeable, said if driven with bad sensors, it will prevent the vehicle from going into OD, and eventually cause the same transmission failure and necessitate replacement again. Sensors seem to be around $750 for both, but am thinking about it for now.

Can't drive the SUV after investing over $3000 - can you imagine how I feel?

Own 2 newer models of RX and have never had a problem - seems to be in the 1999 and was redesigned by the manufacturer in 2000, but not covered for previous owners as a defect!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th April, 2010