1999 Lexus RX300 from North America - Comments

We have a 2000 RX300. We went to the dealer with a transmission problem and the dealer told us we need a new transmission. We have 110,000 miles on it. I am shocked. I have achieved much higher mileage with cheaper cars without ever a hint of a transmission problem. After each of my cars is out of warranty I do my own work on them. I followed the recommended transmission fluid replacement schedule and used the over-priced Lexus transmission fluid. Because I do my own service, I have no paper trail so I know I am out of luck with help from the dealer. It will be a long time before I buy another Lexus.

My wife's 2000 Lexus RX300 was just taken to the shop as the transmission is dead. Closest dealer was about 180 miles away. They agreed to pay half because of the "good will" policy, so I am looking at a $1600 bill. They also recommended replacing the transfer box as it was leaking. After reading the horror stories, I am concerned about the rest of the car (SUV).

Most of you guys are lucky! I bought a used 2000 RX300 in Feb 2007 from a private party (88,000 miles, paid $12,500). The check engine came on sometime in April 2007. Took to Toyota Dealer and they changed O2 sensor for around $600 or something. Then in May 2007 the car stopped moving. Took to Toyota Dealer again and they said new transmission required, cost $4,000. I said no. I then called AAMCO. They said that they would repair the old transmission and coerced me in stating that they would be very cheap. $700 later they said the entire transmission had to be rebuilt. Total cost $4,200. I had no other choice because I could not tow my car out of AAMCO (because I had to pay $700 for them for the work they had done until then to investigate the problem). So by now the cost of the 2000 RX had increased to over 17K! Then AAMCO said that the engine holder (or something like that) was loose and asked $600 to fix it. I refused.

Previoulsy I had very good luck with used vehicles, but everything went down the drain with the Lexus RX300. I traded it in and bought a 2004 BMW 530i which had 37,000 miles (100,000 mile warranty, certified with maintenance package). Got $10,500 for the Lexus trade, so lost almost 7K! So far (knock on wood), no problem with the BMW after one year. If you look at Consumer Reports, it rates RX line very high, but it was pretty pathetic to me. I always wonder if the person who sold it to me had a hint of the problem... but will never know.

It is not good to judge an entire line of car with just one bad apple, but I am done with Lexus. So with AAMCO.

First owner here on a '99 RX300. It has a low 56,000 miles on it after 10 years. I noticed a whining sound during a long drive from LA. I took it to the dealer and they said the sound is coming from the transfer case because the transmission overheated and the fluid is "burned". They quoted me $9,100 to fix the problem - differential and transmission replacement for a whining sound. I refused.

Thank you for the inputs here. Although I have not experienced gear shift problems or gear tooth issues, I also believe the main cause of the several transmission problems reported here is the undersized transmission causing it to overheat then leading to dry and burnt fluid.

I had the dealer replace all the fluids. Guess what. They just did a flush and fill. The transfer case filter was not replaced.

From here on, I will replace the differential and transfer case fluid myself. I don't trust anyone anymore - Lexus dealer, AAMCO, name it - particularly after these hard economic times. It looks like everybody will find a way to survive nowadays.

For do-it-yourself work, there are excellent posts here from RX300 owners on differential and transfer case fluid flush and change:

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?t=214000

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?t=220061

I hope this helps.

2000 RX300 106K miles has intermittent problems putting into reverse. I use reset button on the gear shift area, and am then able to move into reverse. Is there a known fix to this problem, or is it a prelude to more transmission issues?

I have had many of the same problem others have had on this site. I have a Lexus 99 RX 300. A week ago it started vibrating and lose of power. Then it stopped and would not go into any gear. After about 1 hr. it start up went into gear and drove about a couple of blocks and did the same thing. The were also lock and it would not move.

Brought it to an auto repair shop and they said it was the transmission. Later they said that they found that the drive trans had to be fixed. No indicator lights came on at all. Does anyone know if the 2004 and later have any of the same problems? Rebuilt transmission cost me $3300.

Try Toyota for repairs as they are cheaper like someone said. They quoted me $2448. Sorry I didn't know this before.

Another one (RX300-99) bites the dust!!! 102,000 miles, no warning; quote of over $5000.00 from dealership that has performed all required/scheduled maintenance since I purchased it new in June 1999. Did I get my $42K worth???... No!!! Especially when I think about the high cost of the required maintenance. Should I bite the bullet and get what I can for it as is or should I have it repaired?

5th Jan 2009, 09:38

Another one (RX300-99) bites the dust!!! 102,000 miles, no warning; quote of over $5000.00 from dealership that has performed all required/scheduled maintenance since I purchased it new in June 1999. Did I get my $42K worth???... No!!! Especially when I think about the high cost of the required maintenance. Should I bite the bullet and get what I can for it as is or should I have it repaired?

Remember me (read above)!!! Lexus (180025LEXUS) and my dealership have agreed to fix my vehicle at no cost to me. I mean no cost!!! "GOD IS GOOD"...

Have a 2001 RX300 with 145900 miles and never had any issues until last month. While making a turn it felt like the brakes were grabbing. Then while trying to press on the gas it seemed like the car went into neutral. Looking down at the gears, it was still in drive. I gave it a little more gas and it made it to my driveway where it died completely. Wouldn't go in reverse after that. I had to have it towed, and then was told that so many parts broke that there were metal shavings in the transmission pan. Their cost to rebuild is about $4000.

I called Lexus and they offer no recall, good faith or any other incentive. The Lexus estimate is $5000.00. I love my car and have never had any issue, but I am concerned that it won't be so reliable after this fix. Comments??

My 1999 RX300 transmission died this week at 110000 miles. No warning. The car was serviced as recommended by Lexus.

The dealership quoted me $4950 for fixing it with a rebuilt one. What really upsets me is that the dealership denied any problem with the transmission and I believed them until I found this site.

Shame on Lexus. After I dispose of my 430SL in April, I am not buying a Lexus.

Another one. RX300, 90,000 mile check up in October 2008 ended up with a close to 4,000 dollar bill. 92,000 miles at that time. Now in March 2009 with 94,000 miles I almost had to push it home, and had it towed to the dealer. Googled "transmission problem" and "RX300" and got 180,000 hits. Talked to the service manager "I have no idea what you mean - transmission flaw?" Talked to Lexus Customer Service national hotline "I have no idea what you mean - transmission flaw?" I'm now on hold to see what happens next. They may not get their rental car back! How disgusting to sit there and act perplexed when they had undoubtedly seen RX300 after RX300 towed into this service center.

And another one! 1999 Lexus RX300, 134,000 miles, the car stalled after a 30 miles long drive. I don't like to take my vehicle to the dealership, however, I have followed the maintenance schedule.

Your car had has 134,000 miles on it, and now it "stalled"?

Wow! That is terrible!

Seriously though, what do you want a LIFETIME Warranty?

Cars are machines - they do break now & then. You can either accept that or walk.

May 2, 2009.

I have a 1999 Lexus RX 300 with 200,005 miles. I was driving to work and suddenly my car lost power and would not go forward or reverse. Had the car towed to a reliable mechanic that has worked on my car before and is probably 25% the cost that Lexus dealers charge. I never take my car to the dealer because they are so expensive.

I have a 1999 Lexus, transmission just went out at 218, 000 miles, not too bad, I would say. It has been an amazing car, no problems. I am going to put in a Lexus certified transmission for $2750 which includes labor, because it still looks and runs like new. so, there are some good ones out there.