1999 Lexus RX300 from North America - Comments

Both ignition plastic key cases have cracked and the two halves separated. The parts department, at my dealership, says I have to buy new keys (not just the case, which is all I need). New keys require activation to the vehicle Vin number and cost about $240.00 each. This is entirely unreasonable. Spare part cases, only, should be available, so the cost of the chip and re-programing the key is not incurred. The attaching screw for the two halves of the key is nearly at the edge of the plastic, resulting in a faulty design that is guaranteed to fail, if used enough. Based on this experience, I would recommend to anyone, considering buying a used Lexus, to consider only extended warranted vehicles that would cover this cost. The risk of having to pay out $480 for new keys would certainly deter me from buying a used Lexus, without a warranty.

We have enjoyed this car immensely. It has been very reliable, comfortable and being all wheel drive, with ABS brakes, has always given us a sense of feeling safer. The only complaints we have are the roof rack is very sensitive to adjustment to avoid air noise in the car, the driving range (gas tank is too small) and the air/heat for back seat passengers should be better for a car in this price range. Great car other wise.

I live in Toronto, I have a 2000 RX300, I use my car on a daily basis, I added 145K on my RX300, it is quite reliable, until yesterday Aug 18 2004, my trasmission need a complete replacement. To my surprise, I am out of warranty, even though I did all the service with Lexus dealership, I have to pay 6000.00 for a new transmission. I have to rethink about purchase Lexus again, I spend almost 60k on the car, only works for 4 yrs. Do you know any way I can gather information about similar defects and help me to negotiate with Lexus Canada.

Thanks David Sin sinn_david@yahoo.com.

My Lexus 1999 rx300 had the transmission go out tonight with 72,400 miles. I am having it towed to dealer in morning. does anyone know the cost or if this is common? please email me at oddman1@aol.com thanks.

My 2001 RX 300 has only 45,000 miles, always maintained by the Lexus dealer. Today the car was running badly so I took it in and I was told that the transmission will need to be replaced. It is under warranty, but this is the first car that I have ever owned that needed a new transmission. I have always told people that my Lexus was the best car... up until now... that I have ever owned. I will rethink buying a new Lexus 2006. Maybe American built cars are not so bad after all?

It seems the RX is the only Lexus with the transmission problems. One of my Lexus' is a 99 RX, but it only has 33,000 miles cause I drive my GS cause the better gas mileage. I'm kind of worried now that my warranty will end in a year (bought the car certified in 2004). I might be putting some miles on the RX just incase it happens then the warranty will cover it. I put about 30,000 miles a year on my cars cause of my work. Ill never change the make I drive, Lexus, even if I do have some problems. Look at JD power reports, Lexus has the lowest frequency of repair, which is true. My first Lexus, a 92 SC400, has 210,000 miles on it and runs like new. Ill never throw that car away. I think if I were you Id try Lexus again and not worry about the problems. If warranty covers it your fine, if not... ouch!

We have an SC430 and both ignition key's "plastic" casing broke at almost the identical spot. A simple replacement part from LEXUS would be a wise thing instead of having to replace the entire key. LEXUS want almost $500 per key for something which is poorly designed (and possibly defective) in the first place.

Disappointed in the quality of LEXUS keys and the service policy from LEXUS. LEXUS should acknowledge the defect and replace the keys at no cost or minimal service charge.

SC430 owner (only for another week)...getting a Porsche Cayenne...

I have a 1999 RX300 with 123,000 miles. Last Tuesday I took the car to check the oil level because I felt something was wrong. Imagine my shock when I was told the engine has to be replaced. I never expected this from a LEXUS. What a sad thing it is to pay top price for a car that will have a major breakdown like that.

Have you experienced a problem like this? sandyfirestone@sbcglobal.net

What did they say was WRONG with the engine?

I had the same problem with my keys, and the dealership wanted to rape me on the price. I did however find a place online that would cut the key for me for $45 for the key and shell. Or you can have the whole entire key cut for $135 (but you have to have the original master key to program the new key). All you need is the key code or send them the original key. If you don't have it and want to cut it by VIN, they can do for an additional $15.

http://www.sparecarkeys.com

I bought my 1999 RX300 in 2004 with 80,000 miles. It had been serviced on maintenance suggested schedule at the dealership. Just turned trouble free 112,000 miles. No transmission problems so far... thank goodness. However, the plastic key cover case just cracked in half and I'll be darn if I can figure how to change the rear 3 spark plugs!