1999 Lexus RX300 from North America - Comments

I have a 1999 Rx 300. we have had it only 6 months and the transmission has to turn about 3000 rpm when cold to shift from third gear to overdrive. after it warms up it changes OK. the transmission fluid was black when I had it changed at 72000 miles. I don't know if it had been changed before. does any one else have this problem.

north carolina.

Handles good and rides good.

I was told by my dealer that the tranny is designed for slower (or later) shifts when it is cold. Mine as acted like this since I bought the car with 72000km (45000 miles) on it, and I haven't noticed any change in behaviour since then (115000km currently)

That is normal. The rx300 is a low emission vehicle and is programmed that way so as to reach normal engine temperature quickly.

Bought a 99 RX300 in 2004 with 42000 miles on it. I noticed soon after that it was not shifting into OD right after starting even at 50-65 mph. Did not have it checked until last week. Took it to a Lexus specialist because it had a bad hesitation and the check engine light was on. They could not get the check engine light to go off because the knock sensor keeps tripping. But I mentioned the tranny issue and they said it is normal. However, while they were road testing it they told me they could not get it into OD period and proceeded to tell me that the trannys are basically junk and the only way to fix it was to replace it @ around $4500. Planning to get rid of it. We have always gotten around 16-17MPG and maybe the OD problem is why. May look at a RX330. Like the styling and not totally displeased with Lexus.

Same experience with my 99 RX300. I bought the car certified in 2003. In late 2005, at only 32000, my transmission was slipping and wouldn't go into gear. I had the warranty so I took the car in. The dealer replaced the transmission and said that it's a problem with most RX300s. My RX300 never got over 15mpg even on my trip from California to Texas. I had owned 2 Lexus in the past and had no problems. I decided to buy a RX330 cause I needed an SUV for work. I bought brand new this time. So far the car has been good. I only have 5000 on it because I've been driving my 99 LS400. I have faith in Lexus. I did learn to never buy a first model year.

The RX is not a vehicle for long-term ownership, we found that out the hard way.

We quickly got rid of it as soon as the tranny problems crept up and purchased a used, but well maintained LX470.

Gas mileage is abysmal, but the quality is leaps and bounds beyond the RX series.