Vehicle Data Hub

1999 Lexus RX300 engine problems

Owners reported engine problems in 29 complaints for the 1999 Lexus RX300, 11% of the complaints on file. It is the 2nd most reported problem area for this model year.

At a glance

Complaints
29 11% of this year's complaints
Typical mileage
119,000 miles 16 complaints with mileage
Crashes and fires
0 and 2
Injuries and deaths
1 and 0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints

When engine problems show up

Engine complaints by mileage, 1999 Lexus RX300 Complaints by odometer reading in 20,000-mile steps. The median is about 119,000 miles. 0k to 20k miles: 0 complaints 20k to 40k miles: 1 complaints 40k to 60k miles: 0 complaints 60k to 80k miles: 2 complaints 80k to 100k miles: 4 complaints 100k to 120k miles: 1 complaints 120k to 140k miles: 2 complaints 140k to 160k miles: 3 complaints 160k to 180k miles: 1 complaints 180k to 200k miles: 0 complaints 200k+ miles: 2 complaints 040k80k120k160k200k miles Typical: 119,000 miles
Based on 16 complaints that include mileage. 6% were reported before 60,000 miles. The amber marker shows the median: half of these complaints happened before that mileage.
View the numbers
MileageComplaints
0k to 20k miles0
20k to 40k miles1
40k to 60k miles0
60k to 80k miles2
80k to 100k miles4
100k to 120k miles1
120k to 140k miles2
140k to 160k miles3
160k to 180k miles1
180k to 200k miles0
200k+ miles2

What the data shows

Of the 16 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 119,000 miles, and 6% were reported before 60,000 miles.

These complaints mention 2 fires, 1 injury.

What owners wrote

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.

Reported at 179,825 miles, January 2018 FireInjury

Our vehicle's oil consumption began to increase at approximately 90k miles. It would take at least a quart of oil every 700 miles or so. The check engine light also illuminated around 100k miles. Finally brought it to our lexus dealership and told that we needed a new engine block and top end overhaul. The reason given was "oil sludge" due to lack of proper service. The service dept quoted us 8,000 dollars to do the repairs.

Reported at 116,367 miles, February 2005

Other problems reported for the 1999 Lexus RX300

Engine problems in other years

Engine problems across all Lexus models