1999 Lexus RX300 transmission problems
Owners reported transmission problems in 115 complaints for the 1999 Lexus RX300, 43% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 115 43% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 105,000 miles 97 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 1 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 1 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When transmission problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 2 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 0 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 2 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 13 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 24 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 16 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 16 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 17 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 5 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 1 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Of the 97 transmission complaints that report mileage, the median is about 105,000 miles, and 4% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 1 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury.
What owners wrote
Car begins to lurch both backing up and accelerating in the low gears. The computer erroneously tells the clutch to engage, thus blowing the transmission. I have neck pain from the lurching; it feels as though you are getting hit from behind. Because of the jumping, it could also be very easy to rear end someone. Many owners have reported this on various blogs, including 12 pages at edmunds.com.
Transmission on my 1999 lexus rx300 started slipping. We took it into a lexus dealer and were told to not do anything until the transmission failed, then bring it in. I asked if we should have it serviced or some maintenance to prevent a failure and they advised that it was not worth it. It failed, then the dealer wants $4,200 to fix it. Research shows that this year and model lexus has transmission problems nationwide and suggests it is a widespread problem.
Other problems reported for the 1999 Lexus RX300
- Engine 29 complaints
- Drivetrain & axles 17 complaints
- Air bags 15 complaints