U.S. public vehicle records

Lexus RX300 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

722 owner complaints analyzed

2 distinct recall campaigns

103,840 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1998 to 2003 model years. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 556 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Power Train:Automatic Transmission is the most frequently named component, appearing in 332 of 722 complaints (46.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Transmission and shifting	412	57.1%
Braking behavior	77	10.7%
Engine operation	25	3.5%
Electrical and battery issues	14	1.9%
Steering behavior	12	1.7%
Fuel system concerns	5	0.7%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission

332

Power Train

Vehicle Speed Control

Engine And Engine Cooling

Air Bags

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Electrical System

Engine

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	332
Power Train	93
Vehicle Speed Control	55
Engine And Engine Cooling	30
Air Bags	23
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	19
Electrical System	16
Engine	16

Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 332; Power Train: 93; Vehicle Speed Control: 55; Engine And Engine Cooling: 30; Air Bags: 23; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 19; Electrical System: 16; Engine: 16

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

135

100,000 to 149,999

243

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 20; 25,000 to 49,999: 25; 50,000 to 74,999: 66; 75,000 to 99,999: 135; 100,000 to 149,999: 243; 150,000 and above: 67

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (243). 166 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

111

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2022

1998: 4; 1999: 15; 2000: 23; 2001: 24; 2002: 22; 2003: 24; 2004: 31; 2005: 26; 2006: 20; 2007: 53; 2008: 85; 2009: 111; 2010: 96; 2011: 64; 2012: 24; 2013: 11; 2014: 20; 2015: 21; 2016: 20; 2017: 11; 2018: 13; 2019: 2; 2022: 2

Pattern summary

Power Train:Automatic Transmission leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 412 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 77 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 25 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10014038 · 2003-04-06 (April 6, 2003)

I OWN 1999 LEXUS RX300, SINCE FEBRUARY OF THE LAST YEAR, I HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR'S ENGINE (IT HAS SLUDGE), TRANSMISSION, EMISSION SYSTEM, AND OVER USE OF GAS PER MILE. FIRST PROBLEM STARTED DURING THE FIRST MONTH OF MY OWNERSHIP AND SINCE THAT TIME THE VEHICLE HAS SPENT WEEKS IN AUTO REPAIR SHOPS. LEXUS DEALER AND OTHERS CHARGED ME LAVISH FEES BUT NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEMS AND LEXUS DEALERS EVEN NEVER ADMITTED THAT SERIOUS PROBLEMS EXISTED. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 88,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10014038 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10030889 · 2003-08-06 (August 6, 2003)

THERE IS A SHUDDER OF THE TRANSMISSION WHEN SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR AT APPROXIMATELY 2000 RPM'S. THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH ALL-WHEEL DRIVE. I BOUGHT IT WITH 65,570 MI. THE DEALER REPLACED DRIVE SHAFT TO REAR WHEELS AND FRONT AXLE(S). THE PROBLEM REMAINS AND IS A NUISANCE REGARDLESS OF VEHICLE TEMPERATURE.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10030889 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10053229 · 2004-01-14 (January 14, 2004)

BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT RETRACT PROPERLY AFTER THEY'VE BEEN TAKEN OFF, OR DURING SUDDEN BRAKING. DEALER REPLACED BOTH UNITS, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUED.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 55,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10053229 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10096412 · 2004-10-26 (October 26, 2004)

LEXUS RX300-HAVE OWNED CAR SINCE BEGINNING 1999-NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH CAR EXCEPT NORMAL TUNE UPS AND NEW BRAKES-HOWEVER, THAT ALL CHANGED SEPTEMBER 2004. YES, I'VE HAD THE CAR 6 SIX YEARS BUT WITH ONLY 68,000 MILES ON THE CAR WHICH IS CONSIDERED LOW MILEAGE USE. WHILE TRAVELING TO SAN DIEGO TO TAKE MY GRANDDAUGHTER BACK HOME FROM MY CURRENT HOME AT THE TIME IN ALISO VIEJO, CALIFORNIA MY AUTO WHILE ON THE I-5 JUST COMPLETELY DROPPED OUT OF GEAR-I HAD ENOUGH SPEED GOING THAT I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE FREEWAY AND CAME TO A STOP AT THE CAMP PE…

Owner-reported narrative. 68,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10096412 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10174186 · 2006-11-24 (November 24, 2006)

I OWN A 99 RX300 AWD. PURCHASED THE CAR FROM A DEALERSHIP CORPORATION THAT ALSO OWNED LEXUS OF SERRAMONTE IN SF BAY AREA AT 68K MILES. THE VEHICLE APPARENTLY HAD ALL SERVICES DONE ON TIME AS MY DEALER NOTED AND WAS SERVICED AT THEIR FACILITY SINCE THE VEHICLE LEFT THEIR DEALER LOT. SO THE CAR WAS LOCALLY OWNED AND REPAIRED. AT 74K MY TRANSMISSION STARTED TO ACT UP WHERE I FOUND THE CAR TO BE BELLOW 20% OF ITS TEMPERATURE THE CAR WILL EITHER NOT SHIFT INTO 4TH OR OVER DRIVE. MY DEALER TOLD ME TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID BUT THAT ONLY WOR…

Owner-reported narrative. 73,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10174186 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10214070 · 2008-01-07 (January 7, 2008)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LEXUS RX-300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HEARD A CRACKLING NOISE WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKE THEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TEN MINUTES LATER HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CAUSED THE FAILURE. AS OF JANUARY 7, 2008, THE DEALER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,000. UPDATED 02-14-08. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD FREQUENTLY LOOSE POWER.

Owner-reported narrative. 89,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10214070 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10177244 · 2006-12-28 (December 28, 2006)

THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING A 99 LEXUS RX300 AND WAS TOLD BY ANOTHER DRIVER THAT TAIL LIGHTS WERE OUT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH AND THE ROAD WAS DRY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP. THE REPAIR SHOP DIAGNOSED THE THE PROBLEM AS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. THE REPAIR SHOP TOLD CONTACT ABOUT RECALL CAMPAIGN 99V01100. THE CONTACT CALLED DEALER AND GAVE THEM VIN ,AND SHE WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL CAMPAIGNS. KB. *AK UPDATED 1/29/2007 - *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 78,920 miles reported. Look up ODI 10177244 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10569371 · 2014-03-14 (March 14, 2014)

THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE 2013- THE CAR GOES UP TO 35 MPHS AND THEN LOSES POWER AND THEN SHUTS OFF. I HAVE TO FORCEFULLY PULL IT OVER TO THE SIDE. FIRST TIME IT WAS WORKED ON REPLACED BATTERY AND THOUGHT IT WAS THE COMPUTER. A YEAR LATER AT 136,000 MILES THE CAR MAKES ELECTRICAL NOISES AND HAS DIFFICULTY ACCELERATING AND SHIFTING ABOVE 3000 RPMS. WHEN BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER, THEY SAID IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION AND SOLENOID. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT AND NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 120,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10569371 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10330520 · 2010-05-14 (May 14, 2010)

I HAVE A POPPING IN THE STEERING COLUMN. I HOPE THAT THE STEERING IS NOT LOST FROM THIS POPPING. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10330520 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 828178 · 1998-09-24 (September 24, 1998)

DURING HARD ACCELERATION FROM A STANDING START, ON DRY PAVEMENT, THE LEFT FRONT TIRE LOSES TRACTION AND SPINS FREE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO GO TO THE LEFT. AFTER TURNING STEERING WHEEL, VEHICLE GOES TO THE RIGHT AND BACK OFF THE ACCELERATOR, THE TIRE GRABS AND VEHICLE VIOLENTLY GOES TO THE RIGHT, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 828178 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 729048 · 2000-08-25 (August 25, 2000)

ENGINE STALLS AT IDLE, DEALER CLAIMS FROM HIGH OIL VISCOSITY DESPITE OIL BEING CHANGED EVERY 5000 MILES. DEALER SAYS THAT BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE ENGINE IS MOUNTED THAT IT RUNS HOT AND THAT ONLY CERTAIN OILS ARE RECCOMENDED. SAYS THAT QUAKER STATE OIL, WHICH WE USED, SHOULD BE CHANGED EVERY 3000 MILES SINCE IT IS NOT "AS GOOD" AS THE OIL THEY USE AT THE DEALER. THIS IS NOT SUGGESTED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL AND I WOULD SUSPECT POOR ENGINE DESIGN THAT ALLOWS DEVELOPMENT OF EXCESSIVE HEAT. SECONDLY, THE GAS TANK SENSOR FAILED- GAS GAUGE RAN HALF WHEN…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 729048 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10196175 · 2007-07-12 (July 12, 2007)

FUEL GAUGE INDICATOR WILL READ THE WRONG READING AND CAUSE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING WITH NO WARNING. DEALER NOTIFIED.THE FUEL GAUGE WAS STANDING AT A QUARTER OF A TANK AND SUDDENLY WHEN NEXT TIME VEHICLE WAS STARTED THE INDICATOR WILL JUMP TO 3 QUATERS FULL , AND IT CREATED MISS JUDGEMENT. DEALER STATED NO TO FIX IT OR REPLACE IT . CONSUMER HAD NO IDEA THE FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10196175 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

From yearThrough year

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

1998: 0; 1999: 2; 2000: 0; 2001: 0; 2002: 0; 2003: 0

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

Lexus RX300 model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Change in recalls
1998	3	0	Not available
1999	221	2	+2
2000	216	0	-2
2001	169	0	0
2002	88	0	0
2003	25	0	0

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

722 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

77.0%Usable mileage556 / 722 records

95.8%Valid incident date692 / 722 records

100.0%Valid filing date722 / 722 records

95.8%Ordered incident and filing dates692 / 722 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	11049.8% ODI 10014038 · 88,000 mi I OWN 1999 LEXUS RX300, SINCE FEBRUARY OF THE LAST YEAR, I HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR'S ENGINE (IT HAS SLUDGE), TRANSMISSION, EMISSION SYSTEM, AND OVER USE OF GAS PER MILE. FIRST PROBLEM STARTED DURING THE FIRST MONTH OF MY OWNERSHIP AND SINCE THAT TIME THE VEHICLE HAS SPENT WEEKS IN AUTO REPAIR SHOPS. LEXUS DEALER AND OTHERS CHARGED ME LAVISH FEES BUT NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEMS AND LEXUS DEALERS EVEN NEVER ADMITTED THAT SERIOUS PROBLEMS EXISTED. *JB Look up ODI 10014038 at NHTSA ↗	11251.9% ODI 10125165 · 120,215 mi WHILE TRAVELING ON CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY IN DALLAS US75 GOING ABOUT 65 MY LEXUS RX300 LOST FORWARD ACCELERATION AS CARS ZOOMED PAST ME, THE ENGINE WAS STILL ON AS I MANAGED TO SAFELY EXIT ONTO THE ACCESS ROAD AND INTO A PARKING LOT. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND CHECKED FOR LEAKS OR A BROKEN BELT, BUT FOUND NO PROBLEM. I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND KEPT GOING. I TALKED TO THE LEXUS DEALER IN PLANO BUT SERVICE DEPT. WAS CLOSED AND THEY REFFERED ME TO TAKE IT INTO MY AUSTIN DEALER. I WAS TOLD THAT WITHOUT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NOTHING WOULD BE FOUND. I… Look up ODI 10125165 at NHTSA ↗	8751.5% ODI 10161652 · 98,000 mi TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON A BUSY INTERSTATE AT NIGHT WITH MYSELF, MY HUSBAND AND OUR 8 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER. HAD TO GET THE HIGHWAY PATROL TO FOLLOW US TO AN EXIT. THIS CAR HAD 98000 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME AND ACCORDING TO ALL MY INTERNET RESEARCH THIS IS A COMMON, KNOWN DEFECT WITH THE LEXUS RX300 THAT THEY REFUSE TO ADDRESS. ITS A SAFETY HAZARD. LEXUS OF COURSE REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING SINCE IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. COST 3600.00 IN REPAIRS. NEVER HAD A TRANSMISSION GO OUT THIS EARLY, ACTUALLY NEVER HAD ONE GO OUT PERIOD ON CARS WITH MANY MOR… Look up ODI 10161652 at NHTSA ↗	1820.5% ODI 10202584 · 121,326 mi FAILURE OF TORQUE CONVERTER IN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, RESULTING IN TOTAL FAILURE OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE DISABLED ON BUSY FREEWAY. NO PRIOR WARNING, NO ENGINE CHECK LIGHT, NO TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE ALARM. *TR Look up ODI 10202584 at NHTSA ↗	520.0% ODI 10254835 · 78,926 mi TLTHE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS RX300. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TRANSMISSION WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND WAS REPLACED AT THE COST OF $3,922.40. A REPORT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE CONTACT DID NOT ESTABLISH A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE DEALER; THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,926 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 79,000. UPDATED 3/9/09 CN THE … Look up ODI 10254835 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	135.9% ODI 10127321 · 68,320 mi THE MANIFOLD SYSTEM ON MY 1999 LEXUS RX300 HAD TO BE REPLACED AT ONLY 68,320 MILES WHICH COST WELL OVER $1,000. USUALLY THE MANIFOLD SYSTEM ON A CAR IS NOT REPLACED. LEXUS SHOULD BE REPSONSIBLE FOR THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM FOR US. I ALSO HAD THE JELLYING PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE. YES, I DO ALL THE REQUIRED ONLY CHANGES AND ETC. Look up ODI 10127321 at NHTSA ↗	2712.5% ODI 10383628 · 159,120 mi I PURCHASED A VEHICLE AT BOND AUTO SALES ON 12/24/2010. AFTER A FEW DAYS, I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO LET THEM KNOW THAT TRUCK WAS NOT RUNNING CORRECTLY. IT WAS RUNNING IN 3RD GEAR IDLING HIGH. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, I CALLED BACK A FEW DAYS LATER, THE CAR WOULD TURN OFF , IT WAS ALSO EATING UP OIL, I WAS TOLD TO BRING IN THE TRUCK SO THAT THEIR MECHANIC COULD LOOK AT IT, AND HE TEST DROVE THE TRUCK AND SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THE SALESMAN SAID THAT HE WOULD SPEAK TO HIS MANAGER AND NOT TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER MECH… Look up ODI 10383628 at NHTSA ↗	3520.7% ODI 10015097 · 27,000 mi THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD AFTER THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF, AND THE KEYS WERE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION, WHICH CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *JB Look up ODI 10015097 at NHTSA ↗	1719.3% ODI 10270198 · 150,000 mi 2002 LEXUS RX300 TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE TRANNY FAILED AT ONLY 150,000 MILES. THE REPLACEMENT WAS $4200. NO TRANSMISSION SHOULD FAIL THAT SOON, AND NOTHING SHORT OF A BENTLEY SHOULD COST THAT MUCH FOR A REBUILT. *TR Look up ODI 10270198 at NHTSA ↗	14.0% ODI 10401788 · 117,000 mi THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST TRANSMISSION ON THE ROAD AND WAS ROLLING FREELY. THE GEARS DOES NOT WORK ANYMORE AND THE VEHICLE ROLLS AS IF ITS IN NEUTRAL. WHEN SEARCH THE INTERNET I LOOKED AT LOT OF THE CUSTOMERS COMPLAINING ABOUT EXACT SAME THING, ABOUT THIS VEHICLE HAVING TRANSMISSION ISSUES ESPECIALLY FOR RX300. NO WONDER TOYOTA HAS THIS MANY RECALLS AND SURPRISED THAT THEIR PREMIUM BRAND HAS THE SAME ISSUES WITH SAFETY. I AM GLAD THAT THIS DID NOT HAPPEN ON A HIGHWAY Look up ODI 10401788 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	133.3% ODI 10307096 · 30,000 mi 1998 LEXUS RX 300 SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND ROLLED OVER. THIS WAS IN 2002 AUGUST AND I HAD CALLED LEXUS TO CHECK IF THERE IS A SUDDEN ACCELERATION OR A ROLL OVER PROBLEM. THEY SAID NONE. I DECIDED NOT TO ENGAGE A FORENSIC ENGINEER TO INVESTIGATE BECAUSE THAT WOULD DELAY THE INSURANCE PAY BACK. MY WIFE WALKED AWAY WITH MINIMAL INJURIES BUT NEVERTHELESS, WE STILL DISCUSS WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE PROBLEM. *CN Look up ODI 10307096 at NHTSA ↗	83.6% ODI 10239492 · 103,000 mi I WAS SLOWLY BACKING UP THROUGH A NARROW EXIT, AND THEN I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, SLOWLY PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR JUST TOOK OFF LIKE A BULLET, I HIT THE WALL OF A HOUSE, I WAS ABOUT 10 OR 15 FEET FROM THE WALL, IT WAS SO UNEXPECTED, FAST AND SCARY THAT I FROZE, I WAS WITH THREE OTHER PEOPLE IN THE CAR, WE WERE LUCKY THAT NOBODY GOT HURT. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THIS IS THE ONLY TIME THIS HAPPENED. *TR Look up ODI 10239492 at NHTSA ↗	136.0% ODI 10060872 · 47,075 mi WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SLOT IN A GARAGE, MY LEXUS RX300 SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND SLAMMED INTO A CONCRETE WALL. BOTH FRONT SEAT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED. Look up ODI 10060872 at NHTSA ↗	169.5% ODI 10063065 WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A BUILDING HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. AK JB Look up ODI 10063065 at NHTSA ↗	1213.6% ODI 10018315 · 24,500 mi THROTTLE BECAME STUCK ON 2002 LEXUS RX300 WHILE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN CAUSING IT TO RAPIDLY ACCELERATE. CAR HAD TO BE TURNED OFF BEFORE IT COULD BE STOPPED. CAR WAS TOWED TO LEXUS DEALER. I WAS TOLD IT WAS JUST A "FREAK" ACCIDENT THAT A TINY PIECE OF PLASTIC HAD GOTTEN SUCKED INTO THROTTLE. I WANT TO BE SURE THIS WAS AN ACCIDENT AND IS NOT A DEFECT. *JB Look up ODI 10018315 at NHTSA ↗	520.0% ODI 10312186 · 38,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS RX300. WHILE DRIVING INTO A DRIVEWAY AT SPEEDS OF FEWER THAN 8 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD REVVING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT INTENT. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE DOOR AND PUSHED THE TWO VEHICLES INTO THE DRIVEWAY THROUGH A CEMENT WALL AND INTO HER HOME. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR DEALER WAS CONTACTED. THE REPAIRS WERE COVERED THROUGH HER INSURANCE COMPANY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000. Look up ODI 10312186 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	52.3% ODI 10082354 · 62,000 mi HAD MY 60,000 MILE SERVICE DONE ON MY 1999 RX300. THE WIFE DROVE IT WHEN I GOT HOME AND TOLD ME THE CAR WAS RUNNING SLUGGISH, DIDN'T ACCELERATE LIKE IT DID BEFORE I BROUGHT IT IN. I TOOK THE CAR OUT TO DRIVE IT AND FEEL WHAT SHE WAS TELLING ME AND NOTICED THAT WHEN I WOULD LET OFF THE GAS AND COAST THEM GIVE IT GAS THERE WAS A CLUNKING NOISE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THE MECHANIC HEARD THE NOISE AND SAID HE WASN'T SURE WHAT IT WAS. THE SERVICE PERSON SAID THAT I SHOULD JUST DRIVE IT NORMAL AND NOT TRY TO MAKE IT CLUNK AND IT SHOULD BE OK. IF IT… Look up ODI 10082354 at NHTSA ↗	104.6% ODI 10069445 · 109,000 mi ENGINE FAILED DUE TO SLUDGING. I WAS UNAWARE OF THE SPA AND HAD A USED ENGINE INSTALLED. LEXUS REFUSES TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR BECAUSE I PERFORM MY OWN MAINTENANCE Look up ODI 10069445 at NHTSA ↗	42.4% ODI 10069308 · 40,987 mi OIL SLUDGE IN 3.0L ENGINE CAUSING ENGINE FAILURE. Look up ODI 10069308 at NHTSA ↗	1011.4% ODI 10315825 · 48,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED. AFTER THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT IT THE FUEL SENSOR CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FUEL SENSOR. THE ENGINE OIL WAS ALWAYS LOW AND THE CONTACT HAD TO ADD OIL TO THE VEHICLE EVERY WEEK. THE ENGINE ALSO EXHIBITED A LARGE AMOUNT OF DARK SMOKE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER… Look up ODI 10315825 at NHTSA ↗	14.0% ODI 10177278 · 57,000 mi THIS COMPLAINT IS ALMOST IDENTICAL TO OTHERS I HAVE FOUND AND IS VERY SERIOUS. PURCHASED 2003 LEXUS RX300 FROM A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP; APPROXIMATELY 57000 MILES NOW, ABOUT 56000 AT PURCHASE. CAR CHECKED BY DEALERSHIP, OK. NO HARD DRIVING. AFTER FIRST DISTANCE TRIP (ST. LOUIS TO KC) CHECK OIL LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOWED TO LEXUS DEALER WHO KNEW RIGHT WHERE TO LOOK. FOUND GELLED SLUDGE ALL THROUGH AND SAID IT WAS MISUSE. COMPLETE LIE. SAID ENGINE MUST BE REPLACED. NO HELP SO FAR FROM LEXUS. EXPECT TO SEE IF THIS IS HIDDEN DEFECT… Look up ODI 10177278 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	62.7% ODI 10018440 · 39,473 mi INJURIES TO CHEST, ABDOMEN, KNEES, WRIST DUE TO AIR BAGS NON DEPLOYMENT IN COLLISION. OBVIOUS FRONT IMPACT DAMAGE TO VEHICLE IMPACT ESTIMATED @ 40 MPH. NO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. OTHER VEHICLE INVOLVED PULLED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WITH NO CHANCE OF AVOIDANCE. MY SEAT BELT LOCKED AND CAUSED SEVERE BRUISING TO MY STERNUM, ABDOMEN, KNEES. I BOUGHT THIS PREMIUM PRICED VEHICLE BASED IN PART ON THE SAFETY FEATURES THAT DID NOT PERFORM. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. VEHICLE I WAS DRIVING AS OWNER IS 1999 LEXUS RX 300 EQUIPPED WITH FRONT AND SIDE SRS. *JB Look up ODI 10018440 at NHTSA ↗	10.5% ODI 10029083 · 26,000 mi AIR BAGS FAILED TO INFLATE AFTER VEHICLE WAS HIT VIOLENTLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE/FRONT RIGHT QUARTER PANEL. VEHICLE ROLLED, STILL NOT INFLATING ANY AIR BAGS. DRIVER SUFFERED INJURY . SEAT BELTS WERE USED.*AK Look up ODI 10029083 at NHTSA ↗	63.6% ODI 10422398 · 73,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED FRONT END DAMAGE AND THE CONTACT SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES AS HER BREAST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOT NOTIFIED. NEITHER THE DEALER, NOR THE MANUFACTURER, WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000. Look up ODI 10422398 at NHTSA ↗	78.0% ODI 10066605 ANOTHER VEHICLE CUT THROUGH THE CENTER MEDIAN AND TURNED INTO THE CONSUMER'S PATH STRIKING THE LEFT FRONT BUMPER AND FENDER; YET NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. PH VEHICLE IS TRAVELING AT 65 MPH. LA Look up ODI 10066605 at NHTSA ↗	312.0% ODI 10678922 · 180,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LEXUS 300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE AIRBAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIRBAG FAILURE WAS DUE TO WATER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. Look up ODI 10678922 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	73.2% ODI 10014038 · 88,000 mi I OWN 1999 LEXUS RX300, SINCE FEBRUARY OF THE LAST YEAR, I HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR'S ENGINE (IT HAS SLUDGE), TRANSMISSION, EMISSION SYSTEM, AND OVER USE OF GAS PER MILE. FIRST PROBLEM STARTED DURING THE FIRST MONTH OF MY OWNERSHIP AND SINCE THAT TIME THE VEHICLE HAS SPENT WEEKS IN AUTO REPAIR SHOPS. LEXUS DEALER AND OTHERS CHARGED ME LAVISH FEES BUT NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEMS AND LEXUS DEALERS EVEN NEVER ADMITTED THAT SERIOUS PROBLEMS EXISTED. *JB Look up ODI 10014038 at NHTSA ↗	31.4% ODI 10003221 · 36,000 mi MY WIFE NOTICED A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AS SHE WAS DRIVING TO WORK. SHE CALLED ME ON THE CELL PHONE AND WE TOOK THE CAR TO LEXUS OF CLEARWATER. I RECIEVED A PHONE CALL SAYING THEY HAD DETECTED SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE AND IT WOULD NEED TO BE FIXED. THEY TOLD ME THEY MIGHT COVER IT UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE BUT THEY WOULD CALL ME BACK. I ALSO CHECKED THE WEBSITE AND LEXUS KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM AND SAYS THEY WILL STAND 100% BEHIND THE CUSTOMER FOR 8 YRS AND UNLIMITED MILES. NO OTHER REQUIRENMENT IS LISTED. MELISSA THE SERVICE PERSON … Look up ODI 10003221 at NHTSA ↗	74.1% ODI 10144305 CONSUMER COMPLAINT REFERENCING 2001 LEXUS RX 300. THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HAD DEVELOPED SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER SHE WILL HAVE TO PAY $13000 TO HAVE A NEW ENGINE INSTALLED. THE CONSUMER HAS FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON VARIOUS WEBSITE IN REFERENCE TO THIS PROBLEM. *NM Look up ODI 10144305 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	28.0% ODI 10146807 · 51,000 mi WHILE TRAVELING OUT TO DENVER FROM OMAHA, RECEIVED LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT ON MY 2003 LEXUS RX300. PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY, HAD CAR TOWED TO LEXUS DEALERSHIP. THEY IMMEDIATELY KNEW WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND SAY..THE CAR HAS BEEN MISUSED, (NO OIL CHANGES) AND OIL GELLING WAS RESULT. WITHIN MINUTES THEY SAID THE ENGINE WAS SHOT AND WOULD REQUIRE NEW ENGINE. THEY SHOWED ME THE SLUDGE WHICH WAS ONLY FOUND ON ONE CYLINDER HEAD, BY THE OIL RETURN LINE. QUANTITY WAS ABOUT ONE HANDFUL AND AS STATED, ONLY NEAR THE RETURN LINE, REMAINDER OF HEAD CLEAN. I HAD C… Look up ODI 10146807 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	133.3% ODI 543373 TRIM AND STRIPPING COMING OFF. Look up ODI 543373 at NHTSA ↗	31.4% ODI 10412327 I PURCHASED USED 1999 LEXUS RX300 IN 2008 AND SO FAR I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO UNEXPECTED CATASTROPHIC FAILURE, BOTH AIR RATIO SENSORS, BOTH KNOCK SENSORS, OXYGEN SENSOR, FRONT STRUT MOUNTS, AND NOW POSSIBLY HAVE TO CHANGE THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN (NOT SHIFTING CORRECTLY). I WAS NOT AWARE THAT THE 1999 TO 2001 RX300S WERE SO PROBLEMATIC. SINCE THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE AND I AM STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON IT, I AM STUCK FOOTING THE BILL FOR ALL THESE REPAIRS. WHICH FROM WHAT I HAVE RESEARCHED ARE ATTRIBUTED TO BAD ENGINEERING. I AM … Look up ODI 10412327 at NHTSA ↗	52.3% ODI 10141199 · 100,000 mi THIS IS AN LEXUS RX300 2000 EDITION; THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. IT STARTED WITH AN UNTRACEABLE PROBLEM IN WHICH THE REAR TAIL BRAKE LIGHT STOPPED WORKING; LATER ON, THE TWO MAIN HEAD-LAMPS STOPPED WORKING; FUSES HAVE BEEN CHANGED, BULBS HAVE CHANGED, BUT NO PROBLEM HAS BEEN FOUND. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS OR DAMAGE. *JB Look up ODI 10141199 at NHTSA ↗	21.2% ODI 10323088 2001 LEXUS 300RX WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF SLUDGE IN THE MOTOR FROM OIL. ALSO CONSUMER STATES THAT THE BATTERY WILL DIE IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT USED FOR A WEEK OR MORE. *KB Look up ODI 10323088 at NHTSA ↗	33.4% ODI 10721153 · 89,000 mi THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND ASC LIGHT CAME ON AND NOW ARE CONSTANTLY ON Look up ODI 10721153 at NHTSA ↗	28.0% ODI 10472551 · 68,000 mi I CALLED MY LOCAL LEXUS THREE TIMES PRIOR TO JUNE, 2012 REGARDING LIGHTS SUDDENLY ILLUMINATING ON THE DASHBOARD. I HAD A RECURRING ISSUE WHERE THE CHECK ENGINE AND VSC WARNING LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE. EACH TIME THE CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENT TOLD ME THAT THE LIGHTS WOULD GO OFF WHEN I REFUELED. THREE TIMES THE LIGHTS DID GO OFF (AFTER SEVERAL DAYS), BUT ONCE I HAD TO HAVE THE DEALER RESET THEM. THE MOST RECENT OCCURRENCE RESULTED IN THE DEALER TELLING ME I NEEDED THE AIR FUEL AND AIR FLOW SENSORS REPLACED, A REPAIR WHICH COST OVER $750.00. AS AN A… Look up ODI 10472551 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	41.8% ODI 10501468 · 228,000 mi MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD THE OIL CHANGED FOR THE SECOND TIME WITHIN 30 DAYS BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS AN OIL PROBLEM. THE LIGHT WENT OFF AS I WAS LEAVING THE PLACE. A COUPLE DAYS LATER THE LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN I MADE TURNS, BLINK, THEN GO BACK OFF. A FEW DAYS LATER, IT CAME BACK ON STEADY, AND THE CAR STARTED TO JERK WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. IT WOULD JERK, THEN SLOWLY INCREASE SPEED. LAST SATURDAY, I APPLIED BRAKES, AND THE CAR ROLLED ANOTHER FEW FEET. HAD TO SWERVE LEFT TO KEEP FROM REAR ENDING A VEHICLE. TODAY, UP… Look up ODI 10501468 at NHTSA ↗	62.8% ODI 10505264 · 127,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ONLY GEAR THAT WOULD ENGAGE WAS DRIVE. ALTHOUGH THE CONTACT COULD SHIFT INTO ANY GEAR, THE GEARS WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT APPROXIMATELY FOUR PISTONS MISFIRED AND THE 02 SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILD AND THE O2 SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT REPAIR… Look up ODI 10505264 at NHTSA ↗	42.4% ODI 10465987 · 85,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS HE STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE FAILURE FOR AN ENGINE OIL LEAK. THEY FOUND THE LEAKAGE IN THE NUMBER THREE AND NUMBER FOUR CYLINDER INTAKE VALVES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO STATED THEY WOULD ONLY COVER $2500 OF THE REPAIR COSTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. ....UPDATED 10/11/12 *BF THE CONSUMER THE ENGINE OIL INDICATOR IS ALSO DEFECTIVE. IT DOE… Look up ODI 10465987 at NHTSA ↗	11.1% ODI 11010984 · 65,000 mi ENGINE KNOCKS ON ACCELERATION, BURNS OIL BAD, HARD TO START, TRANSMMISION WILL NOT AUTO SHIFT INTO HIGH RANGE ON FREEWAY, CAR LURCHES WHEN GETTING UP TO FREEWAY SPEED Look up ODI 11010984 at NHTSA ↗	14.0% ODI 11455537 · 106,000 mi The contact owns a 2003 Lexus RX300. The contact stated that the HVAC system was inoperable. Additionally, the VSC and check engine warning lights were illuminated while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed at an AutoZone with a catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000. Look up ODI 11455537 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	87,425–125,000 mi	104,000 mi	310	ODI 10014038 · 88,000 mi I OWN 1999 LEXUS RX300, SINCE FEBRUARY OF THE LAST YEAR, I HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR'S ENGINE (IT HAS SLUDGE), TRANSMISSION, EMISSION SYSTEM, AND OVER USE OF GAS PER MILE. FIRST PROBLEM STARTED DURING THE FIRST MONTH OF MY OWNERSHIP AND SINCE THAT TIME THE VEHICLE HAS SPENT WEEKS IN AUTO REPAIR SHOPS. LEXUS DEALER AND OTHERS CHARGED ME LAVISH FEES BUT NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEMS AND LEXUS DEALERS EVEN NEVER ADMITTED THAT SERIOUS PROBLEMS EXISTED. JB Look up ODI 10014038 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10065651 · 88,000 mi CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION DUE TO FATIGUE OF INTERNAL PART RESULTING IN TOTAL FAILURE. LA Look up ODI 10065651 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10068327 · 85,000 mi TRANSMISSION FAILURE WITH 1999 RX300. MY TRANSMISSION IS SHOT. WE ONLY HAVE 85,000 MILES ON THE CAR. THE DEALERSHIP IS TELLING ME THAT WE SHOULD HAVE CHANGED THE TRANSMISSION OIL MORE FREQUENTLY. HOWEVER, WE WERE NEVER APPROACHED WITH THIS RECOMMENDATION DURING SERVICE VISITS. THE VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN A LITTLE SLUGGISH. WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE IN CA AND TWO YEARS AGO MOVED TO NC. DURING ONE OF OUR FIRST SERVICE VISITS, WE ASKED THEM ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE. THE SERVICE STAFF AT THE TIME TOLD US IT WAS INHERENT TO THE DESIGN. EV… Look up ODI 10068327 at NHTSA ↗
Power Train	105,795–150,000 mi	130,000 mi	85	ODI 10127321 · 68,320 mi THE MANIFOLD SYSTEM ON MY 1999 LEXUS RX300 HAD TO BE REPLACED AT ONLY 68,320 MILES WHICH COST WELL OVER $1,000. USUALLY THE MANIFOLD SYSTEM ON A CAR IS NOT REPLACED. LEXUS SHOULD BE REPSONSIBLE FOR THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM FOR US. I ALSO HAD THE JELLYING PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE. YES, I DO ALL THE REQUIRED ONLY CHANGES AND ETC. Look up ODI 10127321 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10237671 · 150,000 mi I HAVE A 1999 LEXUS RX300...TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 150K MILES NO WARNING JUST STRANDED ME WHILE OUT RUNNING ERRANDS. THE COST TO FIX THIS WAS 3K AND NO CAR DOOR OVER A WEEK. THIS CAR ALSO HAD AN ENGINE THAT LEXUS REPLACED DUE TO OIL SLUDGING. REALLY WANTED TO KEPT HE CAR UNTIL 200K BUT NOW THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. *TR Look up ODI 10237671 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10303830 · 99,376 mi ON OR ABOUT 12/5/09 MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON 55 WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN SHE SAID THE CAR SEEMED TO LOSE TRACTION AND SHE SAID BEFORE SHE KNEW IT SHE WAS INCHES AWAY FROM GOING INTO A DITCH AND JUST MISSED HITTING ANOTHER CAR,THANK GOD THE TRAFFIC BEHIND HER DID NOT CRASH INTO HER. A GUY SHE MISSED HITTING GOT OUT OF HIS CAR AND ASKED IF SHE WAS OK AND THAT SHE ALMOST HIT HIM. WE CONTACTED LEXUS THAT MORNING AND WAS TOLD TO BRING THE CAR IN SO WE HAD IT TOWED AND WAS GIVEN A LOANER FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND WAS FINALLY TOLD WHAT WAS WRO… Look up ODI 10303830 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	59,711–131,796 mi	103,000 mi	43	ODI 10307096 · 30,000 mi 1998 LEXUS RX 300 SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND ROLLED OVER. THIS WAS IN 2002 AUGUST AND I HAD CALLED LEXUS TO CHECK IF THERE IS A SUDDEN ACCELERATION OR A ROLL OVER PROBLEM. THEY SAID NONE. I DECIDED NOT TO ENGAGE A FORENSIC ENGINEER TO INVESTIGATE BECAUSE THAT WOULD DELAY THE INSURANCE PAY BACK. MY WIFE WALKED AWAY WITH MINIMAL INJURIES BUT NEVERTHELESS, WE STILL DISCUSS WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE PROBLEM. CN Look up ODI 10307096 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10239492 · 103,000 mi I WAS SLOWLY BACKING UP THROUGH A NARROW EXIT, AND THEN I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, SLOWLY PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AND THE CAR JUST TOOK OFF LIKE A BULLET, I HIT THE WALL OF A HOUSE, I WAS ABOUT 10 OR 15 FEET FROM THE WALL, IT WAS SO UNEXPECTED, FAST AND SCARY THAT I FROZE, I WAS WITH THREE OTHER PEOPLE IN THE CAR, WE WERE LUCKY THAT NOBODY GOT HURT. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THIS IS THE ONLY TIME THIS HAPPENED. TR Look up ODI 10239492 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10305533 · 15,000 mi 3 EPISODES OF SEVERE ACCELERATION TERMINATED BY SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL. IN EACH CASE THE RPM CYCLED FROM 3,000 TO 8,000 AND THEN SPONTANEOUSLY RETURNED TO NORMAL AFTER ABOUT A MINUTE. IN NEUTRAL GEAR. I WAS UNABLE TO OVERCOME ACCELERATION BY BRAKING. THE GAS PETAL FELL TO FLOOR EACH TIME BUT WAS NOT STUCK AND RETURNED TO NORMAL AFTER THE EPISODE WAS OVER. THESE 3 EVENTS OCCURRED IN A SINGLE WEEK. I FELT THERE WAS SOME MALFUNCTION OF THE CRUISE CONTROL--WHICH I NEVER USE. I HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL DISCONNECTED AT A LOCAL GARAGE AND NEVER HAD AN… Look up ODI 10305533 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	61,704–123,412 mi	92,000 mi	28	ODI 10082354 · 62,000 mi HAD MY 60,000 MILE SERVICE DONE ON MY 1999 RX300. THE WIFE DROVE IT WHEN I GOT HOME AND TOLD ME THE CAR WAS RUNNING SLUGGISH, DIDN'T ACCELERATE LIKE IT DID BEFORE I BROUGHT IT IN. I TOOK THE CAR OUT TO DRIVE IT AND FEEL WHAT SHE WAS TELLING ME AND NOTICED THAT WHEN I WOULD LET OFF THE GAS AND COAST THEM GIVE IT GAS THERE WAS A CLUNKING NOISE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THE MECHANIC HEARD THE NOISE AND SAID HE WASN'T SURE WHAT IT WAS. THE SERVICE PERSON SAID THAT I SHOULD JUST DRIVE IT NORMAL AND NOT TRY TO MAKE IT CLUNK AND IT SHOULD BE OK. IF IT… Look up ODI 10082354 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10112270 · 116,367 mi 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. UNFORTUNATELY WE DID NOT HAVE THE MONEY SO WE ARE GOING TO TRY AND FIND A NEW ENGINE ON OUR OWN. Look up ODI 10112270 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10245215 · 68,000 mi I CHANGE MOTOR OIL EVERY 5,000 MILES, AS PER MANUFACTURER'S SCHEDULE. ALSO PERFORMED A 'LARGE' ($1,400) MAINTENANCE AT LEXUS DEALER. CAR ('99 RX300 AWD) HAD REAR ENGINE SEAL LEAK AT 68,000 MILES. IT SEEMS A LARGE NUMBER OF THE RX300S EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEM, DUE TO HARDENING (DEFECTIVE) SEAL MATERIAL ABUTTING A HOT CRANKCASE. *TR Look up ODI 10245215 at NHTSA ↗
Air Bags	71,500–140,250 mi	113,784 mi	16	ODI 10018440 · 39,473 mi INJURIES TO CHEST, ABDOMEN, KNEES, WRIST DUE TO AIR BAGS NON DEPLOYMENT IN COLLISION. OBVIOUS FRONT IMPACT DAMAGE TO VEHICLE IMPACT ESTIMATED @ 40 MPH. NO AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. OTHER VEHICLE INVOLVED PULLED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WITH NO CHANCE OF AVOIDANCE. MY SEAT BELT LOCKED AND CAUSED SEVERE BRUISING TO MY STERNUM, ABDOMEN, KNEES. I BOUGHT THIS PREMIUM PRICED VEHICLE BASED IN PART ON THE SAFETY FEATURES THAT DID NOT PERFORM. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. VEHICLE I WAS DRIVING AS OWNER IS 1999 LEXUS RX 300 EQUIPPED WITH FRONT AND SIDE SRS. JB Look up ODI 10018440 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 11001997 · 178,000 mi TL THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 LEXUS RX300. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A STOPPED VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND LEFT KNEE INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEN TOWED TO HER RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,000. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. Look up ODI 11001997 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10029083 · 26,000 mi AIR BAGS FAILED TO INFLATE AFTER VEHICLE WAS HIT VIOLENTLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE/FRONT RIGHT QUARTER PANEL. VEHICLE ROLLED, STILL NOT INFLATING ANY AIR BAGS. DRIVER SUFFERED INJURY . SEAT BELTS WERE USED.*AK Look up ODI 10029083 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	51,000–98,564 mi	88,000 mi	13	ODI 10014038 · 88,000 mi I OWN 1999 LEXUS RX300, SINCE FEBRUARY OF THE LAST YEAR, I HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR'S ENGINE (IT HAS SLUDGE), TRANSMISSION, EMISSION SYSTEM, AND OVER USE OF GAS PER MILE. FIRST PROBLEM STARTED DURING THE FIRST MONTH OF MY OWNERSHIP AND SINCE THAT TIME THE VEHICLE HAS SPENT WEEKS IN AUTO REPAIR SHOPS. LEXUS DEALER AND OTHERS CHARGED ME LAVISH FEES BUT NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEMS AND LEXUS DEALERS EVEN NEVER ADMITTED THAT SERIOUS PROBLEMS EXISTED. *JB Look up ODI 10014038 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10174851 · 88,000 mi LEXUS 1999 RX 300 HAD OIL SLUDGE IN 2000 AND I WAS ORIGINALLY CHARGED BY LEXUS PEMBROKE PINES THEN ABOUT 1 YEAR LATER REIMBURSED AS A CUSTOMER CONVIENCE. MY LEXUS NOW HAS THROWN A ROD AT 88,000 WHICH I FEEL AND CAN GET EXPERT MECHANICS TO VERIFY THAT THIS IS THE AFTER EFFECT OF THE OIL GEL. THE ONLY THING THAT WAS DONE WAS A OIL CLEANING AND GASKET CHANGE. THE INTERNAL PARTS OIL PUMP, RODS,CRANKSHAFT WERE NOT DISMANTLED AND THOROUGHLY CLEANED REMOVING ANY LEFT OVER REMNANTS OF OIL GUNK WHICH AFTER TIME WOULD RESTRICT OIL FLOW TO THE WORKING PAR… Look up ODI 10174851 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10313078 · 20,000 mi I WANT YOU TO KNOW DURING THIS TIME OF TOYOTA PROBLEMS AND COVERUP, THAT WE LEASED NEW A 1999 LEXUS RX300, IT WAS MAINTAINED AT MEADE LEXUS ACCORDING TO PLAN AND MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON A FREEWAY AND THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SEIZED AND THE CAR QUIT WORKING. THE CAR HAD MY TWO INFANT CHILDREN IN IT AT THE TIME AND SHE WAS STUCK NEAR THE EXIT RAMP WITH VEHICLES/TRUCKS/SEMIS BEARING DOWN ON HER. SHE AND THE CHILDREN WERE SCARED AND NEARLY COLLIDED WITH AT ITS SUDDEN LOCATION TO STOP. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE LEXUS DEALER AND DISCOVERED SLUDGE HAD RUI… Look up ODI 10313078 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System	65,856–117,750 mi	90,500 mi	12	ODI 10821349 · 144,000 mi ON JANUARY 17TH, 2016, I TOOK MY '99 LEXUS RX300 TO CHURCH, PARKED THE CAR, AND JOINED THE SUNDAY SERVICE. AN HOUR AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE (DURING WHICH TIME IT WAS NOT RUNNING OR IN USE), I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM IT AND WENT OUTSIDE. WITHIN MINUTES, THE FRONT END WAS BURSTING IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DESTROYED THE ENTIRE FRONT PORTION OF THE CAR, INCLUDING THE ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, TIRES, AND DASHBOARD. I DON'T KNOW WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE; IT WAS SEEMINGLY RANDOM. Look up ODI 10821349 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10850076 · 230,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WITHOUT THE DIAGNOSTIC CODE READER. IF THE DIAGNOSTIC CODE READER WAS REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT SEVERAL DIFFERENT FAILURE CODES APPEARED FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES FOR SEVERAL CODES; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE, BUT WAS NOT FAMILIAR WITH T… Look up ODI 10850076 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10141199 · 100,000 mi THIS IS AN LEXUS RX300 2000 EDITION; THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. IT STARTED WITH AN UNTRACEABLE PROBLEM IN WHICH THE REAR TAIL BRAKE LIGHT STOPPED WORKING; LATER ON, THE TWO MAIN HEAD-LAMPS STOPPED WORKING; FUSES HAVE BEEN CHANGED, BULBS HAVE CHANGED, BUT NO PROBLEM HAS BEEN FOUND. THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS OR DAMAGE. *JB Look up ODI 10141199 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	111,250–184,456 mi	143,000 mi	14	ODI 10501468 · 228,000 mi MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD THE OIL CHANGED FOR THE SECOND TIME WITHIN 30 DAYS BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS AN OIL PROBLEM. THE LIGHT WENT OFF AS I WAS LEAVING THE PLACE. A COUPLE DAYS LATER THE LIGHT WOULD COME ON WHEN I MADE TURNS, BLINK, THEN GO BACK OFF. A FEW DAYS LATER, IT CAME BACK ON STEADY, AND THE CAR STARTED TO JERK WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. IT WOULD JERK, THEN SLOWLY INCREASE SPEED. LAST SATURDAY, I APPLIED BRAKES, AND THE CAR ROLLED ANOTHER FEW FEET. HAD TO SWERVE LEFT TO KEEP FROM REAR ENDING A VEHICLE. TODAY, UP… Look up ODI 10501468 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10821349 · 144,000 mi ON JANUARY 17TH, 2016, I TOOK MY '99 LEXUS RX300 TO CHURCH, PARKED THE CAR, AND JOINED THE SUNDAY SERVICE. AN HOUR AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE (DURING WHICH TIME IT WAS NOT RUNNING OR IN USE), I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM IT AND WENT OUTSIDE. WITHIN MINUTES, THE FRONT END WAS BURSTING IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DESTROYED THE ENTIRE FRONT PORTION OF THE CAR, INCLUDING THE ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, TIRES, AND DASHBOARD. I DON'T KNOW WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE; IT WAS SEEMINGLY RANDOM. Look up ODI 10821349 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10850076 · 230,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WITHOUT THE DIAGNOSTIC CODE READER. IF THE DIAGNOSTIC CODE READER WAS REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT SEVERAL DIFFERENT FAILURE CODES APPEARED FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES FOR SEVERAL CODES; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE, BUT WAS NOT FAMILIAR WITH T… Look up ODI 10850076 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2002: 12 complaints · 2003: 6 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2002	2	7	12
2003	3	4	6

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2002	84	3	1
2003	21	3	1

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Power Train:Automatic Transmission	Power Train	Vehicle Speed Control	Engine And Engine Cooling	Air Bags	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	Electrical System	Engine
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	—	2 ODI 10429591 · 111,000 mi WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE (LEXUS RX300 4WD) ON 11/29/2002 WITH 27,080 MILES ON IT FROM LOCAL LEXUS DEALER. IT IS MY WIFE'S PRIMARY VEHICLE AND SHE DRIVES IT TO WORK DAILY (ABOUT 20 MILES PER DAY). AT 111,000 MILES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTING ERRATICALLY IE. DOWN SHIFTING SUDDENLY WHEN IT SHOULDN'T AND SLIPPING GEARS. IT ALSO MAKES A STRANGE CONSTANT NOISE. IT HAD BEEN MORE AND MORE SHIFTING THIS WAY OFF AND ON FOR 2 OR 3 MONTHS. I TOOK IT TO LEXUS DEALER ON 8/24/2011 BECAUSE OF CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE SERVIC… Look up ODI 10429591 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10429954 · 143,730 mi PREMATURE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. PURCHASED USED WITH 85,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED AT SUGGESTED INTERVALS. CAR WILL NOT MOVE IN ANY TRANSMISSION SELECTOR POSITION. AFTER RESEARCH, FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL LEXUS. *KB Look up ODI 10429954 at NHTSA ↗	0	5 ODI 10277275 · 141,000 mi I HAVE READ AS MANY OF THE OWNERS OF 1999 LEXUS RX300 SUV , I AM NOT SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT I AM NOW A PROUD OWNER OF A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION THAT FAILED ON MY WIFE WHILE RETURNING FROM GREENVILLE TO COLUMBIA SC. THE TRANSMISSION WAS INDICATING PROBLEMS BY SHIFTING SLOW AS MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT HAVE BEEN FILED . WHEN THESE TRANSMISSIONS START TO FAIL YOU EXPERIENCE SLOW SHIFTING WHEN THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING , EVEN IF YOU LET THE CAR WARM UP FIRST BEFORE MOVING INTO ANY GEAR DRIVE OR REVERSE. WHEN YOU TRY TO BACK UP IN REVERSE THE TRANSMI… Look up ODI 10277275 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10280470 · 75,360 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED IN 2008. HE RECENTLY HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND THE RPMS DISPLAYED INACCURATE READINGS. WHILE IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO A LOW GEAR AND MOVED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 75,360. Look up ODI 10280470 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10296874 · 182,000 mi 9/2009 - ENGINE FAILED. VEHICLE INITIALLY PERFORMED NORMALLY, BUT ENGINE SEIZED DURING INTERSTATE DRIVING. PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION DETERMINED CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS SLUDGE BUILD UP. VEHICLE OUT OF INITIAL WARRANTY. EXTENSION BASED UPON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS EXPIRED 4/2009. NEW ENGINE INSTALLED AT MY EXPENSE. 12/2009 - TRANSMISSION FAILED. VEHICLE INITIALLY PERFORMED NORMALLY, BUT SUDDENLY BEGAN TO LURCH WHEN PLACED INTO GEAR AFTER GASOLINE FILL UP. PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION DETERMINED TRANSMISSION FAILURE. NEW TRANSMISSION INSTALLED AT MY EX… Look up ODI 10296874 at NHTSA ↗	0	2 ODI 10014038 · 88,000 mi I OWN 1999 LEXUS RX300, SINCE FEBRUARY OF THE LAST YEAR, I HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR'S ENGINE (IT HAS SLUDGE), TRANSMISSION, EMISSION SYSTEM, AND OVER USE OF GAS PER MILE. FIRST PROBLEM STARTED DURING THE FIRST MONTH OF MY OWNERSHIP AND SINCE THAT TIME THE VEHICLE HAS SPENT WEEKS IN AUTO REPAIR SHOPS. LEXUS DEALER AND OTHERS CHARGED ME LAVISH FEES BUT NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEMS AND LEXUS DEALERS EVEN NEVER ADMITTED THAT SERIOUS PROBLEMS EXISTED. JB Look up ODI 10014038 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10295596 · 98,564 mi I OWN A 2001 LEXUS RX300 AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT BUT LEXUS REFUSED TO COVER IT WITH MY 100.000 WARRANTY.THEY WERE VERY RACIST AND WRONG. THEY ALSO REFUSED TO TAKE CARE OF THE ENGINE REPAIRS. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER ONE IN MY LIFE FROM SUCH RACIST PIGS!! TR Look up ODI 10295596 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10412327 I PURCHASED USED 1999 LEXUS RX300 IN 2008 AND SO FAR I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO UNEXPECTED CATASTROPHIC FAILURE, BOTH AIR RATIO SENSORS, BOTH KNOCK SENSORS, OXYGEN SENSOR, FRONT STRUT MOUNTS, AND NOW POSSIBLY HAVE TO CHANGE THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN (NOT SHIFTING CORRECTLY). I WAS NOT AWARE THAT THE 1999 TO 2001 RX300S WERE SO PROBLEMATIC. SINCE THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE AND I AM STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON IT, I AM STUCK FOOTING THE BILL FOR ALL THESE REPAIRS. WHICH FROM WHAT I HAVE RESEARCHED ARE ATTRIBUTED TO BAD ENGINEERING. I AM … Look up ODI 10412327 at NHTSA ↗	0
Power Train	2 ODI 10429591 · 111,000 mi WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE (LEXUS RX300 4WD) ON 11/29/2002 WITH 27,080 MILES ON IT FROM LOCAL LEXUS DEALER. IT IS MY WIFE'S PRIMARY VEHICLE AND SHE DRIVES IT TO WORK DAILY (ABOUT 20 MILES PER DAY). AT 111,000 MILES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTING ERRATICALLY IE. DOWN SHIFTING SUDDENLY WHEN IT SHOULDN'T AND SLIPPING GEARS. IT ALSO MAKES A STRANGE CONSTANT NOISE. IT HAD BEEN MORE AND MORE SHIFTING THIS WAY OFF AND ON FOR 2 OR 3 MONTHS. I TOOK IT TO LEXUS DEALER ON 8/24/2011 BECAUSE OF CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE SERVIC… Look up ODI 10429591 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10429954 · 143,730 mi PREMATURE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. PURCHASED USED WITH 85,000 MILES. TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGED AT SUGGESTED INTERVALS. CAR WILL NOT MOVE IN ANY TRANSMISSION SELECTOR POSITION. AFTER RESEARCH, FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR AND MODEL LEXUS. *KB Look up ODI 10429954 at NHTSA ↗	—	4 ODI 10610819 · 125,000 mi WITH LITTLE/NO WARNING, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (2WD) FAILED. ALL GEARS (P,R,N,D,2,1) WORKED LIKE NEUTRAL GEAR. IF THIS WOULD'VE OCCURRED A FEW MINUTES EARLIER, MY CHILDREN AND I (LOCATED AT A SHARP TURN OVER A STEEP HILL) COULD'VE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. APPARENTLY, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN LEXUS RX300'S FROM YEAR 1999-2002. HOW MANY EARLY TRANSMISSION FAILURES DOES IT TAKE TO HAVE A RECALL? *TR Look up ODI 10610819 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10929614 MY 2000 LEXUS RX300 HAD AN UNEXPLAINED SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHERE THE VEHICLE ALMOST KILLED ME AND MY SON. I WAS DRIVING RESIDENTIAL BACKROADS BY MY HOUSE, ACCELERATED SLIGHTLY TO GET UP A HILL AND THAT'S WHEN IT TOOK OFF. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS UNRESPONSIVE, THE EMERGENCY BREAK WAS UNRESPONSIVE, I PULLED THE FLOOR MAT OUT FOR GOOD MEASURE, NOTHING WORKED, IT KEPT ACCELERATING AT A HIGH RATE UNTIL I FINALLY SLAMMED IT THROUGH GEARS TO "PARK" TO GET IT TO A STOP. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE LEXUS DEALERSHIP, WHERE THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER EVEN T… Look up ODI 10929614 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10316731 · 48,000 mi 2000 LEXUS RX 300 (THIS IS A TOYOTA CAMRY ENGINE IN A LEXUS BODY) CAR TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT CHANGE INTO HIGH GEARS 3 & 4 FOR HIGHWAY DRIVING, PREVENTING ACCELERATION. LEXUS OF NORWOOD, MA REPLACED THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION UNDER WARRANTY. 5,000 MILES LATER THE NEW TRANSMISSION WAS DOING THE SAME THING, AFTER A WEEK THEY FINALLY GAVE IT BACK TO AND SAID IT WAS REPAIRED BUT NOT WHAT THEY HAD TO FIX AND WERE VERY SKETCHY, IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. FINALLY THE REPAIR TECHNICIAN TOLD IN LOW TONES SO NOT TO BE HEARD THAT IT WAS COMPUTER SOFTWARE … Look up ODI 10316731 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10424181 · 169,000 mi WHEN I WAS DRIVING THREE LIGHT TURNED ON AT THE SAME TIME. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, VSC AND TRAC OFF LIGHT. I WENT TO A MECHANIC AND HE STATED THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE SOLENOID. TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC TO CHECK THE OIL PAN AND THE STOLENOIS IS GETTING CLOGGED BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION IS SHOT. *TR Look up ODI 10424181 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 10838102 · 27 mi DRIVING TO SCHOOL DIE SHIFT ....SHOP SAYS AUTO TRANSMISSION DEAD ...COST $3500....GOOD MAINTAINED SERVICES.....ALSO CRAZY ELECTRICAL PROBLEM....MUST RECALL AUTO TRANSMISSIONS Look up ODI 10838102 at NHTSA ↗	7 ODI 10505264 · 127,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ONLY GEAR THAT WOULD ENGAGE WAS DRIVE. ALTHOUGH THE CONTACT COULD SHIFT INTO ANY GEAR, THE GEARS WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT APPROXIMATELY FOUR PISTONS MISFIRED AND THE 02 SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILD AND THE O2 SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT REPAIR… Look up ODI 10505264 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10563808 · 186,000 mi AFTER FIRST HAVING TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION AT 75,000 MILES. IT SEEMS I WILL HAVE TO PAY TO DO IT AGAIN AT 186,000. THE PROBLEM STARTED OUT WITH THE VEHICLE HAVING TROUBLE CLIMBING A HILL. I CHANGED THE TRANSMISSION OIL AND TWO WEEKS LATER THE VEHICLE MOVE ABOUT THREE FEET FROM A PARKING STALL MADE A LOUD NOISE JERKED TO A STOP AND WOULD NOT MOVE. I WAS ABLE TO PUT IT INTO DRIVE AND REPARK THE CAR. IT WILL NOT REVERSE AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO A MECHANIC. *TR Look up ODI 10563808 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10929512 BAD TRANSMISSION Look up ODI 10929512 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle Speed Control	0	4 ODI 10610819 · 125,000 mi WITH LITTLE/NO WARNING, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (2WD) FAILED. ALL GEARS (P,R,N,D,2,1) WORKED LIKE NEUTRAL GEAR. IF THIS WOULD'VE OCCURRED A FEW MINUTES EARLIER, MY CHILDREN AND I (LOCATED AT A SHARP TURN OVER A STEEP HILL) COULD'VE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. APPARENTLY, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN LEXUS RX300'S FROM YEAR 1999-2002. HOW MANY EARLY TRANSMISSION FAILURES DOES IT TAKE TO HAVE A RECALL? *TR Look up ODI 10610819 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10929614 MY 2000 LEXUS RX300 HAD AN UNEXPLAINED SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHERE THE VEHICLE ALMOST KILLED ME AND MY SON. I WAS DRIVING RESIDENTIAL BACKROADS BY MY HOUSE, ACCELERATED SLIGHTLY TO GET UP A HILL AND THAT'S WHEN IT TOOK OFF. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS UNRESPONSIVE, THE EMERGENCY BREAK WAS UNRESPONSIVE, I PULLED THE FLOOR MAT OUT FOR GOOD MEASURE, NOTHING WORKED, IT KEPT ACCELERATING AT A HIGH RATE UNTIL I FINALLY SLAMMED IT THROUGH GEARS TO "PARK" TO GET IT TO A STOP. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE LEXUS DEALERSHIP, WHERE THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER EVEN T… Look up ODI 10929614 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10316731 · 48,000 mi 2000 LEXUS RX 300 (THIS IS A TOYOTA CAMRY ENGINE IN A LEXUS BODY) CAR TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT CHANGE INTO HIGH GEARS 3 & 4 FOR HIGHWAY DRIVING, PREVENTING ACCELERATION. LEXUS OF NORWOOD, MA REPLACED THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION UNDER WARRANTY. 5,000 MILES LATER THE NEW TRANSMISSION WAS DOING THE SAME THING, AFTER A WEEK THEY FINALLY GAVE IT BACK TO AND SAID IT WAS REPAIRED BUT NOT WHAT THEY HAD TO FIX AND WERE VERY SKETCHY, IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. FINALLY THE REPAIR TECHNICIAN TOLD IN LOW TONES SO NOT TO BE HEARD THAT IT WAS COMPUTER SOFTWARE … Look up ODI 10316731 at NHTSA ↗	—	1 ODI 10425185 · 110,000 mi WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN MY OFFICE PARKING LOT, I HAD AN UNATTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. THE CAR LUNGED OVER THE CURB, UP A SLIGHT INCLINE, HIT A SMALL TREE WHICH KNOCKED DOWN THE PERIMETER FENCE. I CALLED THE LEXUS DEALERSHIP AND THEY GAVE ME AN 800 NUMBER TO CALL. I REPORTED WHAT HAPPENED AND THEY SENT A TOW TRUCK TO BRING MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY INDICATED TO ME THAT I WAS NOT SUPPOSE TO BRING IT TO THEM SO I HAD THE MANAGER DRIVE IT TO THEIR CO… Look up ODI 10425185 at NHTSA ↗	2 ODI 10422398 · 73,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED FRONT END DAMAGE AND THE CONTACT SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES AS HER BREAST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOT NOTIFIED. NEITHER THE DEALER, NOR THE MANUFACTURER, WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000. Look up ODI 10422398 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10441502 · 135,000 mi TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKING VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS AS THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE JUMPED THE CURB AND CRASHED INTO A FENCE BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THE MANUFACTURER SENT A TECHNICIAN TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT BECAUSE THERE WERE TWO FLAT T… Look up ODI 10441502 at NHTSA ↗	0	1 ODI 10330300 · 59,422 mi I WAS DRIVING A LEXUS RX 300 AND HAD EXITED THE FREEWAY. I PRESSED THE BRAKE LIGHTLY TO DECREASE MY SPEED BUT INSTEAD, THE CAR UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED. I THEN STEPPED ON THE BRAKE FULLY BUT THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE BY ITSELF. I TRIED TO SLOW THE CAR BY SHIFTING THE GEARS...TRIED NEUTRAL, L1, L2, AND EVEN REVERSE BUT FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. I WAS GOING AT HIGH SPEEDS, UNABLE TO STOP, AND VERY SCARED AS I WAS ON A STREET WITH MANY LIGHTS. AFTER PASSING THROUGH A RED LIGHT, I TURNED THE CAR INTO THE CURB AND DRAGGED THE WHEELS AGAINST TH… Look up ODI 10330300 at NHTSA ↗	4 ODI 11075008 · 179,825 mi 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. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER (O'BRIEN … Look up ODI 11075008 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10669802 · 137,200 mi WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR JERKS AND THEN CUTS OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST HALF A DOZEN TIMES WITHIN THE LAST 2 MONTHS. ENGINE LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON, EVEN AFTER SERVICING THE CAR AT LOCAL LEXUS DEALER. WHEN CAR IS PARKED, I NOTICED EXHAUST FUME SMELLS HEAVILY WITH GAS. TR Look up ODI 10669802 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10706164 · 165,000 mi INCIDENT BECAUSE OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHEN MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. TR Look up ODI 10706164 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling	5 ODI 10277275 · 141,000 mi I HAVE READ AS MANY OF THE OWNERS OF 1999 LEXUS RX300 SUV , I AM NOT SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT I AM NOW A PROUD OWNER OF A BRAND NEW TRANSMISSION THAT FAILED ON MY WIFE WHILE RETURNING FROM GREENVILLE TO COLUMBIA SC. THE TRANSMISSION WAS INDICATING PROBLEMS BY SHIFTING SLOW AS MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT HAVE BEEN FILED . WHEN THESE TRANSMISSIONS START TO FAIL YOU EXPERIENCE SLOW SHIFTING WHEN THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING , EVEN IF YOU LET THE CAR WARM UP FIRST BEFORE MOVING INTO ANY GEAR DRIVE OR REVERSE. WHEN YOU TRY TO BACK UP IN REVERSE THE TRANSMI… Look up ODI 10277275 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10280470 · 75,360 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED IN 2008. HE RECENTLY HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND THE RPMS DISPLAYED INACCURATE READINGS. WHILE IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SHIFT INTO A LOW GEAR AND MOVED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 75,360. Look up ODI 10280470 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10296874 · 182,000 mi 9/2009 - ENGINE FAILED. VEHICLE INITIALLY PERFORMED NORMALLY, BUT ENGINE SEIZED DURING INTERSTATE DRIVING. PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION DETERMINED CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS SLUDGE BUILD UP. VEHICLE OUT OF INITIAL WARRANTY. EXTENSION BASED UPON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS EXPIRED 4/2009. NEW ENGINE INSTALLED AT MY EXPENSE. 12/2009 - TRANSMISSION FAILED. VEHICLE INITIALLY PERFORMED NORMALLY, BUT SUDDENLY BEGAN TO LURCH WHEN PLACED INTO GEAR AFTER GASOLINE FILL UP. PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION DETERMINED TRANSMISSION FAILURE. NEW TRANSMISSION INSTALLED AT MY EX… Look up ODI 10296874 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10424181 · 169,000 mi WHEN I WAS DRIVING THREE LIGHT TURNED ON AT THE SAME TIME. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, VSC AND TRAC OFF LIGHT. I WENT TO A MECHANIC AND HE STATED THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE SOLENOID. TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC TO CHECK THE OIL PAN AND THE STOLENOIS IS GETTING CLOGGED BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION IS SHOT. *TR Look up ODI 10424181 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10425185 · 110,000 mi WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN MY OFFICE PARKING LOT, I HAD AN UNATTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. THE CAR LUNGED OVER THE CURB, UP A SLIGHT INCLINE, HIT A SMALL TREE WHICH KNOCKED DOWN THE PERIMETER FENCE. I CALLED THE LEXUS DEALERSHIP AND THEY GAVE ME AN 800 NUMBER TO CALL. I REPORTED WHAT HAPPENED AND THEY SENT A TOW TRUCK TO BRING MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY INDICATED TO ME THAT I WAS NOT SUPPOSE TO BRING IT TO THEM SO I HAD THE MANAGER DRIVE IT TO THEIR CO… Look up ODI 10425185 at NHTSA ↗	—	0	0	0	0
Air Bags	0	0	2 ODI 10422398 · 73,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED FRONT END DAMAGE AND THE CONTACT SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES AS HER BREAST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOT NOTIFIED. NEITHER THE DEALER, NOR THE MANUFACTURER, WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000. Look up ODI 10422398 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10441502 · 135,000 mi TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKING VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS AS THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE JUMPED THE CURB AND CRASHED INTO A FENCE BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THE MANUFACTURER SENT A TECHNICIAN TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT BECAUSE THERE WERE TWO FLAT T… Look up ODI 10441502 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine	2 ODI 10014038 · 88,000 mi I OWN 1999 LEXUS RX300, SINCE FEBRUARY OF THE LAST YEAR, I HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR'S ENGINE (IT HAS SLUDGE), TRANSMISSION, EMISSION SYSTEM, AND OVER USE OF GAS PER MILE. FIRST PROBLEM STARTED DURING THE FIRST MONTH OF MY OWNERSHIP AND SINCE THAT TIME THE VEHICLE HAS SPENT WEEKS IN AUTO REPAIR SHOPS. LEXUS DEALER AND OTHERS CHARGED ME LAVISH FEES BUT NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEMS AND LEXUS DEALERS EVEN NEVER ADMITTED THAT SERIOUS PROBLEMS EXISTED. JB Look up ODI 10014038 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10295596 · 98,564 mi I OWN A 2001 LEXUS RX300 AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT BUT LEXUS REFUSED TO COVER IT WITH MY 100.000 WARRANTY.THEY WERE VERY RACIST AND WRONG. THEY ALSO REFUSED TO TAKE CARE OF THE ENGINE REPAIRS. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER ONE IN MY LIFE FROM SUCH RACIST PIGS!! TR Look up ODI 10295596 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0	—	1 ODI 10323088 2001 LEXUS 300RX WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF SLUDGE IN THE MOTOR FROM OIL. ALSO CONSUMER STATES THAT THE BATTERY WILL DIE IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT USED FOR A WEEK OR MORE. *KB Look up ODI 10323088 at NHTSA ↗	0
Electrical System	1 ODI 10412327 I PURCHASED USED 1999 LEXUS RX300 IN 2008 AND SO FAR I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO UNEXPECTED CATASTROPHIC FAILURE, BOTH AIR RATIO SENSORS, BOTH KNOCK SENSORS, OXYGEN SENSOR, FRONT STRUT MOUNTS, AND NOW POSSIBLY HAVE TO CHANGE THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN (NOT SHIFTING CORRECTLY). I WAS NOT AWARE THAT THE 1999 TO 2001 RX300S WERE SO PROBLEMATIC. SINCE THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE AND I AM STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON IT, I AM STUCK FOOTING THE BILL FOR ALL THESE REPAIRS. WHICH FROM WHAT I HAVE RESEARCHED ARE ATTRIBUTED TO BAD ENGINEERING. I AM … Look up ODI 10412327 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10838102 · 27 mi DRIVING TO SCHOOL DIE SHIFT ....SHOP SAYS AUTO TRANSMISSION DEAD ...COST $3500....GOOD MAINTAINED SERVICES.....ALSO CRAZY ELECTRICAL PROBLEM....MUST RECALL AUTO TRANSMISSIONS Look up ODI 10838102 at NHTSA ↗	1 ODI 10330300 · 59,422 mi I WAS DRIVING A LEXUS RX 300 AND HAD EXITED THE FREEWAY. I PRESSED THE BRAKE LIGHTLY TO DECREASE MY SPEED BUT INSTEAD, THE CAR UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED. I THEN STEPPED ON THE BRAKE FULLY BUT THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE BY ITSELF. I TRIED TO SLOW THE CAR BY SHIFTING THE GEARS...TRIED NEUTRAL, L1, L2, AND EVEN REVERSE BUT FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. I WAS GOING AT HIGH SPEEDS, UNABLE TO STOP, AND VERY SCARED AS I WAS ON A STREET WITH MANY LIGHTS. AFTER PASSING THROUGH A RED LIGHT, I TURNED THE CAR INTO THE CURB AND DRAGGED THE WHEELS AGAINST TH… Look up ODI 10330300 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	1 ODI 10323088 2001 LEXUS 300RX WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF SLUDGE IN THE MOTOR FROM OIL. ALSO CONSUMER STATES THAT THE BATTERY WILL DIE IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT USED FOR A WEEK OR MORE. *KB Look up ODI 10323088 at NHTSA ↗	—	2 ODI 10821349 · 144,000 mi ON JANUARY 17TH, 2016, I TOOK MY '99 LEXUS RX300 TO CHURCH, PARKED THE CAR, AND JOINED THE SUNDAY SERVICE. AN HOUR AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE (DURING WHICH TIME IT WAS NOT RUNNING OR IN USE), I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM IT AND WENT OUTSIDE. WITHIN MINUTES, THE FRONT END WAS BURSTING IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DESTROYED THE ENTIRE FRONT PORTION OF THE CAR, INCLUDING THE ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, TIRES, AND DASHBOARD. I DON'T KNOW WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE; IT WAS SEEMINGLY RANDOM. Look up ODI 10821349 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10850076 · 230,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WITHOUT THE DIAGNOSTIC CODE READER. IF THE DIAGNOSTIC CODE READER WAS REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT SEVERAL DIFFERENT FAILURE CODES APPEARED FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES FOR SEVERAL CODES; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE, BUT WAS NOT FAMILIAR WITH T… Look up ODI 10850076 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	0	7 ODI 10505264 · 127,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ONLY GEAR THAT WOULD ENGAGE WAS DRIVE. ALTHOUGH THE CONTACT COULD SHIFT INTO ANY GEAR, THE GEARS WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT APPROXIMATELY FOUR PISTONS MISFIRED AND THE 02 SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILD AND THE O2 SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT REPAIR… Look up ODI 10505264 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10563808 · 186,000 mi AFTER FIRST HAVING TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION AT 75,000 MILES. IT SEEMS I WILL HAVE TO PAY TO DO IT AGAIN AT 186,000. THE PROBLEM STARTED OUT WITH THE VEHICLE HAVING TROUBLE CLIMBING A HILL. I CHANGED THE TRANSMISSION OIL AND TWO WEEKS LATER THE VEHICLE MOVE ABOUT THREE FEET FROM A PARKING STALL MADE A LOUD NOISE JERKED TO A STOP AND WOULD NOT MOVE. I WAS ABLE TO PUT IT INTO DRIVE AND REPARK THE CAR. IT WILL NOT REVERSE AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO A MECHANIC. *TR Look up ODI 10563808 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10929512 BAD TRANSMISSION Look up ODI 10929512 at NHTSA ↗	4 ODI 11075008 · 179,825 mi 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. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER (O'BRIEN … Look up ODI 11075008 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10669802 · 137,200 mi WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR JERKS AND THEN CUTS OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST HALF A DOZEN TIMES WITHIN THE LAST 2 MONTHS. ENGINE LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON, EVEN AFTER SERVICING THE CAR AT LOCAL LEXUS DEALER. WHEN CAR IS PARKED, I NOTICED EXHAUST FUME SMELLS HEAVILY WITH GAS. TR Look up ODI 10669802 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10706164 · 165,000 mi INCIDENT BECAUSE OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHEN MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. TR Look up ODI 10706164 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	2 ODI 10821349 · 144,000 mi ON JANUARY 17TH, 2016, I TOOK MY '99 LEXUS RX300 TO CHURCH, PARKED THE CAR, AND JOINED THE SUNDAY SERVICE. AN HOUR AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE (DURING WHICH TIME IT WAS NOT RUNNING OR IN USE), I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM IT AND WENT OUTSIDE. WITHIN MINUTES, THE FRONT END WAS BURSTING IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DESTROYED THE ENTIRE FRONT PORTION OF THE CAR, INCLUDING THE ENGINE, TRANSMISSION, TIRES, AND DASHBOARD. I DON'T KNOW WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE; IT WAS SEEMINGLY RANDOM. Look up ODI 10821349 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10850076 · 230,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WITHOUT THE DIAGNOSTIC CODE READER. IF THE DIAGNOSTIC CODE READER WAS REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT SEVERAL DIFFERENT FAILURE CODES APPEARED FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES FOR SEVERAL CODES; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE, BUT WAS NOT FAMILIAR WITH T… Look up ODI 10850076 at NHTSA ↗	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

8 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

40 mentions · 5.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 109,600 mi (36 usable records).

ODI 10110272

TOOK 1999 LEXUS RX 300 IN FOR REGULAR SERVICE AT 39,000 MILES, AND ASKED DEALER TO CHECK ENGINE NOISE. DEALER FOUND CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND SPLIT EXHAUST PIPE COMING OFF MANIFOLD. MAIFOLD REPLACED UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY PLAN BUT SPLIT EXHAUST NOT COVERED BECAUSE CAR WAS OUT OF ORIGINAL WARRANTY. DEALER CARRIED EXHAUST MANIFOLDS IN STOCK DUE TO FREQUENCY OF PROBLEM. THIS WAS A DESIGN/MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY MANUFACTURER.*AK

Look up ODI 10110272 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10112270 · 116,367 mi

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. UNFORTUNATELY WE DID NOT HAVE THE MONEY SO WE ARE GOING TO TRY AND FIND A NEW ENGINE ON OUR OWN.

Look up ODI 10112270 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10184397 · 67,000 mi

AT 67,000, MY TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT. FORTUNATELY, THIS OCCURRED IN MY DRIVEWAY AND NOT ON THE ROAD. NO WARNING, JUST NO TRANSMISSION. AFTER REPLACING TRANSMISSION, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STUCK ON. REPLACED A BROKEN SENSOR. I AM OUT $4,000.00 FOR A DEFECT THAT I BELIEVE LEXUS IS VERY AWARE OF. *JB

Look up ODI 10184397 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

39 mentions · 5.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 116,500 mi (34 usable records).

ODI 10025785

WHILE DRIVING, THE GEAR SHIFT WILL GO INTO NEUTRAL, IF BUMPED. ALSO I'VE NOTICED THE CAR JERKING WHILE DRIVING. I'VE TAKEN IT TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP, BUT THEY NEVER OBSERVED THE PROBLEM AND THUS WAS NEVER ABLE TO FIX IT.*AK

Look up ODI 10025785 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10165758 · 79,103 mi

WHEN STARTING MY 1999 LEXUS RX 300 AFTER WORK, I NOTICED A "WHINING" SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. MY COMMUTE HOME IS ABOUT 15 MILES. I NOTICED WHEN DRIVING THAT IT WOULD "JERK" WHEN TRYING TO CHANGE GEARS. IT MADE ME THINK BACK TO A COUPLE OF MONTHS BACK WHEN I WAS IN A PARKING SPACE AND PUT THE CAR INTO REVERSE AND STARTED TO EASE OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE WHEN IT FELT LIKE SOMEONE HAS HIT ME OR I HAD HIT SOMETHING. I GOT OUT, BUT NOTHING? I THEN GOT BACK INTO THE CAR AND STARTED TO LEAVE AND THE CAR WOULD GO INTO REVERSE, BUT WHEN APPLYI…

Look up ODI 10165758 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10185572 · 103,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LEXUS RX300. AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WITH CLEAR ROAD CONDITIONS, THE TRANSMISSION UNEXPECTEDLY SHIFTED GEARS. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK FOLLOWED BY A LOSS IN POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS INTERNAL TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE VEHICLE MILEAGE WERE 103000. *AK

Look up ODI 10185572 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Stalling or loss of power

31 mentions · 4.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 100,615 mi (26 usable records).

ODI 10174186 · 73,000 mi

Look up ODI 10174186 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10214070 · 89,000 mi

Look up ODI 10214070 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10251716

I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH MY 1999 LEXUS RX300. I HAVE NOTICE VIA THE INTERNET THAT THESE ARE WIDE SPREAD PROBLEMS BUT NO RECALLS HAVE BEEN OCCURRING. THESE ARE THE INCIDENCES THAT I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH: * DEBRIS CAN GET INTO THE IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE THAT ALLOWS AIR INTO THE ENGINE CAUSING THE ENGINE TO HAVE A LOW IDLE SPEED, OR STALL WHEN IT IS COLD. (THIS OCCURRED IN THE PAST, PERHAPS 2004. LEXUS EVENTUALLY REPLACED MY ENGINE IN 2005.) * SLUDGE CAN BUILD UP IN THE ENGINE. I ROUTINELY HAVE TO HAVE THE SLUDGE CLEANE…

Look up ODI 10251716 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Brake response concerns

17 mentions · 2.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 97,000 mi (13 usable records).

ODI 10453909 · 97,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LEXUS RX300. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED SLIGHTLY TOPREPARE FOR A TURN WHEN THE VEHICLE FAILED TO REDUCE SPEED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED FORCEFULLY. THE VEHICLE THEN TRAVELED OVER THE CURB AND CRASHED INTO A CEMENT BARRIER. THE REAR PASSENGER SUFFERED MINOR INJURY TO THE SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

Look up ODI 10453909 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10870291 · 184,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LEXUS RX300. THE BRAKE LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 99V011000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING), WHICH WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 184,000.

Look up ODI 10870291 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11119048

1999 LEXUS RX 300. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BRAKE FAILURE AND ACCELERATION ISSUES WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT 60MPH. *LD *JS

Look up ODI 11119048 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Oil consumption or dilution

6 mentions · 0.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 108,578 mi (6 usable records).

ODI 10112270 · 116,367 mi

Look up ODI 10112270 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10414008 · 100,789 mi

I PURCHASED A 2001 LEXUS RX 300 FROM A PRIVATE PARTY IN FEBRUARY OF THIS YEAR. WITHIN DAYS OF THE PURCHASE THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND THAT WAS REPLACED, BUT I HAD ALSO NOTICED SOME BLUE SMOKE WHEN I STARTED IT. I TOOK IT INTO MY AUTO MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME THAT THE CAR WAS BURNING OIL, AND ACTUALLY THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION SUIT FILED AGAINST TOYOTA RELATED TO THE PROBLEMS, I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT THIS CONDITION WILL LEAD TO ENGINE FAILURE IF THE ENGINE IS NOT REPLACED. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO FILE A COMPLAINT IN REGARDS TO THIS ISSUE TO SE…

Look up ODI 10414008 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10321494 · 130,000 mi

ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION IS TOO RAPID. TOOK THE CAR TO THE LEXUS DEALER BUT THEY ARE NOT ADMITTING THAT IT IS A OIL GEL INSTEAD THEY ARE SAYING THAT MY VALVE IS DAMAGED AND THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.

Look up ODI 10321494 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(oil consumption|burn\w* oil|consum\w* oil|oil dilution|gas(?:oline)? in (?:the )?oil)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

4 mentions · 0.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 84,725 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10850076 · 230,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LEXUS RX300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WITHOUT THE DIAGNOSTIC CODE READER. IF THE DIAGNOSTIC CODE READER WAS REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT SEVERAL DIFFERENT FAILURE CODES APPEARED FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES FOR SEVERAL CODES; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE, BUT WAS NOT FAMILIAR WITH T…

Look up ODI 10850076 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10340595 · 129,450 mi

PURCHASED USED RX-300 (YR 2000) IN 2003 AND THE TRANSMISSION DIED SUDDENLY AS I WAS COMING BACK HOME AT 87,000 MILES. THE DEALER FIXED IT FOR FREE, A WEEK LATER THE CAR WOULD NOT START AND HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO THE LEXUS DEALER IN SILVER SPRING AND ANOTHER TRANSMISSION WAS PUT IN THE CAR. TODAY THE SAME THING HAPPENED, ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AND THE TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REPLACED AND IT WILL COST THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. THE MILEAGE IS 127,000, NOT SURE IF IT'S WORTH GETTING IT FIXED. *TR

Look up ODI 10340595 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10124868 · 33,433 mi

HAVE GONE THROUGH 4 BATTERIES -- 3 WITHIN 3 MONTHS. FLETCHER JONES DEALERSHIP IN LAS VEGAS, NV KEEPS INSISTING NOTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE (LEXUS RX300-2002) + SIMPLY REPLACES THE DEAD BATTERY. LEXUS REGIONAL SERVICE NEVER SEEMS ABLE TO REACH THE DEALERSHIP. NO ONE HAS ANY IDEA OR EXPLANATION WHY BATTERIES KEEP FAILING FOR NO APPARANT REASON.

Look up ODI 10124868 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 0.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 140,478 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10661338 · 140,478 mi

WHILE DRIVING WITH CLIENT FRIENDS TO THE RITZ CARLTON IN RANCHO MIRAGE FOR THANKSGIVING DINNER, THE CAR SUDDENLY STALLED. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING BUT WHEN THE GAS WAS STEPPED ON THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. WE MANAGED TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AT WHICH TIME WE HEARD AN EXPLOSION AND THE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. WE ALL IMMEDIATELY JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR FEARING THAT THE GAS TANK WOULD EXPLODE. WE CALLED 911 AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED IN TIME TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES BEFORE THE GAS TANK COULD EXPLODE. THE WINDSHIELD BLEW OUT...THE TIRE…

Look up ODI 10661338 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 0.1% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10652460

STEERING LOCKED WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. TURNING RIGHT, MY VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE IN MOTION AND WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO STRAIGHTEN OUT. THIS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO DRIVE OFF THE ROAD, BUT THANKFULLY SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES, I STOPPED BEFORE DOING SO. UPON READING REVIEWS, OTHER LEXUS RX-300 DRIVERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME OCCURRENCE. THIS MALFUNCTION COULD CAUSE MAJOR INJURY OR DEATH. I AM REQUESTING THE NHTSA IMMEDIATELY CONDUCT A REVIEW OF THESE VEHICLES AND FORCE LEXUS TO PERFORM A MANDATORY RECALL BEFORE MORE PEOPLE ARE INJURED OR KIL…

Look up ODI 10652460 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b