1999 Lexus RX300 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 129about this part
- Share
- 58%of 221 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 108,428miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 129 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Lexus RX300, 58% of the 221 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 108,428 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The automatic transmission on my 1999 Lexus RX300 failed at 165,000 miles. It constantly tried to downshift, and as a result it ran hot and burned transmission fluid. Prior to failing, it ceased shifting into overdrive while I was on the highway, forcing me to drive in a low gear at 4,500 rpms and waste gas while I drove as far as I could toward the mechanic.”
NHTSA complaint #10410930, filed 2011-07, 165,000 miles“On december 29, 2008 the transmission in my 1999 Lexus rx 300 failed in rush hour traffic. I have since learned that this is an existing issue with the 1999-2000 Lexus rx 300 and has not been recalled by the toyota motor company, USA. I am disturbed that toyota has not taken the responsibility and recalled the vehicle. Please contact me.”
NHTSA complaint #10254042, filed 2009-01, 132,000 miles“I have had continued problems, that at times left me stranded. The transmission has broke on various occasions. At this time it left me without the 3rd and the overdrive gear (4th) while driving on a main interstate causing a hazard due to the speed in which I was traveling. The posted speed was 65, but I could only travel at 35mph.”
NHTSA complaint #10259970, filed 2009-02, 100,108 miles“I was driving down the street doing about 40 or so and all four wheels locked up at once suddenly. It causing the car to a come pleat stop in the road. The car behind me had to lock up all most causing a accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10864264, filed 2016-05, 14,200 miles“I was just driving along and as I began to accelerate the rpms went real high and the speed would not increase. After stopping and starting again it began jerking and would not change gears. It turned out that my transmission had failed. I bought a 2000 reconditioned one to save money. Now I'm having problems with it!”
NHTSA complaint #10260886, filed 2009-03, 125,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10205346Oct 16, 2014Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
- 10109447Oct 16, 2014TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE-October 16, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0082-14.
- 10109445Oct 16, 2014TSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle…
- 10109444Oct 16, 2014TSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or…
- 10132108Oct 1, 2013This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0082-14.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 1999 Lexus RX300
24 complaintsAir bags
14 complaintsBrakes
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsTires
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Lexus RX300
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology