VIN REPORT

JT6HF10U5X00696201999 LEXUS RX300

0of 100
Low Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls · Model-Wide
Clear
No open recalls
Safety Grade
B-
80/100 composite
Complaints · 1999
35
NHTSA filed · 1999 RX
Vehicle Age
27 yrs
Made in JAPAN
BUYPurchase Verdict

1999 LEXUS RX was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 35 owner complaints include 1 reported injury, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

1999 LEXUS RX

1999 LEXUS RX was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 35 owner complaints include 1 reported injury, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

  • 1 injury reported across 35 owner complaints
Owner Complaint Intelligence

35 owner complaints filed — top areas: Engine/Powertrain (86%), Safety Systems (11%), Other (3%). 1 crash reported.

Critical Alerts

Title Brand Check

Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle

Vehicle Specifications

Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database

Make
LEXUS
Model
RX
Year
1999
Trim / Series
300
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Vehicle Type
MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Drive Type
4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
6-cyl 3.0L 220 hp
Doors
4
Manufacturer
TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
Assembly
JAPAN
GVWR
Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Safety

Safety Intelligence

Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data

B-
Score: 80/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety30/30
Complaint History30/30
0/100Clear

✓ No high-risk recall components found

0/100
Basic
0 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
Recalls

Deferred Failure Risk

Vehicle-specific risks from this model-year's complaint record, known defects, and service milestones

36/100
Monitor Deferred Risk
The engine/powertrain system is the most-reported problem for the 1999 LEXUS RX — 30 NHTSA complaints (86% of all filings). Prioritize it in a pre-purchase inspection.
⚠No odometer data on record. Items marked VERIFY below are age-based maintenance reminders — general guidance, not confirmed findings for this specific vehicle. Confirm actual mileage and service history with the seller.
COMMONLY REPORTEDCriticalEngine/Powertrain
30 owner complaints · 86% of all filings
Inspect the engine/powertrain system before purchase — the most-reported problem for the 1999 LEXUS RX
Owners of the 1999 LEXUS RX report engine/powertrain issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
COMMONLY REPORTEDCriticalSafety Systems
4 owner complaints · 11% of all filings · 1 crash-involved · 1 injury
Inspect the safety systems system before purchase — the 2nd most-reported problem for the 1999 LEXUS RX
Owners of the 1999 LEXUS RX report safety systems issues more than most other systems. Complaints concentrated in one area often signal a systemic weakness worth a targeted pre-purchase inspection.
VERIFYCriticalTiming Chain Tensioner
Typical interval: 120,000 mi / 10 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify timing chain tensioner service history with the seller
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
VERIFYCriticalWater Pump
Typical interval: 100,000 mi / 8 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify water pump service history with the seller
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
VERIFYHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Typical interval: 60,000 mi / 5 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify transmission fluid / service service history with the seller
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
VERIFYHighDifferential / Transfer Case Fluid
Typical interval: 50,000 mi / 4 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify differential / transfer case fluid service history with the seller
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
VERIFYHighCoolant Flush
Typical interval: 100,000 mi / 5 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify coolant flush service history with the seller
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
VERIFYModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Typical interval: 100,000 mi / 8 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify spark plugs (iridium/platinum) service history with the seller
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
VERIFYModerateFuel Injectors
Typical interval: 120,000 mi / 10 yr · Verify service records (no odometer on file)
Verify fuel injectors service history with the seller
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.

NHTSA Safety Recalls

CLEAR
0found
✓
No Recall Campaigns Found
NHTSA has no active or historical recalls for this 1999 LEXUS.
Complaints35

Complaint Intelligence

35 complaints analyzed across 3 system categories

Power Train leads owner complaints (83%), most reported when the vehicle was 6–8 yrs old (around ~100k mi). Also common: Seat Belts (9%), Engine And Engine Cooling (6%). Of the 13 owners who cited mileage, problems clustered around ~100k mi (most ~71k mi–~110k mi).

When issues get reported (vehicle age)
<1 yr
0%
1–2
0%
3–5
3%
6–9
83%
10+
14%

Based on 35 complaints with a reported incident date. Of the 13 owners who cited mileage, most reported issues at ~71k mi–~110k mi.

Most-reported issues & typical onset
Power Train
typically 6–8 yrs old · ~100k mi
83%
Seat Belts
typically 6–8 yrs old
9%
Engine And Engine Cooling
typically 5–7 yrs old
6%
Equipment
typically 5–7 yrs old
6%
Unknown Or Other
typically 19–21 yrs old
3%
1 injury1 crash
Engine/Powertrain
30
Safety Systems
1 crash1 inj4
Other
1
2006
8
2007
20
2008
2
2014
3
2019
1
2020
1
↓ 83% trend in recent years (improving reliability)
PEAKS WINTER (DEC–FEB)

40% of complaints filed in Dec & Jan — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Engine stalling2
Conditions Reported
Highway/high-speed (11)Parking/low-speed (6)Startup (4)

Owner Complaints

HIGH VOLUME

35 safety complaints filed with NHTSA

35found
1
Crash
1
Injury
ODI #11372444UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THERE IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS YEAR MODEL THEY ARE BUILT WITH A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION... I HAVE NOT HAD ANYTHING HAPPEN TO ME PERSONALLY BUT I AM TERRIFIED IT WILL. THERE ARE PLENTY OF VERIFIED SITUATIONS REPORTED ONLINE WHERE THE TRANSMISSIONS ON THIS PARTICULAR YEAR MODEL HAVE BEEN DRIVING AND SERIOUS EVENTS HAVE OCCURRED HAVING TO DO WITH THIS DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION. THAT LEXUS IS AWARE OF. THIS SHOULD NOT BE CONSUMERS PROBLEN IT IS LEXUS'FAULTBAND THEY SHOULD REPAIR IT.!

ODI #11241770AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCRASH1 INJURY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 LEXUS RX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS AT STAND STILL ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE GARAGE AND ALLOWED THE FRONT PASSENGER TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN. THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED WITH BOTH FEET BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE WALL, A TABLE SAW, A LARGE WOODEN TWO LAYERED WORK BEN, A CONCRETE WALL, INTO A DEN DOWNSTAIRS OF THE HOME, A POOL TABLE, AND A BAR SECTION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED SHE SUSTAINED BACK, KNEE AND SHOULDER INJURIES AND WAS CURRENTLY ATTENDING PHYSICAL THERAPY. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND A VOICEMAIL WAS LEFT. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

ODI #10668844POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION FAILED. *TR

ODI #10667794POWER TRAIN

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE RETURNING FROM A FAMILY TRIP FROM MISSISSIPPI AT APPROXIMATELY 150 MILES FROM MY HOME THE RX300 STOPPED ON THE HIGHWAY AND WOULD NOT PULL FORWARD IN ANY DRIVE POSITION. IT WAS ABOUT 10PM AND MOST BUSINESSES WERE CLOSED. AFTER PULLING OFF THE ROAD, I TRIED PUTTING THE CAR IN VARIOUS DRIVE POSITIONS AND IT WOULD NEVER GAIN ANY MOMENTUM. I SLOWLY PULLED BACK ONTO THE HIGHWAY USING MY EMERGENCY BLINKERS WHILE THE CAR WOULD PULL SLOWLY AT TIMES AND NOT AT ALL AT OTHERS. FINALLY I WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF THE HIGHWAY TO A GAS STATION AT THE EXIT. I ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO COOL DOWN FOR ABOUT AN HOUR AND TRIED TO MOVE IT AGAIN AND IT MOVED ABOUT TWENTY FEET AND STOPPED AGAIN. FORTUNATELY I HAD NOT GOTTEN ON THE ROAD AND WAS ABLE TO COAST BACK TO A PARKING AREA. I THEN HAD TO HAVE A TOW TRUCK PICK UP MY CAR AND TOW IT THE 150 MILES BACK TO MY CITY TO MY MECHANIC WHO INFORMED ME THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS COMPLETELY GONE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. MY CAR HAD BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND PREVIOUSLY HAD NO PROBLEMS. THE CAR WAS THOROUGHLY CHECKED OUT BY A MECHANIC ONLY THREE MONTHS BEFORE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

ODI #10592406POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

WHEN DRIVING MY LEXUS RX 300 1999 IT FEELS VERY FORCED AND WHEN ON THE EXPRESS WAY THE RPM GOES UP TO 5 WHEN IM DRIVING 60MPH AND WHEN I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND ITS TIME TO GO MY CAR STALLS AS IF IT WAS IN NEUTRAL VERY SCARY WHEN I HAVE MY NEWBORN AND A 7 YEAR OLD IN THE CAR. I HAVE MAINTAINED MY CAR TO THE UPMOST STANDARDS FROM THE BEST GAS SYNTHETIC OIL CHANGES CONSTANTLY CHECKING EVERYTHING IS IN GOOD CONDITIONS . FOR A LEXUS I AM VERY UPSET BECAUSE MY MECHANIC HAS SAID ITS THE TRANSMISSION AND THAT I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE IT WHICH COSTS 4-5,000 DOLLARS AND I MEAN IS A 15 YEAR OLD CAR WORTH PUTTING 5 GRAND INTO IT? I EXPECTED THIS CAR TO LAST ME A LITTLE BIT LONGER I MEAN FROM WHAT I WAS TOLD THIS CAR SHOULD GO TO ALMOST 300,000 BUT ITS OBVIOUSLY NOT. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT A LEXUS WOULD HAVE THIS COMMON PROBLEM FROM WHAT I'VE SEEN AND READ. *JS

ODI #10214381POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION. *TR

ODI #10213978POWER TRAIN

1999 LEXUS RX300 TRANSMISSION FAILURE. *TR

ODI #10212066POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT APPROXIMATELY 110,000 MILES ON 1999 LEXUS RX300. TRAVELING AT LOW SPEED (25 MPH) TRANSMISSION "LURCHED" LOST POWER AND WE DRIFTED TO A STOP ON A NARROW TWO LANE ROAD - ON A BLIND CURVE OF COURSE - AT NIGHT. *TR

ODI #10210448POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION IN MY 1999 LEXUS RX300 FAILED PREMATURELY AT 110,000. I HAVE READ THAT THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS WITH THIS MODEL'S TRANSMISSION AND FEEL THAT LEXUS SHOULD REIMBURSE ME FOR THE $4000+ REPAIR CHARGES. *TR

ODI #10210458POWER TRAIN

AT 80,000 OUR 1999 LEXUS RX 300 TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR $3,500. NOW AT 144,000 THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AGAIN FOR $4,000. *TR

ODI #10206510POWER TRAIN

WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV UP WITHOUT INPUT NOR INCREASE IN SPEED. TRANSMISSION FAILURE REQUIRED TOW TO SHOP FOR REPAIR. INSPECTION BY SHOP SHOWED COMPLETE FAILURE OF PLANETARY GEAR AND RESULTANT DAMAGE TO OTHER GEARS. REQUIRED COMPLETE REBUILD OF TRANSMISSION IN EXCESS OF $4600 WITH AN ADDITIONAL $1300 IN SUBSEQUENT REPAIRS DUE TO POOR REBUILD. *JB

ODI #10203470POWER TRAIN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LEXUS RX300. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND LEXUS STATED THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000. UPDATED 10/09/07. *JB

ODI #10199567POWER TRAIN

1999 LEXUS RX300 AWD, TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEED LIMIT OF 75 MPH. TRANSMISSION WENT IN TO NEUTRAL, AND CREATED A SERIOUS DRIVING HAZARD THAT REQUIRED MANEUVERING THROUGH TRAFFIC WITH NO CONTROL TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT GO BACK IN TO GEAR AND THERE WAS NO WAY TO CONTROL THE SPEED OF THE CAR. *JB

ODI #10195115POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION FAILURE FOR 1999 LEXUS RX300. OCCURRED AT HIGH SPEED ON INTERSTATE. 110K MILES WITH RECOMMENDED SERVICE. *TR

ODI #10192492POWER TRAIN

THE TRANSMISSION ON MY RX 300 YEAR 1999 WENT OUT. *TR

ODI #10191629POWER TRAIN

I PURCHASED MY 99 RX 300 IN FEBRUARY OF 2006 AT 51,800 MILES WITH RECORDS OF ALL SERVICE DONE WHEN NEEDED WITH A LEXUS DEALER. I BELIEVED I HAD PURCHASED A BEAUTIFUL CAR WITH VERY LOW MILES FOR THE YEAR THAT WOULD LAST ME FOR A FEW YEARS. AT 60,800 MILES THE CAR SUDDENLY WENT IN TO NEUTRAL ON THE HIGHWAY. HAD TO BE TOWED TO MY MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT MY TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. THIS WAS A 3,600 JOB. ALSO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE ALL 4 STRUTS AT ANOTHER $1,000. I INFORMED LEXUS OF MY FRUSTRATION. HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY SUPPORT OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. NOT HAPPY WITH THIS VEHICLE AND WILL PROBABLY NEVER BUY ANOTHER LEXUS AS I DON'T FEEL THEY ARE STANDING BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT.

ODI #10190901POWER TRAIN

AS I ENTERED THE INTERSTATE IN THE 1999 RX300, IT WOULDN'T CHANGE GEARS. I BARELY AVOIDED A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT AND WAS BARELY ABLE TO EXIT THE INTERSTATE. AS I TRIED TO FIND SOMEWHERE TO PULL OVER THE RPMS CLIMBED HIGHER AND HIGHER , AND I WASN'T ABLE TO TRAVEL OVER 20 MPH. ONCE I PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO PARK THE CAR I DISCOVERED THAT THE CAR WOULDN'T REVERSE. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC, HE SAID THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. I HAD TO PAY $3,000 FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CAR HAD 157,000 MILES. ONE SHOULD GET MORE MILES OUT OF A LEXUS, ESPECIALLY WHEN PAYING AS MUCH AS YOU DID FOR THE CAR. I WAS STILL NOT SURE WHY THIS ISN'T A RECALL. I NOTICED THERE WERE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE TRANSMISSION. MANY OF THE TRANSMISSION FAILURES HAPPENED EXACTLY THE SAME WAY MINE DID. HAD LEXUS LOOKED AT THE FACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILURES CONTINUOUSLY HAPPEN TO PEOPLE WHILE THEY WERE DRIVING ON MAJOR HIGHWAYS AND INTERSTATE? THAT WAS A HUGE RISK FOR LEXUS TO TAKE. THIS SHOULD SERIOUSLY BRING ME A RECALL. *AK

ODI #10188965SEAT BELTS

REAR SEAT BELT PASSENGER SIDE IS LOCKED UP AND WILL NOT EXTEND. WE ARE UNABLE TO PROPERLY PLACE SEATBELT - A DEFINITE SAFETY CONCERN. AT THIS MOMENT, WE ARE IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING IT LOOKED AT BY A LEXUS DEALER. *JB

ODI #10187563POWER TRAIN

TL*- WHILE DRIVING A 1999 LEXUS RX300 AT THE SPEED OF 70 MPH THE ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON, AND THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. THE ENGINE SEEMED AS THOUGH IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. SHE PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, BUT IT WOULD NOT GO INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A WHINING NOISE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL MECHANIC, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A SMALL CRACK IN THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. SHE STATED THAT WHEN THE WEATHER WAS COLD THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO STAY IN FIRST GEAR A LITTLE LONGER THAN NORMAL BEFORE IT SHIFTED. SHE INFORMED THE DEALERSHIP OF THE FAILURE ON 01/2006. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED HER THAT THIS WAS A NORMAL REACTION OF THE VEHICLE WITH THIS TYPE OF TRANSMISSION. THEY SAID THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, WHICH WAS THE FIRST INDICATION THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,972.*AK

ODI #10186669POWER TRAIN

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED. *JB

ODI #10182805POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION IN 1999 LEXUS RX300 FAILED ON MAJOR HIGHWAY. MANAGED TO PULL OFF INTO A GAS STATION AND AWAIT A TOW TRUCK. CAR COMPLETELY STALLED. WOULD NOT GO BACK OR FORWARD. HAD TO PUT IN A NEW TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF $4,016.22. THE CAR HAD 87,387 MILES. IN SPEAKING WITH THE PERSON DOING THE REPAIR, THIS WAS THE 4TH TIME THAT MONTH THAT A TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED ON A '99 RX 300 LEXUS THAT HAD LOW MILEAGE. CAR HAD BEEN PROPERLY SERVICED. DIFFERENT WEBSITES STATE THAT THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT IN THE RX 300 MODEL. IN SPEAKING WITH LEXUS CUSTOMER SUPPORT, THEY CLAIMED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THAT COULD BE DONE IN THE WAY OF HELPING TO COVER THE COST. COINCIDENTALLY, A MEMBER OF MY FAMILY HAD THE SAME THING HAPPENED IN 2005 TO A RX 300 WITH MILEAGE AT 75,000 AND LEXUS COVERED THE TRANSMISSION PART. *JB

ODI #10182504POWER TRAIN

RECENTLY TOOK MY CAR IN AND FOUND OUT THAT MY TRANSMISSION HAD GONE OUT AFTER 108,000 MILES AND WOULD BE $4200 TO REPLACE REBUILD. AFTER RESEARCHING ABOUT THE LEXUS RX300 1999 MODEL I AM FINDING OUT THERE ARE SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLES TRANSMISSION . *NM

ODI #10181741ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

LEXUS RX 300 ENGINE DIED AT 90K WITH NO WARNING. WAS STRANDED ON DARK HIGHWAY. PAID 4K TO REPLACE ENGINE. VERY DISAPPOINTING FOR SUCH EXPENSIVE CAR. *NM

ODI #10180989POWER TRAIN

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE 1999 LEXUS RX 300, HAD TRANSMISSION FAILURE ON 01/27/07. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH WITH GOOD THE ROAD CONDITIONS THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT TURNED ON EMERGENCY LIGHTS AND PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED HIM IT WAS AN INTERNAL FAILURE. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED HIM THAT THERE WAS A SEALANT PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED HIM HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PURCHASE OF A NEW TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE ONLY 71,000 MILES ON VEHICLE, AND THAT HE DID NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION BEFORE THIS INCIDENT. *AK

ODI #10177952POWER TRAIN

TWO DAYS AFTER PURCHASING A 2007 LEXUS RX350, I GAVE MY 1999 LEXUS RX 300 WHICH HAS 103,000 MILES ON IT TO MY DAUGHTER. SHE DROVE THE CAR 300 MILES HOME TO DALLAS ONLY TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION BEGIN TO BALK AT GOING INTO REVERSE THE NEXT DAY. THE TRANSMISSION PLACE WANTS $4000 TO REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION, AND THERE IS ALSO A BAD RATTLE IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE THAT I FEAR TO FIND OUT WHAT IT MAY BE. I BOUGHT THIS CAR PARTLY FOR LEXUS'S REPUTATION FOR RELIABILITY. I HAVE HAD MINOR THINGS GO WRONG WITH IT, AMONG THOSE AN OIL GASKET THAT COST $1500 TO REPLACE IN THE OIL PAN AND MULTIPLE BOUTS OF O2 SENSORS AND AIR FLOW METERS GOING OUT OR NEEDING TO BE CLEANED. STILL I EXPECTED TO DRIVE THE CAR FOR 250,000 MILES BECAUSE OF THE REPUTATION. NOW I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. MY DAUGHTER LOVES THE CAR, BUT CAN'T AFFORD THESE COSTLY REPAIRS. I WOULDN'T FEEL RIGHT SELLING THE CAR TO AN UNSUSPECTING STRANGER EITHER. I THINK LEXUS SHOULD STAND BEHIND THIS CAR AND REIMBURSE MY COSTS FOR ITEMS LIKE TRANSMISSION AND FRONT END REPAIRS THAT SHOULD BE SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NOT GO OUT AT THIS MILEAGE. *JB

ODI #10177807POWER TRAIN

MY TRANSMISSION ON MY 1999 RX300 COMPLETELY GAVE OUT ON ME AFTER MY CAR HAD BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY. IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND I HAD TO PAY FOR HALF OF THE REPAIRS. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE, I'VE FOUND TONS OF CUSTOMERS WHO EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE WITH THE RX300. IT IS CRIMINAL THAT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT THIS SOONER. CHECK OUT SOME OF THESE CUSTOMERS' EXPERIENCES: HTTP://WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/VIEWMORECOMMENTS_REVIEW_54694_1.HTML. *NM

ODI #10177600POWER TRAIN

I JUST HAD MY 1999 LEXUS RX300 SERVICED 2 WEEKS AGO WITH THE 90,000 MILE SERVICE (TIMING BELT, ETC). INCLUDED IN THIS I GOT THE TRANNY FLUID FLUSH. TWO WEEKS LATER ON 12/30 MY LEXUS STARTED SLIPPING (THE TRANNY). I GOT IT INTO MY SHOP AND HAD IT DIAGNOSED. THE TRANNY IS SHOT. FOR A LUXURY CAR TO LOSE IT'S TRANNY @ 100,000 MILES IS UNACCEPTABLE. FURTHERMORE THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. THEY ARE COUNTLESS STORIES IN FORUMS OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM IN THE 1999-2001 LEXUS RX300'S ALL OVER THE COUNTRY. THIS IS HORRIBLE. THIS IS A HUGE EXPENSE @ $3500 FOR A REPAIR. I HAVE CALLED LITERALLY ALL OVER THE COUNTRY TRYING TO FIND A TRANNY, MOST PLACES JUST DON'T HAVE THEM IN STOCK, CONFIRMING MY BELIEF THAT THE TRANNIES IN THE LEXUS RX300 ARE DEFECTIVE. THEY SHOULD RECALL THIS OR AT LEAST BE WILLING TO PONY UP A % OF THE COST FOR THIS HUGE EXPENSE. *JB

ODI #10177401POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT

WHILE DRIVING MY 1999 RX300 ON THE HIGHWAY, THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON ME. I FELT I WAS LOSING POWER AND DECIDED TO PULL OVER ON THE SHOULDER. I THEN TRY TO TURN OFF MY ENGINE TO SEE IF RESTARTING IT BACK UP WILL RESOLVE THE ISSUE. WHEN I START THE CAR BACK UP AND PUT IT ON DRIVE, THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE. NEEDLESS TO SAY I HAD TO CALL A TOW TO TOW MY CAR BACK HOME. *NM

ODI #10177085SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT

THE TRANSMISSION ON MY 1999 LEXUS RX 300 NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WITH ONLY 70,000 MILES ON THE CAR. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE STRUTS, THE RADIO ANTENNA MOTOR AND HAVE A MAJOR OIL LEAK REPAIRED. *NM

ODI #10175977POWER TRAIN

IN AUGUST 2005 I PURCHASED A 1999 LEXUS AWD RX-300 WITH 60,000 MILES FROM NORTHSIDE LEXUS IN HOUSTON. ON 12/4/06 THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 73,882 MILES '' THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO ANY GEAR. LEXUS DEALERS HAD REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AT 31,385 MILES AND 59,134 MILES. AN INDEPENDENT TRANSMISSION SHOP REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION FOR $3896 WITH THE FOLLOWING PARTS: TORQUE CONVERTER, OVERHAUL KIT, ALL STEELS, FRONT PLANETARY, SUN GEAR, RING GEAR, REAR PLANETARY, BUSHING KIT, AND BEARING KIT. ACCORDING TO THE SHOP, THIS FAILURE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IMPROPER MAINTENANCE OR DRIVING, BUT IS RELATED TO A POOR TRANSMISSION DESIGN. HE REPORTED COMMON TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH LEXUS RX-300 VEHICLES. LEXUS HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL OR SERVICE NOTICE FOR THESE TRANSMISSIONS, NOR WOULD NORTHSIDE LEXUS AGREE TO REIMBURSE ANY PART OF MY REPAIR. THERE ARE CURRENTLY 19 PAGES OF TRANSMISSION ISSUES REPORTED AT HTTP://US.LEXUSOWNERSCLUB.COM/FORUMS. MANY REPORTS LINK THE PROBLEM TO LOW CAPACITY ON THE ATF OIL PRESSURE PUMP. THESE TRANSMISSIONS MUST BE RECALLED AND LEXUS MUST REIMBURSE CONSUMERS FOR THESE VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. *NM

ODI #10174497POWER TRAIN

EVEN THOUGH HAVING ALL MAJOR SERVICE PERFORMED BY THE LEXUS DEALER, PLUS HAVING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FILTER CHANGED TWICE, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDS REPLACING AT A HIGH COST. I AM AWARE OF HUNDREDS OF OTHERS WHO HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THE RX300 THERE IS ONLY 69,930 MILES ON THIS LEXUS AND HAS BEEN VERY WELL MAINTAINED THIS IS MY FIRST AND LAST LEXUS/TOYOTA AS LEXUS/TOYOTA DON'T TAKE CARE OF THERE CUSTOMERS THEY NO OF THIS VERY BIG PROBLEM AND THEY DO NOTHING I DON'T SEE WHY THERE IS NOT A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT LIKE THE MOTOR SLUDGE / OIL GEL CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT I WILL STICK TO AMERICAN MADE CARS NOT ONLY DOES IT COST LESS TO REPAIR THEM THEY LAST LONGER THEN 69,000 MILES LIKE THIS LEXUS PIECE OF '!@#$% I NOW HAVE TO PAY $6200.00 TO FIX AND THE EXTENDED WARRANTY I BOUGHT AT THE TIME IF SALE OF THE LEXUS DON'T COVER CRAP. *JB

ODI #10166759POWER TRAIN

MY 1999 RX300 AWD (U140F) TRANSMISSION GAVE 2 SHUDDERS WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH AND THEN QUIT PULLING EXCEPT FOR 1 BLK OR SO AFTER RESTARTING THE ENGINE. TOOK IT TO TRANSMISSION SPECIALIST. HE SAID PLANETARY GEARS WIPED OUT. OBTAINED NEW ONES AND REPAIRED OK. 1 MONTH LATER I PARKED AND WHEN RESTARTED, IT WOULD NOT GO INTO REVERSE OR NEUTRAL. HAD TO DRAG OUT OF SPACE. FWD OK. DROVE 200 MILES BACK TO TRANSMISSION SHOP. PLANETARIES AGAIN. REPLACED. OK 1 WK. REPLACED WHOLE TRANSMISSION WITH ONE FROM HIGHLANDER. STILL SHIFTS OCCASIONALLY POOR AT 10-30 MPH 2-3 SHIFT SHUDDER. SEEMS IT HAS A MAF SENSOR ERROR NOW THAT MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSING THE SHUDDER / HARD SHIFTS/FAILURE. CAR HAS 140 K MILES. I THINK TOYOTA IS HIDING THIS SIMPLE FAILURE CAUSING MAJOR ($8K) FAILURES. *NM

ODI #10158627SEAT BELTS

WHILE ON VACATION THIS PAST WEEKEND MY 7 1/2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS UNABLE TO FASTEN HER SEAT BEAT! I HAD TO MOVE HER BOOSTER SEAT TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE REAR OF THE CAR. I TOOK THE CAR TO LEXUS TO HAVE THEM REPAIR THIS SAFETY FEATURE. I WAS INFORMED IT WOULD COST ME $250 TO REPAIR. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT BELT STOPPED WORKING IN 2003 AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT AND LEXUS CLAIMED IS WAS FINE. IT STILL DOESN'T WORK. *NM

ODI #10155875SEAT BELTS

SEAT BELTS WILL NOT RETRACT WITHOUT MANUALLY FEEDING THEM BACK INTO THE RETRACTOR. IF SEAT BELTS ARE NOT MANUALLY FED BACK INTO THE RETRACTOR THE BUCKLE AND SLACK SEAT BELT ARE CAUGHT WHEN THE DOOR CLOSES. *JB

ODI #10154146POWER TRAIN

EARLY FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION AFTER FOLLOWING MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE AND CHANGING FLUID EVERY 30K MILES. TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE DRIVE IN THE DESERT 75 MILES WEST OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH. TRANSMISSION REPLACED AT ROSEVILLE LEXUS, THE REPLACEMENT WOULD FAIL TO GO INTO DRIVE WHEN THE GAS PEDAL WAS PUSH AFTER STOPPING CAUSING MANY NEAR COLLISIONS FROM THE REAR DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC, SECOND TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED FINALLY, BUT THE STABILIZER BAR MOUNTS WERE LEFT DISCONNECTED AND RUBBING ON THE BRAKE LINES AND DRIVE SHAFT. INCIDENTALLY THE FIRST REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION WAS MISSING THREE BOLTS WHICH ATTACHED IT TO THE ENGINE. THE QUALITY OF WORK BY THIS DEALERSHIP WAS VERY POOR AND UNSAFE TO THE OWNER. THE SECOND TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT WAS POORLY DONE AND THE DRIVE SHAFT CAME OUT ON THE RIGHT SIDE TEARING THE SEAL AND LEAVING FLUID EVERYWHERE. THIS DEALERSHIP CAUSED MORE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND LEFT IT IN UNSAFE CONDITION WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED INJURY TO THE OCCUPANTS. *NM

Complaint & Reliability Timeline

Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red

Annual complaints and reliability score for LEXUS RX — recall years marked in red
0102005010020062009201220152018202120242026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 35 total NHTSA complaints filed over 6 years, with the worst year being 2007 (20 complaints).

The amber reliability line averaged 99/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 90/100 in 2019.

Notably, despite 35 complaints on file, no recall has been issued — either the defect pattern has not met NHTSA's threshold for a formal campaign, or a recall may be forthcoming.

Red dots on the amber line flag 2019, a year when complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.

Details & Analysis
Financial

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation

$33,114
~$552/mo over 5 yrs
$0.1/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$9,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$1,500
Depreciation
$5,114

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $33,114 (~$552/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Tailored for the 1999 LEXUS RX — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list

MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: POWER TRAIN
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.

Recall Probability Forecast

Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals

5%
18-month
10%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 10%

5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

Maintenance Schedule

OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions

Insurance Cost Estimate

Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings

Full Coverage
$1,270–$1,620/yr
~$106–$135/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
▼ 27-year-old vehicle: −28% (lower ACV reduces comprehensive/collision cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

State-Specific Legal Protections

What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data Table

All decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VINJT6HF10U5X0069620
Model Year1999
MakeLEXUS
ModelRX
Trim300
SeriesMCU10L/MCU15L
Vehicle TypeMULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Doors4
Drive Type4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Fuel TypeGasoline

Engine

Engine Cylinders6
Displacement (L)3.0
Horsepower220

Manufacturer

ManufacturerTOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
Assembly CountryJAPAN

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)JT6
Check Digit (Char 9)5
Model Year Code (Char 10)X
Plant Code (Char 11)0
Sequence (Chars 12–17)069620

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count0
NHTSA Complaint Count35

VIN Structure Decode

ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number

J
1
T
2
6
3
H
4
F
5
1
6
0
7
U
8
5
9
X
10
0
11
0
12
6
13
9
14
6
15
2
16
0
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
J
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
T
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
6
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
HF10U
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
5
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
X
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
0
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
069620
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Japan
From VIN position 1 (J)
Model Year Character
"X" → 1999
Could also be 2029
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 11/2/2026, 3:17:24 AM.