1999 Lexus RX problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1999 Lexus RX sits mid-pack among RX years: 41 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 39, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 71% of all reports (29 of 41), far ahead of seat belts at 3.
41
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1999 compare to other RX years?
What are the most common 1999 Lexus RX problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 29 | 71% | new |
| Engine | 3 | 7% | new |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 7% | new |
| Other | 2 | 5% | new |
| Airbags | 1 | 2% | new |
| Speed Control | 1 | 2% | new |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | new |
| Electrical System | 1 | 2% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“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…”
“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”
“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…”
“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…”
“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…”
1999 Lexus RX — common questions
Is the 1999 Lexus RX reliable?
It is close to typical for the RX: 41 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 1999 RX problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (29 complaints), seat belts (3 complaints), engine (3 complaints).
Does the 1999 Lexus RX have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1999 Lexus RX.
Which Lexus RX years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the RX years to avoid are 2010, 2021, 2008, 2007, 2024, 2023, 2019. The cleanest record among RX years belongs to 2026.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.