8th Apr 2008, 23:48

My 1999 Lexus RX 300 also has a D lite which is nonfunctional. Now after doing a break job fronts and backs, the rear lights icon goes off every time I hit the brakes. All the lights work. I don't have to pump the break pedal up. Break fluid level is fine. Any ideas what to look for?

15th Apr 2008, 11:28

We bought a preowned 99 Lexus RX300 from a Lexus dealer in 2002 with 41k miles.

No major problems until this week when the transmission died at 108k miles. We had to drive it on the shoulder for about 5 miles to get to a safe location. It would drive at a very slow speed and engine was revving. Scary situation. Had it towed to an independent auto transmission shop recommended by our mechanic. Looking at a $5200 bill for a remanufactured transmission. Comes with a 5 years/50k warranty.

Car has been out of warranty since 2005, so no help from Lexus. Am worried after reading all the posts about additional problems after we spend so much. But not in position to buy another car right now. So I guess we keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best!

20th Apr 2008, 15:38

I think I have another trans to add to the list. I have a 99 RX300. Bought with 20k on it. Now has 147k. Always serviced. Recently had problems shifting into reverse - thought it was the brakes. Had a brake job everything was fine. Now has started to shift very hard btw 1st & 2nd if engine isn't warmed up. Trouble between 2nd & 3rd (also when cold). Sounds like the same transmission problems. Thanks Lexus!

24th Jun 2008, 12:12

People, people, people.

Any car that you get that has over 70,000 miles on it has to be serviced and maintained more than usual.

I have read many posts, and I am too a Lexus 99 RX owner, and I take all of your comments into consideration, however many of you complain about the transmission dying at 110,000 plus miles this is normal. Why do I say this is normal? Unless you have owned the car out of the box, any car you get can have the potential of problems. It all depends on your driving habits and the use of the vehicle.

As close to a car that an SUV supposedly is, it is not, I know people who accelerate their SUV from zero thinking they drive a Honda Civic, which in turn will minimize the life of the transmissions.

I am not trying to come off as an expert, because I hope nothing happens to my car, but just service your car when you have to, and if problems persist, just trade it in.

Sometimes two people with the exact same car; one my outlast the other, and that's just has to do with previous care, present care and future care, and most importantly, driving habits.

30th Jun 2008, 20:25

We bought a certified pre-owned 2001 Lexus RX300. The vehicle had 45000 miles when purchased in December 2003. We now have 112000 miles on it. We have added approximately 67000 of our miles to the vehicle. Guess what, the transmission has given out. We are trying to get assistance through the Lexus "Good Will" program. We are hoping they pay for the parts since we feel they wore prematurely. We'll post back letting everyone know what happened.

And to the person posting 110000 miles being a norm for transmission life... we own 2 Hondas and 2 Acuras. I'm happy to say both Hondas have 130,000 + with no transmission issues. I'm sure our Acuras will do the same.

9th Jul 2008, 19:20

We have a 2000 RX300. We went to the dealer with a transmission problem and the dealer told us we need a new transmission. We have 110,000 miles on it. I am shocked. I have achieved much higher mileage with cheaper cars without ever a hint of a transmission problem. After each of my cars is out of warranty I do my own work on them. I followed the recommended transmission fluid replacement schedule and used the over-priced Lexus transmission fluid. Because I do my own service, I have no paper trail so I know I am out of luck with help from the dealer. It will be a long time before I buy another Lexus.

16th Aug 2008, 19:22

My wife's 2000 Lexus RX300 was just taken to the shop as the transmission is dead. Closest dealer was about 180 miles away. They agreed to pay half because of the "good will" policy, so I am looking at a $1600 bill. They also recommended replacing the transfer box as it was leaking. After reading the horror stories, I am concerned about the rest of the car (SUV).

12th Oct 2008, 02:09

First owner here on a '99 RX300. It has a low 56,000 miles on it after 10 years. I noticed a whining sound during a long drive from LA. I took it to the dealer, and they said the sound is coming from the transfer case because the transmission overheated and the fluid is "burned". They quoted me $9,100 to fix the problem - differential and transmission replacement for a whining sound. I refused.

Thank you for the inputs here. Although I have not experienced gear shift problems or gear tooth issues, I also believe the main cause of the several transmission problems reported here is the undersized transmission causing it to overheat, then leading to dry and burnt fluid.

I had the dealer replace all the fluids. Guess what. They just did a flush and fill. The transfer case filter was not replaced.

From here on, I will replace the differential and transfer case fluid myself. I don't trust anyone anymore - Lexus dealer, AAMCO, name it - particularly after these hard economic times. It looks like everybody will find a way to survive nowadays.

For do-it-yourself work, there are excellent posts here from RX300 owners on differential and transfer case fluid flush and change:

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?t=214000

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?t=220061

I hope this helps.

4th Nov 2008, 14:34

2000 RX300 106K miles has intermittent problems putting into reverse. I use reset button on the gear shift area, and am then able to move into reverse. Is there a known fix to this problem, or is it a prelude to more transmission issues?

10th Nov 2008, 15:17

I have had many of the same problem others have had on this site. I have a Lexus 99 RX 300. A week ago it started vibrating and lose of power. Then it stopped and would not go into any gear. After about 1 hr. it start up went into gear and drove about a couple of blocks and did the same thing. The were also lock and it would not move.

Brought it to an auto repair shop and they said it was the transmission. Later they said that they found that the drive trans had to be fixed. No indicator lights came on at all. Does anyone know if the 2004 and later have any of the same problems? Rebuilt transmission cost me $3300.

Try Toyota for repairs as they are cheaper like someone said. They quoted me $2448. Sorry I didn't know this before.