1999 Lexus RX
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 35
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Power train
None on file
None on file
83% of complaints
Complaints per year
1999: 35 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 35 |
| 2000 | 29 |
| 2001 | 19 |
| 2002 | 12 |
| 2003 | 4 |
| 2004 | 40 |
| 2005 | 27 |
| 2006 | 32 |
| 2007 | 58 |
| 2008 | 70 |
| 2009 | 34 |
| 2010 | 77 |
| 2011 | 29 |
| 2012 | 12 |
| 2013 | 18 |
| 2014 | 12 |
| 2015 | 20 |
| 2016 | 28 |
| 2017 | 47 |
| 2018 | 26 |
| 2019 | 34 |
| 2020 | 48 |
| 2021 | 70 |
| 2022 | 29 |
| 2023 | 60 |
| 2024 | 60 |
| 2025 | 23 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
83% · 29 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-12-22
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...
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-05-19
Also filed under Engine
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-03-30
Seat belts
9% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing rear/other and retractor.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-05-30
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-04-22
Engine and engine cooling
6% · 2 reportsMost commonly citing engine.
Equipment
6% · 2 reportsMost commonly citing radio/tape deck/cd etc..
Vehicle speed control
3% · 1 reportShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-08-05
Also filed under Air bags
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1999 Lexus RX — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 29 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1999 Lexus RX reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Lexus RX is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1999 Lexus RX?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 83% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1999 Lexus RX have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.