Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||||
| 010199 | 01/01/1999 | 609102 | Subject pertaining to wireless recognition codes. *tt | 12/13/1999 | |
| 010199 | 01/01/1999 | 609101 | Subject regarding special precautions for registering wireless recognition codes. *tt | 12/13/1999 | |
| SS00199 | 04/09/1999 | SS00297 | 604960 | Subject on customize program card version 1.1 - features. *tt | 05/21/1999 |
| SS00299 | 04/09/1999 | 604958 | Subject regarding program card version 1.1 used for customizing many of the electrical functions on some vehicles. *tt | 05/21/1999 | |
| 99V012 | 02/01/1999 | 604044 | Subject regarding door courtesy lamp switch ( door lock ); trac brake line; and body electronic control unit (ecu) replacement. *yc | 03/16/1999 | |
| AU00298 | 05/22/1998 | 601433 | Experiencing alternator and ignition noise through the audio system. *yc | 08/04/1998 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS | |||||
| EL00798 | 12/11/1998 | 603206 | Subject pertaining to washer fuse production change. *yc | 02/08/1999 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER | |||||
| SS00699 | 06/18/1999 | 606226 | Information regarding the scantool immbolizer key code utility. *tt | 08/13/1999 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE | |||||
| XL3 | 01/01/1999 | 615966 | On certain rx models, if the headlight swtich is set to the auto position, the headlights and taillights may not automatically illuminate in low ambient light. under this condition, only the daytime running lights (using high beam at re | 02/06/2001 | |
| XL3 | 02/01/1999 | 615965 | Special service campaign regarding body electronic control unit (ecu) replacement. *tt | 02/06/2001 | |
| EG00398 | 12/25/1998 | 603202 | Reset memory function which should be used to reset the ecm. *yc | 02/08/1999 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING | |||||
| AX00298 | 05/29/1998 | 601431 | Information on trailer wire harness installation. *yc | 08/04/1998 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | |||||
| NV00699 | 04/09/1999 | 604961 | Experiencing rattle noise from the multi-display area. *tt | 05/21/1999 | |
| EL00499 | 04/09/1999 | 604962 | Inspection procedures to diagnose multi display assembly. *tt | 05/21/1999 | |
| NV00699 | 03/12/1999 | 604661 | Procedures to eliminate squeaking & rattling noise from center cluster finish panel area. *tt | 05/07/1999 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||
| 06/01/2008 | |||
| I purchased used 1999 lexus rx300 in 2008 and so far i've had to replace the transmission due to unexpected catastrophic failure, both air ratio sensors, both knock sensors, oxygen sensor, front strut mounts, and now possibly have to change the transmission again (not shifting correctly). i was not aware that the 1999 to 2001 rx300s were so problematic. since this is my only vehicle and i am still making payments on it, i am stuck footing the bill for all these repairs. which from what i have researched are attributed to bad engineering. i am constantly having to repair a vehicle which is supposedly known for quality. the problems that i've mentioned are just the major repairs. i have other minor issues such as rear power window must remain locked or it opens on it's own, dashboard lights do not illuminate,and power roof gets stuck open intermittently. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH | |||
| 10/20/2003 | 63000 | 1 | 02/28/2000 |
| I own a 1999 lexus rx-300. the keys are defective, resulting in a dangerous condition. lexus's dealers and its roadside assistance personnel have told me that the keys were originally made with metal that is too brittle. as a result, the keys grind down, and eventually the keys can come out while the car is on, or can come out before the lock is disengaged, making it impossible to start the car. lexus has issued internal technical bulletins, but has never advised its customer of this problem, which results in a $900 repair problem after about 4 years of use. keys should last more than 4 years, or lexus should be forced to advertise that fact to its customres. | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - FRONT UNDERHOOD | |||
| 01/18/2001 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle overheated while driving, consumer pulled to side of road and walked to get help. upon returning vehicle was burning. vehicle totalled. *ak | |||
| 08/05/2000 | 1 | 05/01/1999 | |
| Was traveling 10mph when vehicle lost power. noticed a glow under hood. stopped vehicle & jumped out. vehicle caught on fire immediately afterwards. fire department arrived & put flames out. gave no indication of cause of fire. had vehicle towed to lexus dealership. everything under the hood was consumed by fire & melted.*ak | |||
| 08/05/2000 | 1 | 05/01/1999 | |
| Vehicle caught fire as it was being driven. engine compartment was destroyed and the car was totaled.*ak | |||
| 09/15/2000 | 1 | 12/01/1998 | |
| Engine caught fire while driving to work. dealership notified. no response. *ak | |||