NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls and 221 owner complaints for the 1999 Lexus RX300. Most complaints involve power train (129) and engine and engine cooling (23). The EPA rates it 18–19 mpg combined.
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
POLYMER PROCESS DEVELOPMENT IS RECALLING 931 UNITS OF BACK GLASS, P/NO. FB20415ZPY, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON 1999-2004 LEXUS RX300 VEHICLES. THE GLASS FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE AUTOMOTIVE GLAZING MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 205, GLAZING MATERIALS.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“ON 06/16/16 I PULLED INTO DRIVEWAY ENGAGE EMERGENCY BRAKES PLACE VEHICLE IN PARK AND GOT OFF. IMMEDIATELY I REALIZED VEHICLE WAS ROLLING FORWARD I ATTEMPTED TO START TO BRAKE AND GOT NOTHING. I NOTICED THAT VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE I ATTEMPTED TO PLACE IN PARK AND GOT NOTHING LEVER WAS FREE SLIDING NOT ENGAGING ANY GEARS. I IMMEDIATELY GOT ONLINE TO ATTEMPT TO TROUBLESHOOT ISSUE AND RAN INTO A HANDFUL OF BLOGS RELATING TO AN ISSUE IN GEAR SHIFTER CABLE WITH A PLASTIC RETAINING CLIP WHICH LEXUS USES ON CABLE. I HAD NO INDICATION OR ANY SORT OF WARNING OF THIS ISSUE BEFORE IT OCCURRED IT JUST HAPPEN OUT OF THE BLUE AND IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE IF I WAS ACTUALLY ON THE ROAD WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I HAVE READ THAT LEXUS IS NOT STANDING BEHIND THIS MISTAKE AND FEEL THAT IT IS HORRIBLE TO ALLOW A COMPANY THAT SELLS SUCH EXPENSIVE VEHICLES TO EMPLOY THIS PRACTICE AND ENDANGER CONSUMERS, SPECIFICALLY FOR SUCH AN INEXPENSIVE PIECE. I HAD TO GET UNDER VEHICLE TO MANUALLY ENGAGE TRASMISSION INTO NEUTRAL TO BE ABLE TO START VEHICLE AND PROPERLY PARK BY AGAIN GETTING UNDER VEHICLE AND PLACING IN REVERSE AND THE DRIVE, I WAS UNABLE TO GET BACK INTO PARK FOR SOME REASON WILL LIFT…”
“WHILE DRIVING ON A 2 LANE MOUNTAIN ROAD THE ENGINE ON MY 1999 LEXUS RX 300 STARTED KNOCKING LOUDLY AND FAILED. I WAS ABLE TO SWING INTO A PULL OUT AND DID NOT GET HIT. THIS FAILURE IS DUE TO SLEDGE BUILD UP. I AM A SECOND OWNER OF THE VEHICLE AND DID NOT RECEIVE NOTICE FROM TOYOTA ABOUT REPLACING A DEFECTIVE ENGINE . I PURCHASED VEHICLE IN 03 HAD IT IN FOR REPAIRS IN 07 THE DEALERSHIP FAILED TO INFORM ME OF THE LAWSUIT AND CORRECT THE ENGINE AT THAT TIME. NOW THIS INCIDENT IN 2010. I COULD HAVE LOST MY LIFE IF I WERE TO HAVE BEEN HIT ON THIS MOUNTAIN ROAD THAT SITS ON THE CLIFF AT 5,500 FEET. *TR”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 LEXUS RX300. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A STOPPED VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND LEFT KNEE INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEN TOWED TO HER RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,000. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX 300 Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
| RX 300 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 20 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
7 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 221 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (129), engine and engine cooling (23), air bags (14). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1999 Lexus RX300 at 18–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).