Four problems related to check engine light on have been reported for the 1999 Lexus RX300. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 1999 Lexus Rx300. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start without the diagnostic code reader. If the diagnostic code reader was removed from the vehicle, the vehicle would shut off. The check engine light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who stated that several different failure codes appeared for the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired several times for several codes; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware, but was not familiar with the failure and did not offer a repair. The approximate failure mileage was 230,000.
My check engine light came on. I had the oil changed for the second time within 30 days because I thought it was an oil problem. The light went off as I was leaving the place. A couple days later the light would come on when I made turns, blink, then go back off. A few days later, it came back on steady, and the car started to jerk while I was driving on the interstate. It would jerk, then slowly increase speed. Last Saturday, I applied brakes, and the car rolled another few feet. Had to swerve left to keep from rear ending a vehicle. Today, upon slowing down to enter my driveway, it did it again, and I nearly hit a brick column at the beginning of the driveway. It doesn't jerk frequently, but it seems to do it more often when I am on cruise control. I love my SUV and am always bragging about what a reliable car it is. I can't afford to replace it, retired and on disability.
My 1999 -- Lexus Rx300 has about 140k miles on it. The car is now parked so I don't kill myself or my family while driving. A couple months ago, my car just started jerking as if it was going to cut off and my check engine light came on. I work off a major highway and I was really scared. My car speed would be 50-55mph but the rpms would be as high as 6. I have never experienced anything like that before. I went to the car repair shop - I had some mis-fires and they were fixed for $150, no problem. The car repair recommended I get my front brakes done because my miles per gallon had slipped to 15 in the city. A couple weeks later, I got my front brakes done, no problems until one evening, I was driving home when my check engine light came on again. . . This time I was at the stop light and my car started idling/jerking like I needed to give it some gas or it was going to die. My check engine light is now blinking on my dash board. My husband took my car to a transmission shop and the Lexus dealership they say 2-coil ignitions have failed. And that my spark plugs need to be replaced. I also have some other transmission problems but in order to get the check engine light to stop blinking I have to fix, the coil ignition problem which cost between $515 to $775. Then they can run more test to see there is any more problems. My car is parked for now. There should be some sort of recall since this is a common problem with all '99 Lexus Rx300. This is crazy.
Engine design is faulty. While driving vehicle oil becomes very hot and turns into sludge. Engine check light illuminates on dash continuously. Please provide any further information.