1998 Lexus Rx300 problems
The Lexus RX (Japanese: レクサス・RX, Hepburn: Rekusasu RX) is a luxury crossover SUV sold since 1998 by Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota. Originally released in its home market of Japan in late 1997 as the Toyota Harrier, export sales began in March 1998 as the Lexus RX.
Considered as the first luxury crossover SUV, five generations of the RX have been produced to date, the first being compact in size, and the latter classified as mid-size. Both front- and four-wheel drive configurations have been used on the RX series, and several gasoline powertrain options, including V6 engines and hybrid systems, have been offered. In the Lexus model lineup, the RX sits below the larger Lexus LX (marketed as the Toyota Land Cruiser body-on-frame SUVs outside North America, respectively), and above the shorter and less wider, but taller GX SUV. The name "RX" stands for "Radiant Crossover". It has also been labelled as "Recreational Cross Country" in some markets. The RX's current Toyota counterpart is the Highlander/Kluger; past counterparts included the Harrier and Venza.
The first-generation RX 300, fitted with a 3.0-liter V6 engine, began sales in 1998. The Japanese market Harrier released in 1997 also offered a 2.2-liter inline-four, later uprated to 2.4 liters. The second-generation RX 300 (3.0-liter V6) and RX 330 (3.3-liter V6) models went on sale in 2003, with both variants supplanted by the more powerful RX 350 (3.5-liter V6) in 2006. Like the previous series, a 2.4-liter inline-four engine was sold alongside the 3.0-liter V6 in the Japanese market Harrier. In 2005, a hybridized gasoline-electric version of the 3.3-liter second-generation model was made available as the RX 400h in export markets and as the Harrier Hybrid in Japan. For the third generation released in 2009, both RX 350 (3.5-liter V6) and RX 450h (3.5-liter V6 hybrid) models were initially offered, with an entry-level RX 270 (2.7-liter inline-four) offered by Lexus in some Asian markets, including in Japan, since 2010. Since the release of the third generation, Japanese sales have occurred under the RX name as opposed to Harrier as had been the case previously. In the fourth generation, a turbocharged (2.0-liter inline-four) RX 200t/300 model was introduced to replace the previous 2.7-liter unit.
The RX has been assembled at Toyota Motor Kyushu since launch. The RX and RX Hybrid were the first Lexus models to be built outside Japan, with North American market versions produced at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada plant in Cambridge, Ontario beginning 2003 (RX) and expanded in 2014 (RX Hybrid). Hybrid transaxles are built at the Kokura plant in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka since 2009.
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Common 1998 Lexus Rx300 problems
The Lexus RX300, produced from 1998 to 2003, is known for its luxurious features and excellent performance. However, it is not immune to certain common problems, primarily related to the engine and electrical systems.
Engine Problems:
- Oil Leaks: One of the most common issues with the RX300 is an oil leak. Symptoms of this issue can include low oil pressure, burning oil smell, or oil spots on the ground. Oil leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty valve cover gasket, a damaged oil pan, or worn-out engine seals. Depending on the cause of the oil leak, repairs can range from a simple gasket replacement to more complex repairs that involve removing the engine.
- Rough Idle or Hesitation During Acceleration: This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including a dirty throttle body, a clogged fuel injector, or a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor. Cleaning or replacing these components can help resolve these issues and improve engine performance.
- Timing Belt Issues: Some RX300 owners may experience issues with the engine's timing belt. Symptoms of a worn or damaged timing belt can include engine misfires, loss of power, or strange noises coming from the engine compartment. Replacing the timing belt and associated components can help prevent engine damage and ensure reliable operation.
- Cooling System Issues: Some RX300 owners may experience issues with the engine's cooling system. Symptoms of a cooling system issue can include engine overheating or coolant leaks. Common causes of cooling system issues can include a faulty thermostat, a damaged radiator, or a failing water pump. Regular maintenance of the cooling system and prompt repairs can help prevent engine damage and ensure reliable operation.
Electrical Problems:
- Battery Problems: A dead battery can cause a lot of problems for your Lexus RX300. If you find that your car won't start or the lights are dim, it's time to check the battery. A simple way to test the battery is to turn on the headlights and see if they are bright. If they are dim, it's time to replace the battery.
- Alternator Problems: If your car's battery is new but still won't hold a charge, the problem may be with the alternator. The alternator is responsible for charging the battery and powering the car's electrical systems. A faulty alternator can cause the battery to drain and prevent the car from starting. If you suspect an alternator problem, you should take your Lexus RX300 to a mechanic for a diagnosis.
- Fuse Problems: Fuses protect the electrical systems of your Lexus RX300 by preventing excess current from flowing through the circuits. If a fuse blows, it can cause a specific system to stop working. For example, a blown fuse may cause the power windows to stop working. To fix the problem, you need to replace the blown fuse with a new one.
- Wiring Problems: The wiring in your Lexus RX300 can become corroded or damaged over time, which can cause electrical problems. You may experience issues with the lights, power windows, or other systems. If you suspect a wiring problem, it's best to take your car to a mechanic to have it diagnosed and repaired.
- Sensor Problems: The Lexus RX300 has many sensors that monitor the car's performance and communicate with the car's computer. If a sensor is faulty, it can cause issues with the car's performance, such as a rough idle or reduced fuel economy. If you suspect a sensor problem, you should take your Lexus RX300 to a mechanic to have it diagnosed and repaired.
In conclusion, the Lexus RX300 is a reliable vehicle, but like any other car, it can experience engine and electrical problems. Regular maintenance and inspection of these components can help prevent these issues from occurring in the first place. If you are experiencing any of these issues with your Lexus RX300, it's important to have a qualified mechanic diagnose and repair the issue as soon as possible.
What is the common problem of Lexus RX300?
The automatic boot motor is known for failing on the RX300. If you are finding that the automatic boot is making a clunking noise when you press the button to open/close the boot, then this is an indication of the motor starting to fail. If the boot does not open at all, then the motor has completely failed.
How many miles can a Lexus RX300 last?
In general, cars from this luxury brand can easily last 250,000 to 300,000 miles. While cars from other brands can last for around 150,000 miles, a Lexus can double that estimation and allows drivers to push the absolute limit of the vehicle's longevity before a replacement is necessary.
What is the problem if the car has a check engine Lexus RX300?
Lexus RX300 Check Engine Light Flashing
Other common reasons for a Check Engine Light are faulty head gasket, a malfunction with the fuel injection system, dirty mass airflow sensor, faulty emissions control part, damaged oxygen sensor, or defective spark plugs to name a few.
Does the Lexus RX300 have a timing belt or chain?
belt
It does not have a chain, it has a belt.
1998 Lexus Rx300 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lexus Rx300 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Visibility problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Tires problems
- Electrical system problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Lexus Rx300 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Lexus Rx300 complaints
The NHTSA has received 6 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Lexus Rx300.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-10
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 1998 LEXUS RX 300 SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND ROLLED OVER. THIS WAS IN 2002 AUGUST AND I HAD CALLED LEXUS TO CHECK IF THERE IS A SUDDEN ACCELERATION OR A ROLL OVER PROBLEM. THEY SAID NONE. I DECIDED NOT TO ENGAGE A FORENSIC ENGINEER TO INVESTIGATE BECAUSE THAT WOULD DELAY THE INSURANCE PAY BACK. MY WIFE WALKED AWAY WITH MINIMAL INJURIES BUT NEVERTHELESS, WE STILL DISCUSS WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE PROBLEM. *CN
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT8BH28F7W0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE BLEW OUT ON HIGHWAY. DOT ELA6CBC447 BRIDGESTONE TURANZAP225/60R16.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT6HG10U5X0
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: SUNROOF EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT6HG10U5X0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURES ON TWO OCCASIONS.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT6HG10U5X0
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: VENTING SYSTEM OPERATES POORLY DUE TO DESIGN, NO CONTROL FOR CENTRAL VENTS.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT6HG10U5X0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TRIM AND STRIPPING COMING OFF.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Lexus Rx300 problems:
Common Rx300 Problems - 99 - 03 Lexus RX300 - Lexus Owners ...
Nov 16, 2004 ... Hi, this is a great forum. My wife has a 99 RX300 with about 55K miles on it and so far it has been good. However, checking this forum and ...
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Sep 27, 2005 ... As far as reliability, yes it has been every bit as reliable, except for an exhaust gasket that went costing $100 at dealer, everything has been ...
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Apr 25, 2006 ... The well-known RX failures that we've experienced and had Lexus ... problems with ANY Toyota or Lexus ... Lexus Model: 98 LS400 / 01 RX 300. Share.
Lexus RX300 Problems and Complaints - 10 Issues
Top Lexus RX300 Problems · Check Engine Light Due to Failed O2 Sensor · Debris in Idle Air Control Valve May Cause Engine Problems · Check Engine Light and Lack of ...
My first car. 2003 Lexus Rx300 that my family has owned for 18 years
Sep 12, 2021 ... A few years back we had a used 1998 Rx300 while living in Japan. It had Toyota badges instead of Lexus and it was called a Harrier and the ...
Other years of Lexus Rx300
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