Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 1999 Lexus RX300
The 1999 Lexus RX300 is generally reliable but has notable issues with lighting and braking systems. Prospective buyers should inspect for aftermarket lighting compliance and ensure the brake system is sound. Proper maintenance records are essential.
NHTSA data on file today
The 1999 Lexus RX300 has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 221 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #09E025000 FMVSS 108/REPLACEMENT HEADLAMPS/AMBER REFLECTOR NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09E012000 FMVSS 108/AFTERMARKET COMBINATION LAMPS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #08E020000 FMVSS 205/REPLACEMENT BACK GLASS/GLAZING MATERIAL NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E049000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06E026000 FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #99V012000 TOYOTA/BRAKE LINE NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #99V011000 TOYOTA/AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 129 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 23 complaints
- Air Bags 14 complaints
- Seat Belts 10 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 10 complaints
- Electrical System 8 complaints
Of the 221 complaints on file, 18 report a crash and 10 a fire; across all 221 complaints, owners report 16 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Unstable under braking
How to check: Test braking under different speeds; feel for instability.
Non-compliant aftermarket lighting
How to check: Inspect lamps for amber reflectors as per FMVSS 108.
Faulty brake lines
How to check: Inspect brake lines for wear and proper distribution.
Headlights may not auto-illuminate
How to check: Switch lights to auto mode; check functionality in dim light.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking or tapping sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Any warning lights stay on
- 03
Low-speed brake test
What to check: Feel for stability during braking.
Red flag: Brake pedal feels mushy/unresponsive
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth, jerk-free acceleration.
Red flag: Hesitation or jerking during acceleration
- 05
Stopping on incline
What to check: Check for brake effectiveness on incline.
Red flag: Car rolls backward noticeably
- 06
Lights test
What to check: Switch between headlight modes, including auto.
Red flag: Front or back lights not functioning properly
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has any lighting been replaced with aftermarket parts?
- Have there been any brake system repairs?
- Any recent issues with the vehicle?
- How often was the vehicle serviced?
- Has the car ever been in an accident?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service records
- Recall clearance documents
- Vehicle history report
- Ownership documents
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 1999 Lexus RX300 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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