On january 17th, 2016, i took my '99 lexus rx300 to church, parked the car, and joined the sunday service. an hour after parking the vehicle (during which time it was not running or in use), i was told that there was smoke coming from it and went outside. within minutes, the front end was bursting in flames. the fire destroyed the entire front portion of the car, including the engine, transmission, tires, and dashboard. i don't know what could have been the cause; it was seemingly random.
Tl* 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.
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. *tr
Engine caught fire while driving to work. dealership notified. no response. *ak
Vehicle caught fire as it was being driven. engine compartment was destroyed and the car was totaled.*ak
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