RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003) Discussion topics related to the 1999 -2003 RX300 models

Problem with 1999 RX

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Old 01-01-03, 03:00 PM
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rlevine799
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Unhappy prob with 1999 RX

anybody have a problem with their rear main seal? I have 90,600+ miles on my RX...mostly highway miles...meticulous maintenace...oil changed every 5000 miles...anyhow when I brought it in for the 90000 mile service (big service), the Lexus guys told me my rear main seal had drops of oil on it....Later when I learned where the seal was (AWD model), sure enough it was leaking...about a 2-3 inch area every couple of days. Initially the Lexus guy told me the fix was about $850...$22 for the seal and the rest for labor! I was about ready to have another mechanic fix it (no one else every touched my car but the dealer) when I decided to call up the service manager to ask why this would happen. He told me some other vehicles had the same problem and they would fix it for free. Wow, what service! I wonder, though, how common this problem is...
Thanks in advance.
Renee
I bought my RX in 4/98 when they first came out. It has been near flawless up to now.
Old 01-01-03, 06:11 PM
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ederny
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Great that they will do it for you - big job! I have a 6/99 w/52k mi and I'll be checking the rear seal this weekend when I look over the undercarrage. Since I have had it for only a few weeks, it seems tight all over and I only had a chance to look it over for undercarrage damage and not a full technical evaluation.

Anyone know an easier way of reviewing the Tech Bulletins noted in the FAQs than buying the full service from AllData (alldata.com)?
Old 01-01-03, 08:58 PM
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VVT-i
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Good to know they will goodwill it for you. It's a big job. You must have a good relation with them.
Old 01-02-03, 08:07 AM
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rlevine799
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Cool my dealer's service dept is great

They also know that I love to buy cars. I also have a 2000 Porsche Boxster S. For awhile, I was buying cars frequently. My RX, though, was such a great car that I've had it a record almost 5 years! (record for me). I hate the sales dept but the service is second to none. It's not the first time that they've fixed stuff for free on a car that is out of warranty. I would be hard pressed to get anythng but a Lexus next time around. Unfortunately the sales dept. makes you pay sticker.
Old 01-02-03, 10:53 AM
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mooretorque
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Talking

Bought ours 6/99, 51k, no seal leaks to date (will not make any jokes about "blowing a seal").
Old 01-06-03, 12:20 PM
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satxrx
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Default Believe it or not

I noted a similar oil leak about a month ago but wasn't able to get it to service until today. Well, it turns out my RX ('99 with about 70k) had not only had the same rear main seal leak but also a front cam seal leak too!

The good part of all this is that the work is covered under warranty (CPO) and they put me in a loaner car for a day or two while they work on my RX.

The service advisor was good to deal with and quickly let me know what the problem was. Said it wasn't real common and had only seen RX's with this issue. Mine's also AWD as well.

Anyway, I'm just glad it's covered. One more reason to consider a CPO.

Weird part is that the car has driven great and gave me no indication there was a problem except for the oil leakage. But everyone should probably check their garage floors for any indication.
Old 01-06-03, 01:45 PM
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TRDHarrier
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I think I'll check it with the Lexus dealers. They shouldn't be voiding my warranty again right? Last time, they made me pay $100 for nothing done except looking at my Eibach prokits!!! I changed too much stuff. They better be fixing my car if the rear leaks or I shall file a complaint through Lexus.

PS: If anyone lives in Buffalo, don't go to Northtown and buy your car. They gave me very bad service. I didn't purchase my car there. That's the place where they charged me $100 for nothing done. Lexus of Manhattan gives you superior service. I vote Lexus of Manhattan over Bay Ridge Lexus. Northtown Lexus now don't even give me a Loaner car. I wonder wtf is going on with them?
Old 01-09-03, 01:21 AM
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satxrx
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Default Repair Update

Got my '99 RX AWD back after a couple of days in the shop.

As stated earlier the rear main seal and front cam seal were leaking oil so the dealership worked on them under warranty (CPO).

They also changed the coolant and transmission fluid (charged me) and I had them also do a wheel alignment job (also charged).

The coolant/tranny fluid replacement was a bit more expensive than I expected but decided it needed to be done. The alignment was about what I thought.

Last edited by satxrx; 01-09-03 at 01:22 AM.
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