Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
39 owner complaints analyzed
1 distinct recall campaigns
110,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1994 model year. Data updated: . 5 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly is the most frequently named component, appearing in 6 of 39 complaints (15.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 4 | 10.3% |
| Transmission and shifting | 3 | 7.7% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 2 | 5.1% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 2.6% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly | 6 |
| Electrical System | 3 |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission | 3 |
| Tires | 3 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 |
| Visibility:Glass, Side/Rear | 3 |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 2 |
| Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage | 2 |
Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly: 6; Electrical System: 3; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 3; Tires: 3; Vehicle Speed Control: 3; Visibility:Glass, Side/Rear: 3; Air Bags:Frontal: 2; Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage: 2
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 3 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 1
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 34 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 5 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 5 |
| 1999 | 3 |
| 2000 | 4 |
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2002 | 3 |
| 2003 | 3 |
| 2004 | 2 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 3 |
1995: 5; 1996: 3; 1997: 1; 1998: 5; 1999: 3; 2000: 4; 2001: 6; 2002: 3; 2003: 3; 2004: 2; 2009: 1; 2010: 3
Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 3 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
BOUGHT LEXUS ES300 IN 1994. KEPT FOR CAR FOR 5 YEARS. EVEN BRAND NEW IT WOULD OCCASIONALLY LUNGE FORWARD WHEN MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO DEALERSHIP OVER AND OVER; WROTE LETTERS; KEPT COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS SPORADIC LUNGING FORWARD OF THE CAR BUT I WAS NOT EVEN TAKEN SERIOUSLY. AT A STOP LIGHT I WOULD HAVE TO STAY 10+ FEET BEHIND THE CAR IN FRONT JUST IN CASE MY LEXUS LUNGED FORWARD EVEN WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. I FINALLY GOT RID OF THIS CAR SINCE I FELT IT WAS A NOT SAFE AND THE DEALERSHIP NOR THE COMPANY TOOK ME…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10304767 at NHTSA ↗
PASSENGER-SIDE SEAT BELT UNLATCHED UNDER HARD BRAKING.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 710891 at NHTSA ↗
2004 LEXUS ES330-CAR HESITATES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. VERY UNSAFE WHEN TRYING TO MERGE INTO HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. ALMOST HAD SERIOUS ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. COMPUTER CHIP FOR TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO FIX PROBLEM. USED PREMIUM GAS AS SUGGESTED BY MECHANIC- NOTHING HELPED. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 64,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10339990 at NHTSA ↗
TRANSMISSION PAN LEAK.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 511256 at NHTSA ↗
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE BATTERY IS LEAKING ACID THROUGH POSITIVE POST. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10026170 at NHTSA ↗
WHILE CAR WAS RUNNING BATTERY EXPLODED.*AK CONSUMER HAD DRIVEN THE VEHICLE AND PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE SAT FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES BEFORE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE AGAIN. CONSUMER INSERTED THE KEY AND HWEN TURNING THE IGNITION THE BATTERY EXPLODED CREATING FUMES AND SMOKE. ALL THE ELECTRICAL POWER WAS GONE. THE DEALER MADE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS. A FEW DAYS LATER THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *JG
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 8017043 at NHTSA ↗
HAD A SIDE BLOWOUT ( RIPPED 180 DEGREES ON THE SIDE WHERE THE SIDEWALL IS), OR THE WHEEL AXLE HAD COLLAPSED. ALSO THE NUT TO STEERING WHEEL (DUE TO RECALL) LOCKED TIGHTER AT ABOUT 1000 PRIOR TO ACCIDENT.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 9000987 at NHTSA ↗
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
39 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2005 | 2006 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Speed Control | 27.4%ODI 10319100 · 245,000 miMY CAR ACCELERATED WITHOUT MY CONTROL AND ALL ATTEMPTS TO BRING IT TO A STOP BY USING THE BRAKING SYSTEM WAS FUTILE. AFTER ENGAGING THE EMERGENCY BRAKES THE CAR SLOWED DOWN AND STOPPED. CAR WAS TOWED BY TRIPLE AAA TO NTB IN ALEXANDRIA VA. REPORT THE INCIDENT TO TOYOTA /LEXUS CUSTOMER SERVICE AND DID NOT GET A FAVORABLE RESPONSE. *TR | 814.3%ODI 10304692 · 40,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LEXUS ES300. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKES SUDDENLY STOPPED FUNCTIONING CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A WALL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP AND THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CONTACT SUFFERD MINOR INJURIES TO THE CHEST AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED FOR THE CRASH. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 40000. UPDATED 3/16/10 *CN UPDATED 09/30/10 | 413.8%ODI 10138278WHILE DRIVING THE CAR WOULD SPEED UP ON OWN WITHOUT PUSHING ON THE ACCELERATOR. I FOUND MY CAR GOING FROM 40 TO 60. IN PARK POSITION THE CAR WILL REV TO HIGH RPM BUT IF I AM IN DRIVE MODE IT WILL JUST ACCELERATE. I TOOK IT TO LEXUS AND THE TECHNICIAN SAYS THE IDLE SPEED CONTROL VALVE WAS NOT WORKING AND THE REPAIR WORK WOULD BE $500. *NM | 3724.2%ODI 10001095WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED, THE ENGINE SUFFERED SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. TS WHEN ACCELERATING TO CHANGE LANE OR ENTER THE FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE ALMOST STALLED AND OR DECELERATED. SCC | 4337.1%ODI 10053839 · 25 miDUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE SPEEDOMETER CONSUMER CANNOT READ THE GAUGE DURING THE BRIGHT DAYLIGHT HOURS. THE POINTER IS BRIGHT RED, AND WITH THE BRIGHT SUN SHINING DOWN, IT IS VERY HARD TO SEE WHERE THE DIAL IS ON THE DASHBOARD. *AK *MR | 1100.0%ODI 10536963 · 111,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LEXUS ES330. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A WOODEN WALL. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT AN ENGINEER WOULD INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR INSPECTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000. *TR | 133.3%ODI 10306402 · 17,000 miON 12/23/09 AT APPROXIMATELY 1:46PM, MY MOTHER LOST CONTROL OF HER 2006 LEXUS ES300 IN THE PARKING LOT OF A STORE IN MIAMI, FL. THE CAR WENT UP ON A RAISED GRASS BED AND WAS STOPPED ONLY BECAUSE IT WAS CAUGHT BETWEEN THE ARMS OF A LARGE, METAL GATE. THE GATE REMOVED THE ENTIRE HOOD OF THE CAR AND SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD. MIRACULOUSLY, MY MOTHER WAS NOT HURT AND NO OTHER CARS OR PERSONS WERE INVOLVED IN THE INCIDENT. MY MOTHER WAS TICKETED FOR "CARELESS" DRIVING, LOSS OF CONTROL. FROM THE MOMENT I ARRIVED ON THE SCENE, SHE DESCRIBED A FEEL… | 120.0%ODI 10609490 · 10,991 miTHE LEXUS ES 300H 2013 MODEL CAR WHILE PARKING ON THE FLAT DRIVE-WAY (NO SLOPE), HAVING THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED AND MOVING THE GEAR LEVER FROM D TO PARK, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHIN A FRACTION OF A SECOND AND HIT THE GARAGE DOOR, COMPLETELY BREAKING THE GARAGE DOOR. THE FRONT OF THE CAR GOT DAMAGED AND A CAR PARKED INSIDE THE GARAGE ALSO GOT DAMAGED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR STOPPED AFTER THE GEAR LEVER WAS MOVED TO PARK. THIS EXPERIENCE WAS FRIGHTENING AND IS A VERY SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS SAFETY HAZARD. THIS HAPPENED AROUN… |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission | 27.4%ODI 10010655 · 81,000 miJUST BOUGHT A 1999 LEXUS ES 300, TOOK IT TO BE CHECKED OUT BECAUSE THE ENGINE SOUNDED ROUGH IN THE REVERSE GEAR. FOUND OUT THE TRANSMISSION IS LEAKING BADLY AND HAS TO BE REPLACED, THE LEXUS SPECIALIST SAYS HE HAS SEEN SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSIONS IN THE ES 300 MODELS AS WELL AS SOME OF THE RL MODELS BUT HAVE NOT HEARD OF ANY RECALLS. INFORMATION IS FOUND REGARDING THIS PROBLEM IN THE TSB DATABASE. *JB | 58.9%ODI 10221661 · 146,000 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LEXUS ES300. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE, BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT SHUT OFF. THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACK LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN. WHEN THE VEHICLE GAINED NORMAL SPEED, THE WARNING LIGHTS NO LONGER ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT IS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THERE IS NO WARRANTY AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEA… | 13.4%ODI 10261275 · 92,000 miTRANSMISSION SKIPPING AT 92,00 MILES AND FAILED, MADE REPAIR $560. NOW AT 104,000 TRANSMISSION HAS TOTALLY FAILED. *TR | 3623.5%ODI 10000029 · 228 miTRANSMISSION GETS CONFUSED WHEN SHIFTING INTO AND OUT OF THE LOWER GEARS, THEN SPENDS TOO LONG TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT GEAR TO BE IN. THIS CAUSES DANGEROUS DELAYS IN ACCELERATION, THE EFFECT IS THE SAME AS A MOMENTARY ENGINE STALL. WE HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, FREEWAY RAMP ENTRANCES ARE CERTAINLY THE MOST DANGEROUS PLACE THAT THIS HAS OCCURRED. DEALER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THERE HAVE BEEN COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SHIFTING DELAYS BUT THEY SAY NO FIX IS AVAILABLE. THIS IS OUR THIRD ES300, THE PREVIOUS MODELS USED A CABLE BETWEEN THE GA… | 1916.4%ODI 10016689WHEN ACCELERATING OUT OF A SLOW TURN(USUALLY A U-TURN) THE CAR WILL DELAY APPROX 1 SECOND BEFORE TRANSMISSION ENGAGES. WHEN SLOWING TO STOP BUT NOT COMPLETELY STOPPING THE TRANSMISSION FEELS LIKE IT IS SLIPPING WHEN ACCELERATING. *JB | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 13.7%ODI 10001920WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS | 11.8%ODI 101411722000 LEXUS ES300 INVOLVED IN 45 MPH FRONTAL CRASH AND DRIVER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *NM | 310.3%ODI 10224076 · 99,000 miTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LEXUS ES300. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS INVOLVED IN A THREE VEHICLE CRASH. THE FIRST VEHICLE SLAMMED ON ITS BRAKES AND CAUSED THE SECOND VEHICLE TO STRIKE THE BUMPER OF THE FIRST VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER THEN CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE SECOND VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN THE THIRD VEHICLE AND NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY'S SERVICE CENTER FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AFTER THE REPAIR WAS MADE AND THEY STATED … | 53.3%ODI 10032815 · 17,000 miWHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE TRAVELING AT LESS THEN 10 MILES PER HOUR, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, PROCEEDED FORWARD HITTING ANOTHER PARKED CAR HEAD ON. THE VEHICLE THEN JUMPED A CURB AND HIT A SECOND CAR. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE CAR USING THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE CAR DID NOT STOP. IN ADDITION THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE WAS DONE TO TWO OTHER VEHICLES BESIDE MINE.*AK UPDATED 7/3/12 *CN | 32.6%ODI 10063075WHILE DRIVING 4 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKES BRAKE PEDAL PULSATED, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH RESULTED IN VEHICLE HITTING AN EMBANKMENT HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION.*AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Air Bags | 13.7%ODI 10150951 · 100,000 miWHILE DRIVING ON A RECENTLY OILED AND CHIPPED RURAL ROAD, I HAD TO VEER TO THE RIGHT IN ORDER TO AVOID AN ONCOMING VEHICLE DRIVING IN THE CENTER OF THE ROAD. UPON SAID VEHICLE PASSING, I SLIGHTLY TURNED THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT IN ORDER TO FULLY RETURN TO THE ROAD. AT THIS POINT, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO "FISH TAIL" TERRIBLY, NO MATTER HOW MUCH I TRIED TO REGAIN CONTROL, AND EVENTUALLY TURNED HEAD ON TOWARD THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ROAD, DIRECTLY TOWARD TREES LINING THE OPPOSITE SIDE. I MUST HAVE LOST CONSCIOUSNESS, AS THE NEXT THING I RECALL IS … | 47.1%ODI 10012387WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM A RESTAURANT VEHICLE TOOK A DIFFERENT COURSE. IT LOCKED UP , BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE AND IT COLLIDED INTO A NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO NECK AND BACK. MR...*AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 21.3%ODI 10410546 · 92,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 LEXUS ES300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON CRASH IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURIES TO THE NECK, SPINE AND SHOULDER. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT YET MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 92,000. | 97.8%ODI 10032267WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD. THE WAS DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK THE DEALERSHIP RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE CONSUMER WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE MECHANIC LATER STATED THE DASHBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CONSUMER HAD TO WAIT FOR A REPLACEMENT DASH TO ARRIVE. *PH *JB | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 120.0%ODI 10576579 · 2,100 miCAR HAS BRAKE PEDAL CHARACTERISTIC WHICH ALLOWS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO REACH FULL STOP OF THE END OF FULL MECHANICAL TRAVEL (VS. HYDRAULICALLY LIMITED BY BRAKE PRESSURE) AND THE BRAKES ARE NO LONGER ABLE TO APPLY MORE BRAKING FORCE. THIS CHARACTERISTIC OF THIS CAR MODEL IS DIRECTLY LINKED WITH THE CAUSATION OF THE COLLISION AND WAS CERTAINLY A MAJOR SURPRISE TO THE OWNER AS THIS EVENT WAS OCCURRING. NO SUCH WARNING PROVIDED TO CONSUMERS WITH THIS PARTICULAR BRAKING ISSUE IN LEXUS ES300H. CHARACTERISTIC IS ENDEMIC TO THE MODEL AS TESTED IN OTHER … |
| Power Train | 13.7%ODI 10070114 · 80,000 miTHE LEXUS SPECIALIST AT THE REPAIR SHOP INFORMED ME THAT HE HAS SEEN SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH OTHER ES 300 MODELS AS WELL AS THE RL MODELS AT ABOUT THE SAME MILEAGE. THE ONES WITH THE TOYOTA CAMRY ENGINES HAVEN\\\\\\'T HAD ANY PROBLEMS. THERE IS A TSB ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND I HAVE ALSO FILED A COMPLAINT THERE. | 35.4%ODI 10148630 · 87,000 mi2000 LEXUS ES300 ENGINE BEGAN LOSING POWER WHILE DRIVING AT 65-70 MPH. *TS WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS PRESSED THERE WAS NO ACCELERATION BUT THE TACHOMETER WAS SWINGING WILDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SERVICE FACILITY WHO INDICATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *NM | 13.4%ODI 10456444 · 110,000 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 LEXUS ES300. WHILE DRIVING 8 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A BUMP VIBRATION COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD UNEXPECTEDLY SHIFT INTO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT METAL FILLINGS WERE FOUND INSIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 110,000. | 127.8%ODI 10000029 · 228 miTRANSMISSION GETS CONFUSED WHEN SHIFTING INTO AND OUT OF THE LOWER GEARS, THEN SPENDS TOO LONG TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT GEAR TO BE IN. THIS CAUSES DANGEROUS DELAYS IN ACCELERATION, THE EFFECT IS THE SAME AS A MOMENTARY ENGINE STALL. WE HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, FREEWAY RAMP ENTRANCES ARE CERTAINLY THE MOST DANGEROUS PLACE THAT THIS HAS OCCURRED. DEALER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THERE HAVE BEEN COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SHIFTING DELAYS BUT THEY SAY NO FIX IS AVAILABLE. THIS IS OUR THIRD ES300, THE PREVIOUS MODELS USED A CABLE BETWEEN THE GA… | 76.0%ODI 10040083AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE HESITATED BEFORE MOVING. THE CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. *AK *SCC *JB | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Unknown Or Other | 27.4%ODI 10070114 · 80,000 miTHE LEXUS SPECIALIST AT THE REPAIR SHOP INFORMED ME THAT HE HAS SEEN SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH OTHER ES 300 MODELS AS WELL AS THE RL MODELS AT ABOUT THE SAME MILEAGE. THE ONES WITH THE TOYOTA CAMRY ENGINES HAVEN\\\\\\'T HAD ANY PROBLEMS. THERE IS A TSB ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND I HAVE ALSO FILED A COMPLAINT THERE. | 35.4%ODI 10381931 · 37,209 miTRAC OFF AND CK ENGINE LIGHTS ILLUMINATE DURING DRIVING. VEHICLE WILL THEN OPERATE IN A ROUGH MANNER AND WILL NOT STEADILY IDLE, RPM'S DRASTICALLY DROP AND VEHICLE FEELS LIKE IT WANTS TO STALL OUT ON THE ROAD DURING OPERATION. ON EACH OF THE FOLLOWING OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AT LEXUS OF WILMINGTON IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE FOR THIS SAME ISSUE: 8/25/04 - CODE 440 PO AND RESET LIGHTS (WARRANTY) NO REPAIRS; 11/03/2005 - CODES P0046, P0441 & P0440 CLAIMED LOOSE GAS CAP & DIDN'T MAKE ANY REPAIRS; 11/16/05 - CANISTER SWITCHING VALVE SHOR… | 13.4%ODI 8017412CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO SEE DIGITAL DASH INDICATOR LIGHTS IN BRIGHT SUNLIGHT.*AK *JB | 85.2%ODI 10012059THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY EXPERIENCED A HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING, THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *JB | 43.4%ODI 10070548I REALIZE THAT MY PROBLEM, WITH A BAD RADIO IS NOT A MECHANICAL ONE. HOWEVER, I AM SENDING THIS FOR YOUR INFORMATION, AND TO INDICATE THAT LEXUS DOES NOT LIVE UP TO ITS ADS AS PURSUING PERFECTION I HAVE SPOKEN TO A NUMBER OF PEOPLE AT LEXUS, IN MY DEALERSHIP AND AT THE MAIN OFFICE OVER A PERIOD OF 10 MONTHS. I HAVE EVEN WRITTEN TO THE VICE PRESIDENT OF LEXUS. HE DID NOT REPLY TO MY FIRST LETTER SO I SENT HIM A SECOND LETTER, CERTIFIED. RETURN RECEIPT. I RECEIVED A RESPONSE TO THAT SECOND LETTER FROM SOMEONE AT CUSTOMER RELATIONS. IN AD… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 11.8%ODI 10061808 · 38,520 miI OWN A LEXUS ES300 AND I HAD AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH I BELIEVED THAT THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCLERATED AND TOLD OTHERS THAT IS WHAT I BELIEIVED HAPPENED PRIOR TO READING TODAYS NEWS ON THE INTERNET. I HAD TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE TO BRING THE CAR TO A HALT.*AK | 413.8% | 138.5%ODI 10032815 · 17,000 miWHEN PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE TRAVELING AT LESS THEN 10 MILES PER HOUR, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, PROCEEDED FORWARD HITTING ANOTHER PARKED CAR HEAD ON. THE VEHICLE THEN JUMPED A CURB AND HIT A SECOND CAR. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE CAR USING THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE CAR DID NOT STOP. IN ADDITION THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE WAS DONE TO TWO OTHER VEHICLES BESIDE MINE.*AK UPDATED 7/3/12 *CN | 65.2%ODI 10067151 · 2,000 miUPON STOPPING, AND WHEN CONSUMER REMOVED FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDAL VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD BEFORE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THIS OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. ONCE, RESULTING IN CONSUMER'S VEHICLE CRASHING INTO A CONCRETE POLE WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT. ALSO, STARTING AT 5000 MILES BATTERY HAD TO BE REPLACED 3 TIMES BECAUSE IT DIED. THIS WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. *AK *LA | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
| Electrical System | 13.7%ODI 10627463 · 85,135 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LEXUS ES300. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,135. | 35.4%ODI 10313124 · 92,000 miCAR SURGED OUT OF CONTROL-STOPPED BY A FIRE HYDRANT AND LAWN BUSHES =CAR WAS TOTALED- BAGS DID NOT OPEN-PROBLEM WITH SENSORS REPLACED 2 AND THE\IMMEDIATELY BEFORE CRASH- RUN AWAY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT PLUS ANOTHER LIGHT CAME ON. *TR | 13.4%ODI 8001321VEHICLE STARTED UP WITHOUT KEY IN IGNITION, AND WHILE IN PARK, VEHICLE STARTED TO MOVE IN REVERSE INTO THE STREET. DEALER IS TAKING A LOOK AT THE VEHICLE.*AK. DEALER STATES THE PROBLEM LIES WITH THE REMOTE STARTER ITS NOT A LEXUS ISSUE. *YD | 21.3%ODI 10089243WHILE APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. CONSUMER TRIED NUMEROUS TIMES AND SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK *TC *JB | 65.2%ODI 10080052WHILE SHIFTING GEARS VEHICLE JERKED AND HESITATED TO MOVE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE RESET, AND HE RESET IT. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM REOCCURED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. CURRENTLY, THE MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly | Too few reports for a range | 105,000 mi | 2 (sparse) | ODI 10056255 · 100,000 miFRONT SEAT BELT MAY NOT LATCH PROPERLY AND CAN UN-LATCH ITSELF. HAS OCCURRED OCCASIONALLY WITHOUT WARNING SINCE THE ORIGINAL INCIDENT DATE. *JB ODI 10104842 · 110,000 miDRIVER'S SEATBELT ASSEMBLY REPEATEDLY UNLATCHES ARBITRARILY POSING SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. HAS OCCURRED WHILE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY AND IN MOTION. FLOW LEXUS OF KERNERSVILLE, NC, REFUSES TO MAKE COMPLIMENTARY REPAIR.*AK |
| Electrical System | Too few reports for a range | 166,027 mi | 2 (sparse) | ODI 10280573 · 110,000 mi1994 LEXUS ES300. ELECTROLUMINESCENT GAUGES FOR SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER FAIL TO ILLUMINATE. THIS MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT OR IMPOSSIBLE (ESPECIALLY WITH GLARE OR AT NIGHT) TO DETERMINE RPM'S OR SPEED. A SEARCH ON THE WEB WILL SHOW THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG 1992 - 1996 ES300'S. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE REVIEWED. *TR ODI 10324629 · 222,054 mi1994 LEXUS ES300 INSTRUMENT PANEL (SPEEDOMETER,TACHOMETER,FUEL,AND TEMP),NEEDLES HAVE GONE OUT AND IMPOSSIBLE TO READ GAUGES AT NIGHT OR IN LOW LIGHT CONDITIONS. *TR |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission | Too few reports for a range | 64,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 10339990 · 64,000 mi2004 LEXUS ES330-CAR HESITATES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. VERY UNSAFE WHEN TRYING TO MERGE INTO HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. ALMOST HAD SERIOUS ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. COMPUTER CHIP FOR TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO FIX PROBLEM. USED PREMIUM GAS AS SUGGESTED BY MECHANIC- NOTHING HELPED. *TR |
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-10 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2006: 2 complaints · 2013: 5 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 2013 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly | Electrical System | Power Train:Automatic Transmission | Tires | Vehicle Speed Control | Visibility:Glass, Side/Rear | Air Bags:Frontal | Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission | 0 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 1ODI 899627WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE TRAVELING LESS THAN 5 MPH, ENGINE ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY, AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE WALL AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, AND CONSUMER SUSTAINED NO INJURIES. INSURANCE COMPANY CATEGORIZED VEHICLE AS A TOTAL LOSS, AND NO DETERMINATION HAS BEEN MADE AS TO CAUSE OF PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION.*AK | 0 |
| Visibility:Glass, Side/Rear | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1ODI 899627WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE TRAVELING LESS THAN 5 MPH, ENGINE ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY, AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE WALL AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED. BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, AND CONSUMER SUSTAINED NO INJURIES. INSURANCE COMPANY CATEGORIZED VEHICLE AS A TOTAL LOSS, AND NO DETERMINATION HAS BEEN MADE AS TO CAUSE OF PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / DOCUMENTATION.*AK | 0 | — | 0 |
| Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
2 patterns with matching reports.
1 mentions · 2.6% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
WHILE DRIVING DOWN FREEWAY PUT FOOT ON BRAKES AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR AND DID NOT RETURN AND CAR PULLED TO THE RIGHT. TT
\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b1 mentions · 2.6% of complaints
Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).
WHILE CAR WAS RUNNING BATTERY EXPLODED.*AK CONSUMER HAD DRIVEN THE VEHICLE AND PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE SAT FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES BEFORE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE AGAIN. CONSUMER INSERTED THE KEY AND HWEN TURNING THE IGNITION THE BATTERY EXPLODED CREATING FUMES AND SMOKE. ALL THE ELECTRICAL POWER WAS GONE. THE DEALER MADE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS. A FEW DAYS LATER THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *JG
\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b