Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1998 Lexus ES300: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

52 owner complaints analyzed

1 distinct recall campaigns

78,565 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1998 model year. Data updated: . 22 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags:Frontal is the most frequently named component, appearing in 8 of 52 complaints (15.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior815.4%
Electrical and battery issues35.8%
Steering behavior23.8%
Fuel system concerns11.9%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags:Frontal
8
Vehicle Speed Control
5
Electrical System
3
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
3
Fuel System, Gasoline
3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
3
Tires
3
Equipment:Electrical
2
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags:Frontal8
Vehicle Speed Control5
Electrical System3
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine3
Fuel System, Gasoline3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3
Tires3
Equipment:Electrical2

Air Bags:Frontal: 8; Vehicle Speed Control: 5; Electrical System: 3; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 3; Fuel System, Gasoline: 3; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 3; Tires: 3; Equipment:Electrical: 2

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
1
50,000 to 74,999
10
75,000 to 99,999
4
100,000 to 149,999
5
150,000 and above
2
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9991
50,000 to 74,99910
75,000 to 99,9994
100,000 to 149,9995
150,000 and above2

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 10; 75,000 to 99,999: 4; 100,000 to 149,999: 5; 150,000 and above: 2

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (10). 30 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1998
1
1999
19
2001
1
2002
2
2003
3
2004
7
2006
3
2008
2
2009
1
2010
5
2011
4
2012
1
2013
2
2014
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19981
199919
20011
20022
20033
20047
20063
20082
20091
20105
20114
20121
20132
20141

1998: 1; 1999: 19; 2001: 1; 2002: 2; 2003: 3; 2004: 7; 2006: 3; 2008: 2; 2009: 1; 2010: 5; 2011: 4; 2012: 1; 2013: 2; 2014: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags:Frontal leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 8 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 3 complaint narratives. Steering behavior 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 from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10025055 · 2003-06-24 (June 24, 2003)

THE PART WHICH REGULATED THE FLOW OF FUEL BURST, AND CAUSED FUEL TO FLOW FREELY OVER ENGINE. THE CONSUMER FEELS FELT THE FUEL PRESSURE DAMPNER WAS DEFECTIVE.*MR *TS *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10025055 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10037857 · 2003-08-27 (August 27, 2003)

THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE MAY EXPERIENCE ENGINE PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NATIONAL CALL BACK. *MR *SCC *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10037857 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10048619 · 2003-11-25 (November 25, 2003)

WITHOUT WARNING THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE FELL OFF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10048619 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10054664 · 2004-01-22 (January 22, 2004)

ELECTRICITY DISCHARGES FROM IGNITION KEY AREA ON STEERING COLUMN AND DOOR AFTER TURNING OFF AND EXITING VEHICLE. I TOOK CAR IN TO SUPERIOR LEXUS TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM AND THEY COULD NOT FIGURE IT OUT. I CONTINUE TO GET ELECTRICAL SHOCKS FROM MY 1998 LEXUS ES300 TODAY.

Owner-reported narrative. 58,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10054664 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10062803 · 2004-04-01 (April 1, 2004)

DEFECTIVE RIMS THAT ALLOW THE TIRES TO LEAK AIR. AFTER THAT HAPPENED MANY TIMES, WE BOUGHT NEW TIRES THINKING THAT WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. IT HAS CONTINUED . THIS IS A CONCERN AND WANT TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS . OTHER THAN THAT THE LEXUS IS A GREAT CAR. *AK *MR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10062803 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10066411 · 2004-04-18 (April 18, 2004)

THIS COMPLAINT IS IN REGARDS TO THE AIRBAGS IN MY WIFE'S 1998 LEXUS ES300 NOT DEPLOYING WHEN IN A FULL FRONTAL ACCIDENT AT 35-45 MPH. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 96,659 miles reported. Look up ODI 10066411 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10068888 · 2004-01-15 (January 15, 2004)

ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. DECREASED PERFORMANCE.

Owner-reported narrative. 70,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10068888 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10070202 · 2004-01-15 (January 15, 2004)

I HAVE HAD MY 1998 ES300 IN WITH TOM WOOD LEXUS OF INDIANAPOLIS WELL OVER A DOZEN TIMES SINCE DECEMBER OF 2002 FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE ABS/TRAC OFF AND LOW OIL LEVEL WARNING LIGHTS WENT OFF RANDOMLY. AFTER REPLACING THE ABS PUMP ($1,400 FOR THE PART ALONE), THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. AFTER AN UNACCEPTABLE AMOUNT OF FALSE DIAGNOSTICS, WASTED SERVICE TRIPS (AT LEAST A WEEK LONG EACH TIME) AND USELESS BUT COSTLY REPAIRS, MY CAR IS STILL IN THE SHOP. THEY SUSPECTED THAT A SLUDGE ENGINE IS THE CAUSE OF MY PROBLEMS. BUT IT TURNED OUT THAT I DID NOT …

Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10070202 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

1 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

99V307000 · Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar

Reported: 1999-11-01 (November 1, 1999)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED CAUSING STEERING VIBRATION AND LOOSENESS.

Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

52 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

42.3%Usable mileage22 / 52 records
82.7%Valid incident date43 / 52 records
100.0%Valid filing date52 / 52 records
82.7%Ordered incident and filing dates43 / 52 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

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 complaint heatmap
Component19992000200120022003200520062013
Vehicle Speed Control
27.4%
ODI 10319100 · 245,000 mi

MY 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

Look up ODI 10319100 at NHTSA ↗

814.3%
ODI 10304692 · 40,000 mi

TL* 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

Look up ODI 10304692 at NHTSA ↗

413.8%
ODI 10138278

WHILE 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

Look up ODI 10138278 at NHTSA ↗

3724.2%
ODI 10001095

WHILE 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

Look up ODI 10001095 at NHTSA ↗

4337.1%
ODI 10053839 · 25 mi

DUE 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

Look up ODI 10053839 at NHTSA ↗

1100.0%
ODI 10536963 · 111,000 mi

TL* 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

Look up ODI 10536963 at NHTSA ↗

133.3%
ODI 10306402 · 17,000 mi

ON 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…

Look up ODI 10306402 at NHTSA ↗

120.0%
ODI 10609490 · 10,991 mi

THE 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…

Look up ODI 10609490 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
27.4%
ODI 10010655 · 81,000 mi

JUST 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

Look up ODI 10010655 at NHTSA ↗

58.9%
ODI 10221661 · 146,000 mi

TL*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…

Look up ODI 10221661 at NHTSA ↗

13.4%
ODI 10261275 · 92,000 mi

TRANSMISSION SKIPPING AT 92,00 MILES AND FAILED, MADE REPAIR $560. NOW AT 104,000 TRANSMISSION HAS TOTALLY FAILED. *TR

Look up ODI 10261275 at NHTSA ↗

3623.5%
ODI 10000029 · 228 mi

TRANSMISSION 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…

Look up ODI 10000029 at NHTSA ↗

1916.4%
ODI 10016689

WHEN 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

Look up ODI 10016689 at NHTSA ↗

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 10001920

WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS

Look up ODI 10001920 at NHTSA ↗

11.8%
ODI 10141172

2000 LEXUS ES300 INVOLVED IN 45 MPH FRONTAL CRASH AND DRIVER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *NM

Look up ODI 10141172 at NHTSA ↗

310.3%
ODI 10224076 · 99,000 mi

TL*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 …

Look up ODI 10224076 at NHTSA ↗

53.3%
ODI 10032815 · 17,000 mi

WHEN 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

Look up ODI 10032815 at NHTSA ↗

32.6%
ODI 10063075

WHILE 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

Look up ODI 10063075 at NHTSA ↗

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 mi

WHILE 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 …

Look up ODI 10150951 at NHTSA ↗

47.1%
ODI 10012387

WHILE 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

Look up ODI 10012387 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

21.3%
ODI 10410546 · 92,000 mi

TL* 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.

Look up ODI 10410546 at NHTSA ↗

97.8%
ODI 10032267

WHILE 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

Look up ODI 10032267 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

120.0%
ODI 10576579 · 2,100 mi

CAR 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 …

Look up ODI 10576579 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train
13.7%
ODI 10070114 · 80,000 mi

THE 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.

Look up ODI 10070114 at NHTSA ↗

35.4%
ODI 10148630 · 87,000 mi

2000 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

Look up ODI 10148630 at NHTSA ↗

13.4%
ODI 10456444 · 110,000 mi

TL* 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.

Look up ODI 10456444 at NHTSA ↗

127.8%
ODI 10000029 · 228 mi

TRANSMISSION 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…

Look up ODI 10000029 at NHTSA ↗

76.0%
ODI 10040083

AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE HESITATED BEFORE MOVING. THE CAUSE WAS NOT DETERMINED. *AK *SCC *JB

Look up ODI 10040083 at NHTSA ↗

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 mi

THE 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.

Look up ODI 10070114 at NHTSA ↗

35.4%
ODI 10381931 · 37,209 mi

TRAC 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…

Look up ODI 10381931 at NHTSA ↗

13.4%
ODI 8017412

CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO SEE DIGITAL DASH INDICATOR LIGHTS IN BRIGHT SUNLIGHT.*AK *JB

Look up ODI 8017412 at NHTSA ↗

85.2%
ODI 10012059

THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY EXPERIENCED A HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING, THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *JB

Look up ODI 10012059 at NHTSA ↗

43.4%
ODI 10070548

I 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…

Look up ODI 10070548 at NHTSA ↗

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 mi

I 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

Look up ODI 10061808 at NHTSA ↗

413.8%
ODI 10062245 · 23,000 mi

ACCERATOR STICKING

Look up ODI 10062245 at NHTSA ↗

138.5%
ODI 10032815 · 17,000 mi

WHEN 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

Look up ODI 10032815 at NHTSA ↗

65.2%
ODI 10067151 · 2,000 mi

UPON 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

Look up ODI 10067151 at NHTSA ↗

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 mi

TL* 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.

Look up ODI 10627463 at NHTSA ↗

35.4%
ODI 10313124 · 92,000 mi

CAR 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

Look up ODI 10313124 at NHTSA ↗

13.4%
ODI 8001321

VEHICLE 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

Look up ODI 8001321 at NHTSA ↗

21.3%
ODI 10089243

WHILE 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

Look up ODI 10089243 at NHTSA ↗

65.2%
ODI 10080052

WHILE 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

Look up ODI 10080052 at NHTSA ↗

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.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Air Bags:FrontalToo few reports for a range96,659 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10066411 · 96,659 mi

THIS COMPLAINT IS IN REGARDS TO THE AIRBAGS IN MY WIFE'S 1998 LEXUS ES300 NOT DEPLOYING WHEN IN A FULL FRONTAL ACCIDENT AT 35-45 MPH. *JB

Look up ODI 10066411 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10247267 · 157,000 mi

AIR BAG, DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S, FAILED TO DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL COLLISION THAT DESTROYED VEHICLE. DRIVER WAS ONLY PERSON IN CAR AND FROM THE SEAT/LAP BELT SUFFERED SEVER BRUISING ON TORSO, ABDOMEN AND THIGHS. LEFT KNEE BADLY BRUISED FROM CONTACT WITH STEERING COLUMN. THE SEAT/LAP BELT DID NOT FAIL. THE CAR WAS A 1998 LEXUS ES300 WITH APPROXIMATELY 157,000 MILES AND IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. HAD THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, I BELIEVE I WOULD HAVE STILL HAD SOME BRUISING BUT THE BRUISING WOULD HAVE BEEN LESS SEVERE AND LESS PAINFUL AND HAD SHO…

Look up ODI 10247267 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10378612 · 68,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS ES300. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE SIDE SWIPED HIS VEHICLE, CAUSING HIM TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASH INTO A CEMENT WALL. THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND SHOULDER AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THAT THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTACT HIM. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT…

Look up ODI 10378612 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed ControlToo few reports for a range68,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10296641 · 236,000 mi

THE ACCIDENT WAS DUE TO UNINTENDED-ACCELERATION AS THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD FIGHTING THE BRAKE. IT SEEMED AS THOUGH THE ACCELERATOR HAD A LIFE OF ITS OWN OVERRIDING THE BRAKING ACTIONS I TRIED TO IMPLEMENT. I WAS PROCEEDING SLOWLY UP THE LONG NARROW DRIVEWAY. I MADE A RIGHT TURN INTO A PARKING PLACE THAT WAS PERPENDICULAR TO THE WALK-WAY. I SLOWLY TAPPED THE GAS ON MY LEXUS ES 300 AND THEN THE BRAKES. AS I MOVED MY FOOT OVER TO THE HIGHER LEVEL BRAKE PEDAL, THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN--THE IGNITION/ACCELERATOR SYSTEM TOOK O…

Look up ODI 10296641 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10315080 · 54,753 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 1998 LEXUS ES300. WHILE APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A POLE CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND THE PASSENGER. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED BREAKING HER HAND IN TWO PLACES. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE AND WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT IS AVAILABLE IF NEEDED. THE TOYOTA MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CALLED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54753 UPDATED 03/24/10 *BF UPDATED 05/05/10.*JB WHEN THE CO…

Look up ODI 10315080 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10341825 · 68,000 mi

I EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION IN MY 1998 LEXUS ES WHILE BACKING INTO MY GARAGE. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, BUT THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF IN REVERSE AND CRASHED INTO THE BACK OF THE GARAGE, DAMAGING BOTH THE CAR AND THE GARAGE. I WAS NOT INJURED, BUT WAS CERTAINLY FRIGHTENED BY THE INCIDENT. I AM CERTAIN IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH FLOOR MATS. I AM ALSO CERTAIN THAT I DID NOT PLACE MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR ACCIDENTALLY, BECAUSE THIS HAPPENED FROM A COMPLETE STOP WHILE PRESSING ON THE BRAKE WITH THE CAR IN GEAR. *TR

Look up ODI 10341825 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range58,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10054664 · 58,000 mi

ELECTRICITY DISCHARGES FROM IGNITION KEY AREA ON STEERING COLUMN AND DOOR AFTER TURNING OFF AND EXITING VEHICLE. I TOOK CAR IN TO SUPERIOR LEXUS TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM AND THEY COULD NOT FIGURE IT OUT. I CONTINUE TO GET ELECTRICAL SHOCKS FROM MY 1998 LEXUS ES300 TODAY.

Look up ODI 10054664 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10299930 · 44,000 mi

HEADLIGHTS TURN OFF BY THEMSELVES INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. THIS ALSO OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY WHEN YOU USE THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS TO SIGNAL FOR A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN. THIS ELECTRICAL FAILURE MAKES THIS CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT AT ANY SPEED. DRIVING AT NIGHT WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS ON COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT WITH BODILY INJURY OR DEATH TO THE OCCUPANTS OF THIS VEHICLE OR OTHER VEHICLES AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. THE JM LEXUS' SERVICE DEPARTMENT DIAGNOSED THIS PROBLEM AS A DEFECTIVE WIPER SWITCH ASSEMBLY. *TR

Look up ODI 10299930 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10446065 · 103,100 mi

THE DAY BEFORE THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED ALL THE TAIL LIGHT WERE OFF AND I FOUND THE FUSE FOR TAIL LIGHT WAS BLEW. SO I REPLACED THE FUSE. NEXT DAY,WHEN I TURNED ON HEADLIGHT WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 680, THE "R" INDICATOR ON THE DASHBOARD BECAME ON AS WELL -- NOW BOTH "D" AND "R" WERE ON. IT PUZZLED ME FOR AWHILE SO I DECIDED TO TURN OFF THE HEADLIGHT. AS SOON AS THE HEADLIGHT WAS TURNED OFF , THE CAR "HESITATED" ON FREEWAY. I TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER FOR SERVICE WHO CLAIMED THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE. AFTER 3 DAYS OF SERVICES, THEY SAID S…

Look up ODI 10446065 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:EngineToo few reports for a range133,507 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10170986 · 133,507 mi

I HAVE A 1998 LEXUS ES300. IN NOVEMBER 2003, MY CAR WAS SERVICED UNDER LEXUS' SPA PROGRAM DUE TO ENGINE OIL GELLING/SLUDGE. NOW, 3 YEARS LATER, THE ENGINE SEIZED. THIS IS A DIRECT AND CONSEQUENTIAL RESULT OF DRIVING THE CAR FOR 76K MILES WITH A GELLING ISSUE. THE DAMAGE HAD BEEN DONE AND THIS WAS A LATENT DEFECT. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE LEXUS DEALER AND HAD IT SERVICED THREE WEEKS AGO, SPENT $700 ON IT, DROVE IT OFF THE LOT AND 20 MINUTES LATER THE ENGINE SEIZED. THEY NOW WANT $5K TO PUT A USED ENGINE IN IT WITH 130K MILES ON IT. LEXUS CORPOR…

Look up ODI 10170986 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, GasolineToo few reports for a range90,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10147632 · 87,129 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO PULL THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD. UPON INSPECTION GASOLINE WAS POURING OUT ONTO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP, AND THE FUEL PRESSURE DAMPER WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED.*AK UPDATED 03/17/06. *JB

Look up ODI 10147632 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10313796 · 90,000 mi

OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS, I HAVE PERIODICALLY COMPLAINED TO MY TOYOTA OF TUCSON (AUTO MALL) SERVICE DEPT. THAT MY '98 ES300 PERIODICALLY PRODUCES INTENSE GASOLINE ODOR IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. IT CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME, MANY MONTHS APART. THE FUMES SEEM TO BE SWEPT IN THROUGH A/C OR HEATING VENTS, AND CAN CONTINUE FOR THE DURATION OF A LOCAL DRIVE, ONLY TO DISAPPEAR THE NEXT TIME THE CAR IS STARTED. THE PROBLEM DOES NOT SEEM TO FOLLOW ANY PATTERN -- NOT JUST AFTER FILL-UP; NOT JUST AT START-UP; NOT JUST WHEN ENGINE HOT OR COLD. THE DEALER …

Look up ODI 10313796 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10393180 · 145,000 mi

FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR (DAMPER) FAILED ALLOWING FUEL TO FLOW INTO ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND FUMES THROUGH AIR INTAKE INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS FIRE IF NOT DETECTED IN TIME AND REPAIRED.

Look up ODI 10393180 at NHTSA ↗

Service Brakes, HydraulicToo few reports for a range51,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10070202 · 50,000 mi

I HAVE HAD MY 1998 ES300 IN WITH TOM WOOD LEXUS OF INDIANAPOLIS WELL OVER A DOZEN TIMES SINCE DECEMBER OF 2002 FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE ABS/TRAC OFF AND LOW OIL LEVEL WARNING LIGHTS WENT OFF RANDOMLY. AFTER REPLACING THE ABS PUMP ($1,400 FOR THE PART ALONE), THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. AFTER AN UNACCEPTABLE AMOUNT OF FALSE DIAGNOSTICS, WASTED SERVICE TRIPS (AT LEAST A WEEK LONG EACH TIME) AND USELESS BUT COSTLY REPAIRS, MY CAR IS STILL IN THE SHOP. THEY SUSPECTED THAT A SLUDGE ENGINE IS THE CAUSE OF MY PROBLEMS. BUT IT TURNED OUT THAT I DID NOT …

Look up ODI 10070202 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10358587 · 53,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS ES300. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL COLLIDING WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE IN A MINOR CRASH. HE CONTINUED DRIVING AND THE BRAKES BEGAN TO FUNCTION AS NORMAL. LATER IN THE DAY WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH HE APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL BEING INVOLVED IN A CRASH WITH A FENCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED BUT NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP BUT…

Look up ODI 10358587 at NHTSA ↗

TiresToo few reports for a range57,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10593889 · 57,000 mi

MAY 17, 2014 TRAVELING ON FLORIDA TURNPIKE AFTER TWO HOURS HAD TWO TIRES SEPARATE. REPLACED TWO TIRES IN PALM BEACH GARDENS AND CONTINUED ANOTHER HOUR WHEN A THIRD TIRE SEPARATED. TIRES WERE ALL COOPER CS4 P205/65R15. IN KEY WEST REPLACED THE REMAINING FAILED TIRE AND THE SO FAR FOURTH REMAINING COOPER TIRE. WAS NOT ABLE TO RETAIN THE SEPARATED TIRES AS WAS 200 MILES FROM HOME WITH PACKED CAR. *TR

Look up ODI 10593889 at NHTSA ↗

Equipment:ElectricalToo few reports for a range60,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10068888 · 70,000 mi

ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON. DECREASED PERFORMANCE.

Look up ODI 10068888 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10070202 · 50,000 mi

I HAVE HAD MY 1998 ES300 IN WITH TOM WOOD LEXUS OF INDIANAPOLIS WELL OVER A DOZEN TIMES SINCE DECEMBER OF 2002 FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE ABS/TRAC OFF AND LOW OIL LEVEL WARNING LIGHTS WENT OFF RANDOMLY. AFTER REPLACING THE ABS PUMP ($1,400 FOR THE PART ALONE), THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. AFTER AN UNACCEPTABLE AMOUNT OF FALSE DIAGNOSTICS, WASTED SERVICE TRIPS (AT LEAST A WEEK LONG EACH TIME) AND USELESS BUT COSTLY REPAIRS, MY CAR IS STILL IN THE SHOP. THEY SUSPECTED THAT A SLUDGE ENGINE IS THE CAUSE OF MY PROBLEMS. BUT IT TURNED OUT THAT I DID NOT …

Look up ODI 10070202 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

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.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

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.

Equal-age model-year comparison

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.

Age 0Age 1Age 25 reports

2006: 2 complaints · 2013: 5 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2006112
2013455
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2006300
2013500

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.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentAir Bags:FrontalVehicle Speed ControlElectrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineFuel System, GasolineService Brakes, HydraulicTiresEquipment:Electrical
Air Bags:Frontal—0000000
Vehicle Speed Control0—000000
Electrical System00—00000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine000—0
1
ODI 10161558

CONSUMER 1998 LEXUS 300 ES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED KNOCKED AND DIED WHILE PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. *TS ***NAR*** THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE ENGINE HAD COMPLETELY SEIZED. THE REPAIR FACILITY RECOMMENDED A NEW ENGINE. AFTER THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE WAS INSTALLED IN DEC 2004, THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED ON FEBRUARY 11, 2005 AND THE MECHANIC NOTICED OIL LEAKS AROUND THE VALVE COVER AND OIL PAN AREAS. THE BRAKES AND CALIPERS HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB

Look up ODI 10161558 at NHTSA ↗

00
Fuel System, Gasoline0000—000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic000
1
ODI 10161558

CONSUMER 1998 LEXUS 300 ES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED KNOCKED AND DIED WHILE PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. *TS ***NAR*** THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE ENGINE HAD COMPLETELY SEIZED. THE REPAIR FACILITY RECOMMENDED A NEW ENGINE. AFTER THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE WAS INSTALLED IN DEC 2004, THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED ON FEBRUARY 11, 2005 AND THE MECHANIC NOTICED OIL LEAKS AROUND THE VALVE COVER AND OIL PAN AREAS. THE BRAKES AND CALIPERS HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB

Look up ODI 10161558 at NHTSA ↗

0—0
1
ODI 10070202 · 50,000 mi

I HAVE HAD MY 1998 ES300 IN WITH TOM WOOD LEXUS OF INDIANAPOLIS WELL OVER A DOZEN TIMES SINCE DECEMBER OF 2002 FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE ABS/TRAC OFF AND LOW OIL LEVEL WARNING LIGHTS WENT OFF RANDOMLY. AFTER REPLACING THE ABS PUMP ($1,400 FOR THE PART ALONE), THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. AFTER AN UNACCEPTABLE AMOUNT OF FALSE DIAGNOSTICS, WASTED SERVICE TRIPS (AT LEAST A WEEK LONG EACH TIME) AND USELESS BUT COSTLY REPAIRS, MY CAR IS STILL IN THE SHOP. THEY SUSPECTED THAT A SLUDGE ENGINE IS THE CAUSE OF MY PROBLEMS. BUT IT TURNED OUT THAT I DID NOT …

Look up ODI 10070202 at NHTSA ↗

Tires000000—0
Equipment:Electrical00000
1
ODI 10070202 · 50,000 mi

I HAVE HAD MY 1998 ES300 IN WITH TOM WOOD LEXUS OF INDIANAPOLIS WELL OVER A DOZEN TIMES SINCE DECEMBER OF 2002 FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE ABS/TRAC OFF AND LOW OIL LEVEL WARNING LIGHTS WENT OFF RANDOMLY. AFTER REPLACING THE ABS PUMP ($1,400 FOR THE PART ALONE), THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. AFTER AN UNACCEPTABLE AMOUNT OF FALSE DIAGNOSTICS, WASTED SERVICE TRIPS (AT LEAST A WEEK LONG EACH TIME) AND USELESS BUT COSTLY REPAIRS, MY CAR IS STILL IN THE SHOP. THEY SUSPECTED THAT A SLUDGE ENGINE IS THE CAUSE OF MY PROBLEMS. BUT IT TURNED OUT THAT I DID NOT …

Look up ODI 10070202 at NHTSA ↗

0—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

4 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

4 mentions · 7.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 115,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10070202 · 50,000 mi

I HAVE HAD MY 1998 ES300 IN WITH TOM WOOD LEXUS OF INDIANAPOLIS WELL OVER A DOZEN TIMES SINCE DECEMBER OF 2002 FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE ABS/TRAC OFF AND LOW OIL LEVEL WARNING LIGHTS WENT OFF RANDOMLY. AFTER REPLACING THE ABS PUMP ($1,400 FOR THE PART ALONE), THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. AFTER AN UNACCEPTABLE AMOUNT OF FALSE DIAGNOSTICS, WASTED SERVICE TRIPS (AT LEAST A WEEK LONG EACH TIME) AND USELESS BUT COSTLY REPAIRS, MY CAR IS STILL IN THE SHOP. THEY SUSPECTED THAT A SLUDGE ENGINE IS THE CAUSE OF MY PROBLEMS. BUT IT TURNED OUT THAT I DID NOT …

Look up ODI 10070202 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10161558

CONSUMER 1998 LEXUS 300 ES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED KNOCKED AND DIED WHILE PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. *TS ***NAR*** THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE ENGINE HAD COMPLETELY SEIZED. THE REPAIR FACILITY RECOMMENDED A NEW ENGINE. AFTER THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE WAS INSTALLED IN DEC 2004, THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED ON FEBRUARY 11, 2005 AND THE MECHANIC NOTICED OIL LEAKS AROUND THE VALVE COVER AND OIL PAN AREAS. THE BRAKES AND CALIPERS HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB

Look up ODI 10161558 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10230081 · 115,254 mi

I HAVE A 1998 LEXUS ES300 WITH APPROXIMATELY 115,000 ON THE CAR. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT RECENTLY CAME ON STATING THAT IT WAS EMISSIONS CODE P0466, WHICH IS A COMMON CHARCOAL CANNISTER PROBLEM FOR LEXUS ES300 1996 AND UP. THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ISSUED FOR 1996-1998 LEXUS ES300 FOR THE EMISSION PROBLEM WHICH INCLUDES THE P0466 PROBLEM. I WENT TO THE LEXUS DEALER TO GET THAT EMISSIONS PROBLEM FIX, BUT THEY SAID THAT NOT ALL OF THE 1998 LEXUS ES300 WAS INCLUDED IN THIS WARRANTY AND MY CAR WAS ONE OF THE CARS THAT WAS IN THAT CATEGORY. S…

Look up ODI 10230081 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Brake response concerns

3 mentions · 5.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 54,753 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10296641 · 236,000 mi

THE ACCIDENT WAS DUE TO UNINTENDED-ACCELERATION AS THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD FIGHTING THE BRAKE. IT SEEMED AS THOUGH THE ACCELERATOR HAD A LIFE OF ITS OWN OVERRIDING THE BRAKING ACTIONS I TRIED TO IMPLEMENT. I WAS PROCEEDING SLOWLY UP THE LONG NARROW DRIVEWAY. I MADE A RIGHT TURN INTO A PARKING PLACE THAT WAS PERPENDICULAR TO THE WALK-WAY. I SLOWLY TAPPED THE GAS ON MY LEXUS ES 300 AND THEN THE BRAKES. AS I MOVED MY FOOT OVER TO THE HIGHER LEVEL BRAKE PEDAL, THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN--THE IGNITION/ACCELERATOR SYSTEM TOOK O…

Look up ODI 10296641 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10315080 · 54,753 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 1998 LEXUS ES300. WHILE APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A POLE CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND THE PASSENGER. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED BREAKING HER HAND IN TWO PLACES. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED FROM THE SCENE AND WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT IS AVAILABLE IF NEEDED. THE TOYOTA MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CALLED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54753 UPDATED 03/24/10 *BF UPDATED 05/05/10.*JB WHEN THE CO…

Look up ODI 10315080 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10358587 · 53,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS ES300. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL COLLIDING WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE IN A MINOR CRASH. HE CONTINUED DRIVING AND THE BRAKES BEGAN TO FUNCTION AS NORMAL. LATER IN THE DAY WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH HE APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL BEING INVOLVED IN A CRASH WITH A FENCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED BUT NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP BUT…

Look up ODI 10358587 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 1.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 90,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10313796 · 90,000 mi

OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS, I HAVE PERIODICALLY COMPLAINED TO MY TOYOTA OF TUCSON (AUTO MALL) SERVICE DEPT. THAT MY '98 ES300 PERIODICALLY PRODUCES INTENSE GASOLINE ODOR IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. IT CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME, MANY MONTHS APART. THE FUMES SEEM TO BE SWEPT IN THROUGH A/C OR HEATING VENTS, AND CAN CONTINUE FOR THE DURATION OF A LOCAL DRIVE, ONLY TO DISAPPEAR THE NEXT TIME THE CAR IS STARTED. THE PROBLEM DOES NOT SEEM TO FOLLOW ANY PATTERN -- NOT JUST AFTER FILL-UP; NOT JUST AT START-UP; NOT JUST WHEN ENGINE HOT OR COLD. THE DEALER …

Look up ODI 10313796 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 1.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 236,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10296641 · 236,000 mi

THE ACCIDENT WAS DUE TO UNINTENDED-ACCELERATION AS THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD FIGHTING THE BRAKE. IT SEEMED AS THOUGH THE ACCELERATOR HAD A LIFE OF ITS OWN OVERRIDING THE BRAKING ACTIONS I TRIED TO IMPLEMENT. I WAS PROCEEDING SLOWLY UP THE LONG NARROW DRIVEWAY. I MADE A RIGHT TURN INTO A PARKING PLACE THAT WAS PERPENDICULAR TO THE WALK-WAY. I SLOWLY TAPPED THE GAS ON MY LEXUS ES 300 AND THEN THE BRAKES. AS I MOVED MY FOOT OVER TO THE HIGHER LEVEL BRAKE PEDAL, THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN--THE IGNITION/ACCELERATOR SYSTEM TOOK O…

Look up ODI 10296641 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b