1996 Lexus ES
Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 1 complaint on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 8 |
| 2000 | 6 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 27 |
| 2003 | 23 |
| 2004 | 16 |
| 2005 | 58 |
| 2006 | 12 |
| 2007 | 125 |
| 2008 | 68 |
| 2009 | 28 |
| 2010 | 40 |
| 2011 | 45 |
| 2012 | 30 |
| 2013 | 32 |
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 34 |
| 2020 | 17 |
| 2021 | 27 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 1 complaint on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 1 total report mentions: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
I SMELLED WHAT I THOUGHT WAS TRANSMISSION FLUID OR ANTI-FREEZE. THE NEXT DAY MY WIFE SMELLED GAS AND SOME FRIENDS CALLED MY CELL TO TELL ME GAS WAS RUNNING OUT FROM UNDER THE CAR. I COULD NOT FIND A LEAK UNDER THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130529
1 of 1 total report mentions: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
I SMELLED WHAT I THOUGHT WAS TRANSMISSION FLUID OR ANTI-FREEZE. THE NEXT DAY MY WIFE SMELLED GAS AND SOME FRIENDS CALLED MY CELL TO TELL ME GAS WAS RUNNING OUT FROM UNDER THE CAR. I COULD NOT FIND A LEAK UNDER THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130529
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Lexus ES — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (1 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Lexus ES reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Lexus ES?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Lexus ES have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.