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
- 1
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1996: 1 complaint
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 | 60 |
| 2006 | 12 |
| 2007 | 125 |
| 2008 | 68 |
| 2009 | 28 |
| 2010 | 41 |
| 2011 | 46 |
| 2012 | 31 |
| 2013 | 34 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 34 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 28 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 5 |
Known problem areas
Only 1 complaint on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Fuel/propulsion system
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, 2013-05-29
Also filed under Engine
Engine
1 of 1 total report mentions: engine.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Lexus ES — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel/propulsion system: 1 report on file for this year.
- Engine: 1 report on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.