MYRModel Year Report

1997 Lexus ES

○ Not enough data
1997 Lexus ES
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:45:32.994Z

Only 2 complaints 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 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Lexus ES Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1996: 1 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 1 complaints 1999: 8 complaints 2000: 6 complaints 2000 2001: 2 complaints 2002: 27 complaints 2003: 23 complaints 2004: 16 complaints 2004 2005: 58 complaints 2006: 12 complaints 2007: 125 complaints 2008: 68 complaints 2008 2009: 28 complaints 2010: 40 complaints 2011: 45 complaints 2012: 30 complaints 2012 2013: 32 complaints 2014: 3 complaints 2015: 5 complaints 2016: 8 complaints 2016 2017: 2 complaints 2018: 5 complaints 2019: 34 complaints 2020: 17 complaints 2020 2021: 27 complaints 2022: 8 complaints 2023: 8 complaints 2024: 9 complaints 2024 2025: 4 complaints 2025
1997: 2 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19961
19972
19981
19998
20006
20012
200227
200323
200416
200558
200612
2007125
200868
200928
201040
201145
201230
201332
20143
20155
20168
20172
20185
201934
202017
202127
20228
20238
20249
20254

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

SEATS

1 of 2 total reports mentions: seats.

Show complaint excerpts

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LEXUS ES 300. HE STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY ON DECEMBER 28, 2001. APPROXIMATELY FIVE YEARS LATER HE NOTICED THAT THE SEAT HEATER GOT EXTREMELY HOT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20070604

POWER TRAIN

1 of 2 total reports mentions: power train.

Show complaint excerpts

REAR NOISE WHILE DRIVING MANY OTHER DRIVERS HAVE THE SAME QUESTION. WHEN THE CAR GOES OVER POT HOLES I MAKES A SOUND SIMILAR TO GOLF / BOWING BOWLN HITTING EACH OTHER. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20120902

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20090511 — exterior lighting

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF

Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Lexus ES — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for seats issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2012 ● 2013 ● 2019

WORST YEARS

■ 2007 ◆ 2008 ◆ 2005

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1997 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 1997 Lexus ES?

The most-reported component is seats:front assembly:seat heater/cooler, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Lexus ES have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.