MYRModel Year Report

1998 Lexus ES

○ Not enough data
1998 Lexus ES
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:45:31.342Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Lexus ES Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 1996: 1 complaints 1996 1997: 2 complaints 1998: 1 complaints 1998 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
1998: 1 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 1 complaint on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

POWER TRAIN

1 of 1 total report mentions: power train.

Show complaint excerpts

SINCE MAY OF 2019 MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON. THE OBD READER KEEPS DETECTING A TROUBLE CODE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20200116

ENGINE

1 of 1 total report mentions: engine.

Show complaint excerpts

SINCE MAY OF 2019 MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON. THE OBD READER KEEPS DETECTING A TROUBLE CODE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20200116

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 of 1 total report mentions: electrical system.

Show complaint excerpts

SINCE MAY OF 2019 MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON. THE OBD READER KEEPS DETECTING A TROUBLE CODE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20200116

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

1998 Lexus ES — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system 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 1998 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 1998 Lexus ES?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 100% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 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.