1998 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
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1998
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1998: 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.
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, 2020-01-16
Also filed under Engine and electrical system
Engine
1 of 1 total report mentions: engine.
Electrical system
1 of 1 total report mentions: electrical system.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1998 Lexus ES — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 1 report on file for this year.
- Engine: 1 report on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.