2000 Lexus ES
Only 6 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 6 complaints 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 6 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 6 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS IS FRIED, DRAINING EVERY BATTERY I BUY ( ABOUT A TOTAL OF 15 OR MORE BOUGHT) I'VE CHANGED THE STARTER AND ALTERNATOR MULTIPLE TIMES AS WELL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210327
ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2018, AT AROUND 1:05 P.M I WAS DRIVING MY LEXUS ES 300 DOWN ROUTE 88 PENNSYLVANIA APPROXIMATELY 5 MINS FROM MY RESIDENCE. WHEN SUDDENLY SMOKE BEGAN TO FILL THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200221
I PUT MY KEY IN THE IGNITION, THE CAR STARTED BY ITSELF SOUNDED BAD, I HAD NOT TURNED KEY. REMOVED KEY AND CAR KEPT RUNNING. WE HAD IT PARKED IN GARAGE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140424
1 of 6 total reports mentions: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
I PURCHASED A NEW LEXUS, ES-300 IN 2000 (PLATINUM SERIES). HAD TO HAVE THE FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS REPLACED AFTER 24,000 MILES. AGAIN AT 60,000. JUST THE FRONT NOT THE REAR. ONLY CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED THAT HAS DONE THAT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070113
1 of 6 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
I PURCHASED A NEW LEXUS, ES-300 IN 2000 (PLATINUM SERIES). HAD TO HAVE THE FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS REPLACED AFTER 24,000 MILES. AGAIN AT 60,000. JUST THE FRONT NOT THE REAR. ONLY CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED THAT HAS DONE THAT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070113
1 of 6 total reports mentions: power train.
FIRE1 of 6 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LEXUS ES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, FUMES WERE COMING IN THROUGH THE VENTS, AND FUEL WAS LEAKING OUT OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20110210
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2000 Lexus ES — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2000 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 2000 Lexus ES?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2000 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.