MYRModel Year Report

1992 Lexus ES300

● Typical for this model
1992 Lexus ES300
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:42:29.928Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Lexus ES300 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1992 highlighted. 1992: 37 complaints 1992 1993: 43 complaints 1994: 39 complaints 1994 1995: 38 complaints 1996: 37 complaints 1996 1997: 45 complaints 1998: 52 complaints 1998 1999: 27 complaints 2000: 56 complaints 2000 2001: 29 complaints 2002: 153 complaints 2002 2003: 116 complaints 2005: 1 complaints 2005 2006: 3 complaints 2013: 5 complaints 2013
1992: 37 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
199237
199343
199439
199538
199637
199745
199852
199927
200056
200129
2002153
2003116
20051
20063
20135

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

POWER TRAIN 8%

8% of complaints: power train — 3 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

THE LIGHTS , CHECK ENGINE AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGES I FELT DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE ENGINE WAS GETTING HOT AND OVERHEATING, CUTTING OUT DYING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NEVER CAME ON.

NHTSA ODI report, 20021101

POWER TRAIN 8%

8% of complaints: power train — 3 distinct reports on file.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 8%

8% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 3 distinct reports on file.

AIR BAGS 8%

8% of complaints: air bags — 3 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN RED LIGHT, HIT LEXUS PASSENGER SIDE, SPUN VEHICLE, HIT TELEPHONE POLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960816

AIR BAGS 8%

8% of complaints: air bags — 3 distinct reports on file.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

CAR WAS GOING 35 MPH ON A STRAIGHT, DRY, PAVED, FLAT STREET WHEN THE AIRBAG SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING RESULTING IN FACIAL ABRASIONS AND SUDDEN HEARING LOSS IN BOTH EARS WHICH CONTINUES TO THIS DAY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20151227

AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT CAUSE WHILE GOING APPROX 30 MPH ON A FLAT DRY PAVED ROAD. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20150503

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 LEXUS ES300. WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE DRIVER SWERVED AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND EXPLODED, EMITTING A SMOKEY SUBSTANCE. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FACE AND EAR INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150310

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19940311 — latches/locks/linkages

THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MECHANISM HAS A NARROW CLEARANCE BETWEEN INTERNAL PARTS WHICH, OVER TIME, ACCUMULATE DUST OR OTHER FOREIGN MATTER AND CAUSE THE LATCH TO NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY.

Remedy: LEXUS DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH.

Campaign 94V039000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1992 Lexus ES300 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 94V039000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

● 1996 ● 1995 ● 1994

WORST YEARS

■ 2002 ■ 2003 ◆ 2000

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1992 Lexus ES300 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1992 Lexus ES300 is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1992 Lexus ES300?

The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 8% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1992 Lexus ES300 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.