1993 Lexus ES300
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1992 | 37 |
| 1993 | 43 |
| 1994 | 39 |
| 1995 | 38 |
| 1996 | 37 |
| 1997 | 45 |
| 1998 | 52 |
| 1999 | 27 |
| 2000 | 56 |
| 2001 | 29 |
| 2002 | 153 |
| 2003 | 116 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2006 | 3 |
| 2013 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
23% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and interior/under dash.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
AFTER DRIVING HOME FROM GETTING AN OIL LEAK REPAIRED BY THE DEALERSHIP VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD.DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040519
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 LEXUS ES300. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE DID NOT START. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BATTERY TWICE, STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED FOR A WHILE, AND THEN FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160429
19% of complaints: air bags — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
DD. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20090917
DURING FRONTAL IMPACT, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19961212
ON IMPACT THE DRIVER AIR DEPLOYED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE . TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950922
19% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT (60) MPH ON THE FREEWAY THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970403
9% of complaints: interior lighting — 4 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: equipment — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing air conditioner.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1993 Lexus ES300 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (8 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1993 Lexus ES300 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1993 Lexus ES300 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1993 Lexus ES300?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1993 Lexus ES300 have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.