1995 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.
24% of complaints: service brakes — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH24% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and front underhood.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TWO GAUGES HAVE STOPPED ILLUMINATING. A THIRD IS ABOUT TO GO.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131226
16% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
IN APRIL 2008, DRIVER WAS DRIVING HOME IN A 95 LEXUS ES300 AND WAS ABOUT TO ENTER THE GARAGE. AS SHE PULLED UP TOWARDS THE GARAGE WHILE WAITING FOR THE GARAGE TO OPEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED THROUGH THE GARAGE DOOR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100405
ACCELERATED AROUND A VEHICLE THAT HAD PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME. MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED ITSELF. I PUMPED BREAKS. TRIED TO DEACTIVATE CRUISE CONTROL UNSUCCESSFULLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150729
11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
LOW OIL PRESSURE - ENGINE DAMAGE. *LA
NHTSA ODI report, 20040123
CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER CONCERNING OIL GELLING PROBLEMS IN REGARD TO HER 1998 ES300, HOWEVER THIS IS THE EXACT PROBLEM THAT OCCURRED WITH HER 1995 ES300, WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, ENGINE CUT OFF AND CONSUMER HAD TO COAST INTO A GORE BETWEEN THE...
NHTSA ODI report, 20020917
11% of complaints: air bags — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1995 LEXUS ES300. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED FRACTURED BONES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20161130
DRIVER'S AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY UPON IMPACT, RESULTING IN AN INJURY. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950628
Also filed under SEAT BELTS
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED CAUSING STEERING VIBRATION AND LOOSENESS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT.
Campaign 99V307000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1995 Lexus ES300 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 99V307000 (steering) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1995 Lexus ES300 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1995 Lexus ES300 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1995 Lexus ES300?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1995 Lexus ES300 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.