1996 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.
32% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19971003
19% of complaints: steering — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and pump.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
STEERING WHEEL LOCKED . LUCKILY WHILE PARKED. CAR TOWED TO LEXUS OF MARIN. BILL 3000. MILEAGE ON CAR BETWEEN 40-50000
NHTSA ODI report, 20021211
STEERING FAILURE, WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED OF 40MPH, SLIGHTLY TURNING THE WHEEL TO CHANGE LANES, VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL, IMPACT 12:00 POSITION. *AK CONSUMER WAS BRAKING MODERATELY WHILE TURNING STEERING WHEEL. *SLC
NHTSA ODI report, 19961007
WAS DRIVING HOME FROM SHOPPING AND WENT TO TURN LEFT AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND SMOOTHLY AND I ALMOST LOST CONTROL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140312
16% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
AIRBAG OVER-SENSITIVITY DEFECT.*MR THE CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE AIR BAG WAS TOO SENSITIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH THE DRIVERS SIDE BUMPER AND QUARTER PANEL WAS DAMAGED. BOTH FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20041129
NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S AIR BAG IN ACCIDENT, RESULTING IN INJURIES.
NHTSA ODI report, 19970627
14% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
CAR EXPLODED AND STARTED FIRE IN THE GARAGE AFTER THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES. GOT HOME FROM WORK AND STOP AT GROCERY STORE. PARKED CAR IN GARAGE AND BROUGHT IN SOME GROCERIES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130106
Also filed under ENGINE
8% of complaints: suspension — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front.
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
ENGINE SEIZURE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Lexus ES300 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags 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 1996 Lexus ES300 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Lexus ES300 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Lexus ES300?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 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.