MYRModel Year Report

1996 Lexus ES300

● Typical for this model
1996 Lexus ES300
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:42:32.921Z

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, 1996 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
1996: 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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 14%

14% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11%

11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

ENGINE FIRE.

NHTSA ODI report, 19971003

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: electrical system — 3 distinct reports on file.

AIR BAGS 8%

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

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVER'S AIR BAG IN ACCIDENT, RESULTING IN INJURIES.

NHTSA ODI report, 19970627

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 5%

5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 2 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 LEXUS ES300. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE INCREASED ACCELERATION UNEXPECTEDLY. THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF.

NHTSA ODI report, 20100316

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19991130 — steering

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

I 20020430 — DP (closed 20020620)

ENGINE SEIZURE

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 Lexus ES300 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 99V307000 (steering) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

● 1992 ● 1995 ● 1994

WORST YEARS

■ 2002 ■ 2003 ◆ 2000

See all years ranked →

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 14% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 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.