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
- 37
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 1996
Opened by NHTSA
32% of complaints
Complaints per year
1996: 37 complaints
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.
Engine and engine cooling
32% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Engine fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-10-03
Steering
19% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing rack and pinion and pump.
Show 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, 2002-12-11
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-10-07
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, 2014-03-12
Air bags
16% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show 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, 2004-11-29
No deployment of driver's air bag in accident, resulting in injuries.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-06-27
Electrical system
14% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.
Show 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, 2013-01-06
Also filed under Engine
Suspension
8% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing front.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
1999-11-30Steering99V307000 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.
-
I
2002-04-30Defect petitionClosed 2002-06-20 Engine seizure
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Lexus ES300 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 6 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 99V307000 · Steering
Other years of this model
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 32% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 Lexus ES300 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.