1997 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
11% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LEXUS ES300. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH UP HILL, HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP ACCELERATING EVEN WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A BUILDING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100104
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LEXUS ES300. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. HE LOST VEHICLE CONTROL AND DROVE INTO A FIELD. THE VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER HE CRASHED INTO A CONDOMINIUM. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20091105
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LEXUS ES300. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150603
4% of complaints: visibility — 2 distinct reports on file.
4% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 2 distinct reports on file.
4% of complaints: steering — 2 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE STEERED TO THE LEFT WHEN HIT BY AN OBJECT. WHEN THE DRIVER TRIED TO STEER VEHICLE STRAIGHT IT WENT OUT OF CONTROL, RESULTING IN A COLLISION AND MINOR INJURIES. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20000522
THE STEERING WHEEL COMES COMPLETELY OFF THE COLUMN WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THEN AGAIN WHEN TURNING. THE CAR COULD NOT BE STEERED AT ALL. THE HORN AND POWER STEERING NO LONGER WORK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170502
4% of complaints: seats — 2 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
FOR SOME TIME, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER (LEFT SIDE OF SEAT) WOULD REACH A TEMPERATURE WHICH WAS UNCOMFORTABLE. SO, I WOULD TURN IT ON FOR A FEW MINUTES TO WARM UP, AND THEN TURN IT OFF WHEN IT BECAME HOT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080210
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, IOWA, KANSAS, MAINE, MICHIGAN,MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEVADA,
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN BRAKE VACUUM HOSE.
Campaign 97V156000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1997 Lexus ES300 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V156000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 99V307000 (steering) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Lexus ES300 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Lexus ES300 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Lexus ES300?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 11% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Lexus ES300 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.