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
- 45
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Vehicle speed control
Campaigns on file for 1997
Opened by NHTSA
18% of complaints
Complaints per year
1997: 45 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.
Vehicle speed control
18% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal and linkages.
Show 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, 2010-01-04
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, 2009-11-05
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, 2015-06-03
Seat belts
11% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing retractor and webbing.
Show complaint excerpts
The middle rear shoulder belt locks up, making it very difficult to get the occupant out from the middle seat. Consumer, therefore, had to cut the belt in order to get a child out the rear middle seat.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-04-24
Engine and engine cooling
11% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Electrical system
11% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and front underhood.
Visibility
7% · 3 reportsMost commonly citing sun/moon roof assembly and windshield.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1997-10-01Service brakes, hydraulic97V156000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan,Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska…
Remedy: Dealers will install a new design brake vacuum hose.
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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.
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I
2002-04-30Defect petitionClosed 2002-06-20 Engine seizure
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Lexus ES300 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 97V156000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 99V307000 · Steering
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 18% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Lexus ES300 have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.