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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
18% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal and linkages.
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
11% of complaints: seat belts — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and webbing.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 19970424
11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
11% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and front underhood.
FIRE7% of complaints: visibility — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sun/moon roof assembly and windshield.
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 (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (5 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 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Lexus ES300 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.