1998 Lexus ES300

● Typical for this model

1998 Lexus ES300
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:44:38.912Z

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

1998: 52 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.

AIR BAGS 17%

17% of complaints: air bags — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

THIS COMPLAINT IS IN REGARDS TO THE AIRBAGS IN MY WIFE'S 1998 LEXUS ES300 NOT DEPLOYING WHEN IN A FULL FRONTAL ACCIDENT AT 35-45 MPH. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20040418

WHILE TRAVELING AT 10MPH VEHICLE HIT A CURB, CAUSING THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. A CHEMICAL RELEASED BY THE AIR BAGS CAUSED INJURY TO THE PASSENGER'S EYES. DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAGS ALSO SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19990119

SEAT BELTS 13%

13% of complaints: seat belts — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and buckle assembly.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT; VEHICLE WAS BROADSIDED ON PASSENGER'S SIDE AT APPROXIMATELY 35MPH OR MORE. PASSENGER WAS FORCED OVER TO DRIVER'S SIDE BECAUSE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK PROPERLY, AND BOTH AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.

NHTSA ODI report, 19990922

BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLES HAVE FAILED. I AM UNABLE TO INSERT BELTS INTO THE BUCKLE. CLEANING AND LUBE HAD NO AFFECT. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20130823

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 10%

10% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

WHILE PARKING VEHICLE SURGED, JUMPED A CURB, AND RAN INTO AN APARTMENT BUILDING. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20040506

WHILE LIGHTLY APPLYING BRAKES THE VEHICLE SURGED SUDDENLY, RESULTING IN MINOR COLLISION. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19980729

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 10%

10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and emission control.

SERVICE BRAKES 8%

8% of complaints: service brakes — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

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

1998 Lexus ES300 — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for air bags issues (9 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for seat belts issues (7 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 99V307000 (steering) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

● 1992 ● 1996 ● 1995

WORST YEARS

■ 2002 ■ 2003 ◆ 2000

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1998 Lexus ES300 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Lexus ES300 is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Lexus ES300?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Lexus ES300 have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.