MYRModel Year Report

1998 Lexus ES300

● Typical for this model
1998 Lexus ES300
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:51:45.052Z

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
52
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Air bags

17% of complaints

Complaints per year

1992: 37 complaints 1992 1993: 43 complaints 1994: 39 complaints 1994 1995: 38 complaints 1996: 37 complaints 1996 1997: 45 complaints 1998: 52 complaints 1998 52 1999: 27 complaints 2000: 56 complaints 2000 2001: 29 complaints 2002: 153 complaints 2002 2003: 116 complaints 2005: 1 complaint 2005 2006: 3 complaints 2013: 5 complaints 2013
1992: 37 complaints 1992 1993: 43 complaints 1993 1994: 39 complaints 1994 1995: 38 complaints 1995 1996: 37 complaints 1996 1997: 45 complaints 1997 1998: 52 complaints 1998 52 1999: 27 complaints 1999 2000: 56 complaints 2000 2001: 29 complaints 2001 2002: 153 complaints 2002 2003: 116 complaints 2003 2005: 1 complaint 2005 2006: 3 complaints 2006 2013: 5 complaints 2013
1992: 37 complaints 1992 1993: 43 complaints 1993 1994: 39 complaints 1994 1995: 38 complaints 1995 1996: 37 complaints 1996 1997: 45 complaints 1997 1998: 52 complaints 1998 52 1999: 27 complaints 1999 2000: 56 complaints 2000 2001: 29 complaints 2001 2002: 153 complaints 2002 2003: 116 complaints 2003 2005: 1 complaint 2005 2006: 3 complaints 2006 2013: 5 complaints 2013

1998: 52 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
199237
199343
199439
199538
199637
199745
199852
199927
200056
200129
2002153
2003116
20051
20063
20135

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

17% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHINJURY
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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-18

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-01-19

Seat belts

13% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing retractor and buckle assembly.

CRASHINJURY
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, 1999-09-22

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-08-23

Vehicle speed control

10% · 5 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

While parking vehicle surged, jumped a curb, and ran into an apartment building.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-05-06

While lightly applying brakes the vehicle surged suddenly, resulting in minor collision. Dealer notified.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-07-29

Engine and engine cooling

10% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing engine and emission control.

Service brakes

8% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    2002-04-30Defect petitionClosed 2002-06-20 Engine seizure

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Lexus ES300 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 99V307000 · Steering
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Worst years3 years

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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.