MYRModel Year Report

1998 Lexus ES300

● Typical for this model
1998 Lexus ES300
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:42:35.329Z

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

Complaints per year, Lexus ES300 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1998 highlighted. 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 1999: 27 complaints 2000: 56 complaints 2000 2001: 29 complaints 2002: 153 complaints 2002 2003: 116 complaints 2005: 1 complaints 2005 2006: 3 complaints 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

AIR BAGS 15%

15% of complaints: air bags — 8 distinct reports on file.

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

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

TIRES 6%

6% of complaints: tires — 3 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

MAY 17, 2014 TRAVELING ON FLORIDA TURNPIKE AFTER TWO HOURS HAD TWO TIRES SEPARATE. REPLACED TWO TIRES IN PALM BEACH GARDENS AND CONTINUED ANOTHER HOUR WHEN A THIRD TIRE SEPARATED. TIRES WERE ALL COOPER CS4 P205/65R15.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140524

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 6%

6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 3 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 6%

6% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 3 distinct reports on file.

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 (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for tires issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 99V307000 (steering) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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:frontal, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Lexus ES300 have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.