2000 Lexus ES Problems & Complaints

Better than average83% fewer complaints than a typical year of the ES at the same age

Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 2000 Lexus ES with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 83% fewer than a typical ES model year at the same age, making the 2000 one of the better ES years. The most reported problem area is the electrical system (3 complaints, typically around 149,000 miles).

6complaints
0recalls
0crashes
3fires
1injuries
0deaths

Most common 2000 Lexus ES problems

  • Electrical system~149,000 miles
    350%
  • Brakes~24,000 miles
    117%
  • Wheels & tires~24,000 miles
    117%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~140,000 miles
    117%
  • Engine & cooling~245,000 miles
    117%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~245,000 miles
    117%
  • Other / not specified
    117%

Share of the 6 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Lexus ES complaints by model year

’99’00’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’15’16’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25862723165812125682841463134595341828111095
Owner complaints per model year, Lexus ES. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best ES years: 2015, 2016, 2018. Years to avoid: 2021, 2019, 2011, 2020, 2010. Compare all years →

What 2000 Lexus ES owners say

Electrical system

On September 15, 2018, at around 1:05 p.m I was driving my Lexus ES 300 down route 88 pennsylvania approximately 5 mins from my residence. When suddenly smoke began to fill the cabin of the vehicle. I began to panic and pulled vehicle over and stopped turning ignition off and immediately fled the vehicle. Heavy smoke was pouring out of the interior of the vehicle. I ran to the closest residence and pounded on the door to get help and to warn the occupants of the possible fire. As I was parked at the edge of their driveway. There was no answer, at the same time a passerby notified me that I had fire underneath my vehicle, he immediately called 911. Police responded in one minute. Fire department responded within five minutes, by this time vehicle was fully engulfed. Vehicle was a total loss. Vehicle had just st under 150,000 miles at time of incedent.. …

149,000 miles · Sep 2018 · fire · 1 injury

Electrical systems is fried, draining every battery I buy ( about a total of 15 or more bought) I've changed the starter and alternator multiple times as well. If I turn the A/C on the lights dim and the car slows down dangerously before completely shutting down! My car is a risk on the road so I haven't been able to drive it since finding out, yet, I still have to pay insurance every month on it.

245,000 miles · Jan 2018 · fire

2000 Lexus ES engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.0L 6-cyl4-speed automaticFWD17 / 24 / 20

EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2000 Lexus ES a good car?

Based on 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2000 ES rates better than average: 83% fewer complaints than a typical year of the ES at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2000 Lexus ES?

The electrical system — 3 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the brakes (1) and wheels & tires (1).

How many recalls does the 2000 Lexus ES have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2000 Lexus ES. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Lexus ES?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2015, 2016 and 2018. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2021, 2019, 2011, 2020 and 2010. See the full Lexus ES years comparison.

At what mileage do 2000 Lexus ES problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 140,000 miles; 20% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.