Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 5 | −82% | — | Window & Wiper | Good |
| 2003 | 116 | 3.1× | — | Acceleration | Avoid |
| 2002 | 153 | 4.2× | 2 | Transmission | Avoid |
| 2001 | 29 | −24% | — | Acceleration | Average |
| 2000 | 56 | 1.2× | — | Window & Wiper | Average |
| 1999 | 27 | −37% | — | Engine | Average |
| 1998 | 52 | 1.2× | 1 | Airbag | Average |
| 1997 | 45 | 1.2× | 2 | Acceleration | Average |
| 1996 | 37 | −13% | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 1995 | 38 | −26% | 1 | Electrical | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median ES300 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Lexus ES300 problems
Latest Lexus ES300 recalls
Air bags › Frontal
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with a three-spoke style steering wheel. During air bag deployment, it is possible that the bottom seam of the front driver's side air bag module cover (horn pad) could be torn away allowing the bottom portion of the cover to completely detach from the air bag module.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's side air bag module. Owner notification began December 28, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy…
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The left front brake tube May have been deformed prior to vehicle delivery due to improper installation of a coil spring spacer that was installed to prevent damage to the vehicle during transportation.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front brake line and, if necessary, replace the line. Owner notification began January 1, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not…
Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist
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, new hampshire, new york, noth dakota, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin, and wyoming.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new design brake vacuum hose.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Lexus ES300 should you avoid?
2002 and 2003 — these years have the most complaints relative to other ES300 years at the same age, led by transmission & drivetrain problems in the 2002.
What is the best year for the Lexus ES300?
2013 has the fewest complaints compared with other ES300 years at the same age, followed by 1999 and 2001. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Lexus ES300 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the speed control & acceleration (139), transmission & drivetrain (102) and engine & cooling (73). Acceleration complaints peak in the 2002 model year.
How many recalls has the Lexus ES300 had?
4 recalls across 1995–2013. The model year with the most is 1997. See all Lexus ES300 recalls by year.
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.