Most common 1995 Lexus ES300 problems
Share of the 38 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus ES300 complaints by model year
Best ES300 years: 2013, 1999, 2001. Years to avoid: 2002, 2003. Compare all years →
1995 Lexus ES300 recalls (1)
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.
What 1995 Lexus ES300 owners say
Electrical system
Tl contact owns a 1995 Lexus ES300. The contact stated that none of the instrument panel gauges illuminate. As a result, the contact does not know when the vehicle needs fuel, what speed he is traveling, or if there is any failure with the vehicle. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the entire instrument panel needed to be removed and sent to the factory. The contact would be responsible for the repair costs. He believes that the manufacturer should pay for the repairs because all of the gauges should not be failing. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000 and current mileage was approximately 150,000. Updated 10-29-08 u[dated 10/30/08.
Two gauges have stopped illuminating. A third is about to go. I am unable to see the speed at night which limits use of the vehicle the car is 18 years old with 118,000 miles and rides beautifully but it seems that is too soon for a luxury car to lose use of such vital functions. From researching this issue,it appears to be a known problem with the year and model. I have also learned that later model clusters can be repaired but the 1995's have to be replaced exclusively by Lexus at an exorbitant cost.
Brakes
Vehicle was purchased on May 6 2000, at luskin, on 5/17/2000 vehicle was inspected by pohanka Lexus, fairfax, va, following defencies was noted: brakes needed to be replaced, neeed four wheel alignment, mismatch tires and car has been in an accident in right front end. This was inspected by a va license station (494) on 5/2/2000, according to this inspection there was nothing wrong with the vehicle but it pass all virginia safety criteria. But this dealer ship lustine put an unsafe vehicle on the roadway endangering the lives of my family members wife and three young children. Through pure neglect own the dealership part. The vehicle was returned by the used car manager, made comment of this nature "I will not take the vehicle back not unless the frame was bent. It is not his responsibility to ensure the safety on the vehicle but just to sell the vehicles on his lot. …
The consumer experienced surging when driving. The consumer had the transmission replaced. The car accelerated on its own. Nothing would stop the vehicle until the consumer turned the key to the off position. There was carbon build up around the throttle, the rear main seal was worn out, the front brakes were worn, the steering hose was cracked, the temperature would stay the same regardless of the temperature setting, and the transaxle assembly oil pump did not show the pressure.
Speed control & acceleration
Accelerated around a vehicle that had pulled out in front of me. My vehicle accelerated uncontrollably. Cruise control engaged itself. I pumped breaks. Tried to deactivate cruise control unsuccessfully. While heavily pumping breaks, vehicle returned to normal and cruise control light went out.
In April 2008, driver was driving home in a 95 Lexus ES300 and was about to enter the garage. As she pulled up towards the garage while waiting for the garage to open the car suddenly accelerated and crashed through the garage door. It continued racing forward and hit the other vehicle that was parked in the garage. Driver tried to brake but that seemed to have no effect and the engine was running at a higher than normal RPM. Driver then tried to get the gear from drive into park, unfortunately, it engaged in reverse and the car spun out of control backwards and into the street. As it reversing out of control after hitting the first parked vehicle it severely damaged a main column of the house on its way out and hit another car that was parked in the street. After which it came to a stop. …
1995 Lexus ES300 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1995 Lexus ES300 a good car?
Based on 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1995 ES300 rates average: 26% fewer complaints than a typical year of the ES300 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 1995 Lexus ES300?
The electrical system — 9 complaints, 24% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument cluster/panel. Next are the brakes (7) and speed control & acceleration (6).
How many recalls does the 1995 Lexus ES300 have?
There is 1 recall for the 1995 Lexus ES300, the most recent from November 1, 1999 (steering wheel/handle bar). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus ES300?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2013, 1999 and 2001. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2002 and 2003. See the full Lexus ES300 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1995 Lexus ES300 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 103,000 miles; 0% 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.