Most common 1999 Lexus ES300 problems
Share of the 27 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 →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1999 Lexus ES300:
Engine seizure
What 1999 Lexus ES300 owners say
Engine & cooling
I own a 1999 Lexus es-300 automobile that was purchased used in 2002. The engine stopped running as I was driving home from the atlanta airport and would not restart. Just prior to stopping the car began making a rattling noise and then simply stopped while I was driving it. Upon inspection of the engine by Lexus mechanics I was informed that there was "oil gel" in the engine and that a new engine would be required.
While driving at any speed engine check light came on and stayed on. Consumer could take the battery out and replace it, and the light would stay on for several weeks. Engine check light came on more than eight times in the last eight months. Dealer examined the vehicle twice, but could not find the cause of the problem.
Transmission & drivetrain
Complained to dealer about improper shifting of transmission while under warranty. Dealer advised the transmission was fine, but changed the fluid anyway. I still continued to have issues with the transmission, but was told by the dealer not to come back. The vehicle has been serviced according to manufactures recommendations and now at 88,000 miles the transmission has failed. This is an u140e transmission, which has had numerous complaints.
Just bought a 1999 Lexus es 300, took it to be checked out because the engine sounded rough in the reverse gear. Found out the transmission is leaking badly and has to be replaced, the Lexus specialist says he has seen similar problems with transmissions in the es 300 models as well as some of the rl models but have not heard of any recalls. Information is found regarding this problem in the TSB database.
1999 Lexus ES300 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Lexus ES300 a good car?
Based on 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 ES300 rates average: 37% fewer complaints than a typical year of the ES300 at the same age. It is one of the best ES300 years by this measure. 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 1999 Lexus ES300?
The engine & cooling — 10 complaints, 37% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › gasoline. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (3) and seat belts (2).
How many recalls does the 1999 Lexus ES300 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1999 Lexus ES300. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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 1999 Lexus ES300 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 88,000 miles; 8% 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.