Most common 2000 Lexus ES300 problems
Share of the 56 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 2000 Lexus ES300:
Engine seizure
What 2000 Lexus ES300 owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof
When windshield wipers were in use at fast speed vehicle would shake. Vehicle would hesitate before accelerating. Been in contact with dealership, and was informed by mechanic problems on vehicle were normal. Also a cracking noise in the heater, sometime.
Rearview mirror does not move, resulting in poor visibility. The driver is not able to see out of 25% of the rear window on the left side. Dealer has been notified.
Transmission & drivetrain
I was driving and the vehicle started to stall and then jolt increasing and decreasing in acceleration by itself I have already had the transmission serviced and rebuilt a couple years ago and now it seems to be doing the same thing.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Lexus ES300. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle began to decelerate, but the engine did not shut off. The check engine and track lights illuminated as the vehicle began to slow down. When the vehicle gained normal speed, the warning lights no longer illuminated. The contact is unable to drive the vehicle. There is no warranty and the dealer stated that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced at the contact's expense. The failure occurred twice. The powertrain was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 146,000.
Speed control & acceleration
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Lexus ES300. While the contact was pulling out of a parking spot the contact noticed that the brakes suddenly stopped functioning causing the vehicle to crash into a wall. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealership and there were no prior warnings. The contact sufferd minor injuries to the chest and a police report was not filed for the crash. The current and failure mileages were 40000. Updated 3/16/10 updated 09/30/10
Tl contact owns a 2000 Lexus ES300. The contact was driving approximately 35 MPH; proceeding to a stop sign. While depressing the brake pedal there was an increased acceleration. The vehicle failed to slow down and rear ended a vehicle. The passenger in the front seat and the driver of the other vehicle sustained injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was completely destroyed. The failure mileage was 88,000.
2000 Lexus ES300 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2000 Lexus ES300 a good car?
Based on 56 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2000 ES300 rates average: 1.2× as many complaints as 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 2000 Lexus ES300?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 10 complaints, 18% of all complaints for this model year, most often about sun/moon roof assembly. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (10) and speed control & acceleration (9).
How many recalls does the 2000 Lexus ES300 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2000 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 2000 Lexus ES300 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 77,000 miles; 18% 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.