Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Lexus ES300. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, when she saw smoke and fire igniting from the hood. The contact stated the engine failed and turned off in the middle of the road. The contact stated no injuries were sustained. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire, but no report was filed. The police was called to the scene but no report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to impound lot. The contact called local dealer Lexus USA located at 6565 headquarters dr, plano, tx 75024, [phone], and where notified of failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired as of yet. The manufacturer had been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Lexus ES300. While driving at an unknown speed, smoke was noticed coming from the engine compartment. The contact managed to pull the vehicle over as it was stalling. The contact exited the vehicle, lifted the hood, and noticed flames coming from the battery. The contact called the fire department who extinguished the fire. The contact mentioned that the fire department cut the battery cord and informed the contact that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 156,000.
On 1/8/15 at approx. 9:30 am, I was driving to work south on hwy 95 near exit 67 . Suddenly, other drivers were frantically waving at me to pull over onto the shoulder of the highway. What they saw ( and which I couldn't), was that there were flames under my car. I pulled over and got out of the car. Within seconds ( not even a full minute), the entire car was engulfed in flames and soon became a complete and total charred mess. Fortunately, I was not physically hurt and a maryland state trooper came onto the scene 2-5 minutes after I got out of the car. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Lexus ES300. While driving 30 MPH, there were flames and a black substance coming from the engine compartment of the vehicle. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to an auto body repair center, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Lexus ES300. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact noticed smoke underneath the hood. She assumed that the vehicle was overheating and pulled over to allow the vehicle to cool down. A couple of minutes later, the vehicle caught fire and was towed to a body shop. The contact has pictures of the vehicle. The body shop does not know what caused the fire. The insurance company stated that the vehicle was destroyed. The dealer could not assist and stated that there were no recalls for the vehicle. The dealer further stated that this incident was only an "accident". The failure and current mileages were 114,000.
While driving on highway engine did shut off suddenly lost control , fortunately there was no traffic. Tried start engine again and it showed a check engine light and low oil light. Inspected engine oil with dip stick and showed good level. Towed it to mechanic and been told the sludge formation caused engine seize . Replacement of engine is the only option. Found a TSB on NHTSA technical service bulletin number: 628655 bulletin date: 20-jan-2002 about the oil sludge issue. I am requesting NHTSA to help me to fix this problem by manufacturer.
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.
NHTSA investigations
Engine seizure
Frequently asked questions
Which Lexus ES300 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (16), 1996 (12), 2002 (12), 1999 (10) and 2000 (8) model years. Engine complaints make up 14% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Lexus ES300 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Lexus ES300 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Lexus ES300 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles; 24% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (19 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (14).
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.