1997 Lexus ES300 problems
The 1997 Lexus ES300 has 50 complaints on file with NHTSA. The largest share (16%) concerns cruise control. After that come electrical system (10%) and engine (10%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 50 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Cruise control 16% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 6 and 2
- Injuries and deaths
- 9 and 1
- Typical mileage
- 100,000 miles 11 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 1 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 0 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 2 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 1 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 1 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 3 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 1 |
| 200k+ miles | 2 |
What the data shows
Among the 11 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 100,000 miles.
Safety-related details: 6 complaints mention a crash; 2 complaints mention a fire; 9 injuries reported; 1 death reported. Its complaints are more severe on average than those of 93% of model years in our database.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 1997 ranks 7th most-complained-about out of 12 model years of the Lexus ES300 with enough data (20 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 2 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 lexus es300. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the driver unknowingly fell asleep and crashed into a guard rail. The vehicle flipped over twice, causing the driver to be injured. The front passenger's seat was fully reclined on the track frame with the occupant being secured with the seat belt as the crash occurred. The front passenger was killed.
Vehicle steered to the left when hit by an object. When the driver tried to steer vehicle straight it went out of control, resulting in a collision and minor injuries. Manufacturer has been notified.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 lexus es300. While driving 25 MPH the vehicle suddenly accelerated. He lost vehicle control and drove into a field. The vehicle stopped after he crashed into a condominium. The vehicle was completely destroyed. He received injuries to the head, back, and spine. His dog also died due to injuries. The manufacturer took a report; however, the detailed report information was not available.
Dt*: the consumer stated the driver seat heater became uncomfortably hot. When the problem occurred in 2002 the consumer shut off the seat heater. The dealership replaced the heating unit because of a short in the heater wiring. In 2005 the passenger side seat heater overheated and burned through the seating material. The dealership found a short in the heater wiring. The heater was disconnected at the consumers request. Updated 02/28/06
The steering wheel comes completely off the column while driving on the freeway. Then again when turning. The car could not be steered at all. The horn and power steering no longer work.