1991 Lexus ES250: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 13 owner complaints on record; most reports concern structure.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2010
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While applying the accelerator pedal vehicle accelerated on its own. Consumer applied the brakes and vehicle continued to speed. Shifted the vehicle in neutral in order to stop. Consumer drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that cruise control actuator needed to be replaced. Dealer nor manufacturer produced this part anymore. However, problem recurred, and had not been resolved. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2004
“While driving 65 mph, the consumer noticed smoke was coming from underneath the hood. The driver was able to pull over and get out. The vehicle caught fire. The vehicle was towed by the insurance company. *jb the dealership refused to diagnose the cause unless the consumer paid for it. The dealer had recently done work on the distributor, transmission and brakes. There were no burn marks around the engine. The fire started under the passengers door where the brakes were located. The consumer felt that the dealer did not seat the brakes properly and this could have caused the accident. *sc *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2004
“On a very sunny day the power windows and door controls stop working. When I drive the car for 8 to 10 miles and stop the car and try opening the door and then try the power window it starts to work. It feels that as if the heat builds up in the car on a hot day and controls stop working but when I drive around the car cools off and controls seem to work. I did not notice this behavior in the cold weather. *la”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Nov 2003
Show 1 more owner reports
“Automatic locking system failed to release rear left side door. Would try manually & it still failed to release. Took vehicle to dealership & was informed by mechanic that e entire locking system would need to be replaced. *ak”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2000
Recalls - 1 campaign
RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.
Remedy: RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-248-458-1396.
Check your exact ES250 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1991 Lexus ES250 reliable?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1991 Lexus ES250. The most complained-about area is structure.
Does the 1991 Lexus ES250 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning suspension. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.