1993 Lexus ES300: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 43 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (20% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
43
owner complaints
4
fire reports
96,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsProblems tend to appear late (median 96,000 mi)Weak spot: air bags (20%)4 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)20% · 8 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)17% · 7 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)15% · 6 complaints
Equipment10% · 4 complaints
Interior Lighting10% · 4 complaints
Tires7% · 3 complaints
“Tl* the contact owns a 1993 lexus es300. The contact stated the vehicle did not start. The contact replaced the battery twice, stated that the vehicle started for a while, and then failed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 293,095. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2016
“Tl* the contact 1993 es300 lexus. The contact was driving 45mph and the vehicle began to shake. Shortly after the vehicle begin to smoke. Upon pulling over the contact noticed fire coming from under the hood. The local mechanic inspected the vehicle and he stated that the steering fluid caught on fire and the fire started in the steering column. The contact had the vehicle towed over to the authorized dealer. The contact still has not heard back from the dealer as of the time of the complaint . The children in the vehicle were in shock but did not sustain any injuries. The failure mileage was 87000. The VIN was unavailable.”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 1993 lexus es300. The contact stated that the speedometer failed while driving. The dealer stated that the failure was due to the age of the vehicle. The powertrain was unknown. The current mileage is 84,400 and failure mileage was 84,000. The needles on the instrument panel have all burned out. Updated 09/05/07. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
“Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the speedometer gauge failed. The incident occurred without warning. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who determined the instrument cluster panel needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was alerted. The consumer stated this was the second time this has happened. The first time it was replaced under warranty. Updated 12/05/06. *jb”Owner report · Interior Lighting · Nov 2006
“Malfunction in design of dashboard instruments. *bf the consumer stated when the vehicle is low on gas, the needles cease to light and it is almost impossible to see how just how much gas is left. The consumer has to fill the gas as often as possible to see much gas is left, not only can the consumer not see the gas, but this also affected the temperature gauge and speed. The consumer believed the design of the instrument panel was unsounded and presents a safety hazard. *jb”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2004
“After driving home from getting an oil leak repaired by the dealership vehicle caught on fire under the hood.dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2004
“I have experienced the "surging" that was discussed in the media on my 1993 lexus es300 many times. I have owned the car since 1995. This happens when the vehicle is stopped (at idle). I have the brake depressed and the car engine increases in rpm's. Sometimes it is a powerful surge that causes the car to move forward. Usually, I notice this occurring and press harder on the brake to prevent the car from moving forward.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2004
“While traveling on the highway and without any prior warning the vehicle will overheat and shut down . *ak consumer added there were problems with the vehicle's air conditioner, and a strong gasoline smell inside the vehicle. The consumer was told the head gasket was blown because of poor maintenance at the dealership and the vehicle was in need of a radiator although the leaks were coming from the engine and the water pump *la the oxygen sensor failed. *jb”Owner report · Equipment · Jul 2003
“Driver's side seat belt unlatches at times.additionally, the passenger side seat belt plastic retainer has broken and has a sharp protruding edge which in an accident may prove very dangerous. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 2001
“A cloud of blue smoke comes out when I first start my car in the morning. I was told by the dealer that the 3.0 liter engines have sludge problems and need to be replaced.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
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Is the 1993 Lexus ES300 reliable?
NHTSA has 43 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1993 Lexus ES300. The most complained-about area is air bags (20% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1993 Lexus ES300 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 96,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.