1994 Lexus ES300: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 39 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is seat belts (24% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 1999
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“2004 lexus es330-car hesitates when attempting to accelerate. Very unsafe when trying to merge into highway traffic. Almost had serious accident because of this problem. Computer chip for transmission has been replaced that was supposed to fix problem. Used premium gas as suggested by mechanic- nothing helped. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2010
“1994 lexus es300 instrument panel (speedometer,tachometer,fuel,and temp),needles have gone out and impossible to read gauges at night or in low light conditions. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2010
“1994 lexus es300. Electroluminescent gauges for speedometer and tachometer fail to illuminate. This makes it very difficult or impossible (especially with glare or at night) to determine rpm's or speed. A search on the web will show this is a common problem among 1992 - 1996 es300's. It is a safety hazard and is something that should be reviewed. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
“Driver's seatbelt assembly repeatedly unlatches arbitrarily posing serious safety concern. Has occurred while vehicle is stationary and in motion. Flow lexus of kernersville, nc, refuses to make complimentary repair.*ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 2004
“Passenger's side seat belt will extend outward, but will not retract back in place. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, and mechanic replaced the seat belt mechanism. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 2003
“Front seat belt may not latch properly and can un-latch itself. Has occurred occasionally without warning since the original incident date. *jb”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 2003
“Consumer states that the battery is leaking acid through positive post. Consumer states that the vehicle would shut off without warning. Dealer notified.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2003
“While car was running battery exploded.*ak consumer had driven the vehicle and parked in a parking lot. The vehicle sat for about 30 minutes before consumer attempted to start the vehicle again. Consumer inserted the key and hwen turning the ignition the battery exploded creating fumes and smoke. All the electrical power was gone. The dealer made the necessary repairs. A few days later the electrical system warning light illuminated. *jg”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2002
“Seatbelt will not retract, causing it to fail in the event of a vehicle crash. Cause unknown. Dealer notified.*ak consumer states the entire seat belt assembly had to be replaced. *jb”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 2002
“The 4 inch piece that connects the rr arm assembly stripped, causing the wheel to buckle inward - the piece had to be welded together just to pull to car into the garage.*ak”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED CAUSING STEERING VIBRATION AND LOOSENESS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT.
How other years compare
Check your exact ES300 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 1994 Lexus ES300 reliable?
NHTSA has 39 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1994 Lexus ES300. The most complained-about area is seat belts (24% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1994 Lexus ES300 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 110,000 miles or less.
Does the 1994 Lexus ES300 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning steering: steering wheel/handle bar. 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.