1996 Lexus ES300: problems, recalls and reliability

“1996 lexus es300; sludge build-up; excessive oil consumption; white smoke on start-up; dealer says the engine needs to be rebuilt at a cost of about $7000. This is the same problem that toyota/lexus has acknowledged for 1997 to 2001 models with the v-6 engine. Why won't they honor the repair to the engine for a 1996 model? *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2005

“Check engine light came on. Servicing dealer replaced o2 sensor - bank 2, sensor 1, part number 89465-33080 - dealer listed as $183.30 for the part while warranty company listed as $128.11 for the same part. When checking warranty coverage, was told warranty did not exist - paid $1,860.00 to bredemann lexus in glenview for the warranty on 6/14/03. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Other · Feb 2004

“Engine failed (seized up) due to oil sludge, despite the fact that the car's oil had been regularly changed. In fact, the car's oil was changed every 3-4,000 miles, not every 5,000 as recommended by lexus. Car was also completely serviced by lexus at 70,000 miles and they obviously didn't look at the engine very well . . . There must have been evidence of sludge by that time.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2003

“Engine check light intermittently on, blue exhaust in engine smoke, abnormal oil consumption, gelled oil or sludge present inside valve cover below oil filler cap. Called lexus america, brought car into dealer, they tell me I must pay $2,071.06 for repairs and pretend not to know of this common 3.0l v-6 engine problem that is extensively documented on the internet and that lexus has already started reimbursing car owners starting with 1997 models.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2003

“"check engine" light illuminates intermittently, blue exhaust smoke on startup, excessive oil consumption, gelled oil or sludge present beneath oil filler cap on valve cover after going to lexus the best they would offer was to eat the parts cost, about $500 but I would still have to pay $1500 for a head job that anyone else charges $950 for”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2003

“Engine oil sludge we spent a total of 2716.00 for a used engine, the mileage 109,313, I bought the engine on march 10, 2003....and the breakdown occured about a week prior..”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2003

“Tried to veer slightly left. Car went over 3 lanes of expressway.tried r then l 4 times and braked, but each time went over all lanes and idn't stop. Wound up 180 degrees facing the wrong way stalled. Miraculously all the drivcers behind had just stopped. Thought it was my driving technique. 2 days later wheel hard to turn. Sent for service and steering pump leaking, power steering rack broken. *ak transmissison gasket fluid defective,vane pump defective.”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2002