1999 Lexus ES300: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 27 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
27
owner complaints
0
fire reports
-
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Among the quietest ES300 years (#12 of 12 by complaints, age-adjusted)No fire reportsNo recall campaigns
Common problems
Computed from 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Limited data: only 27 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)10 complaints
Seat Belts2 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)2 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)2 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)2 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)1 complaint
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 lexus es300. The contact was unable to turn the ignition switch and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact mentioned that the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 85,135.”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2014
“Call lexus and made complain about my car and the problems I am having getting resolution has been frustrating. They are requesting that I tow my car to the dealership before they do anything to fix my vehicle. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2010
“My car accelerated without my control and all attempts to bring it to a stop by using the braking system was futile. After engaging the emergency brakes the car slowed down and stopped. Car was towed by triple aaa to ntb in alexandria va. Report the incident to toyota /lexus customer service and did not get a favorable response. *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2010
Show 7 more owner reports
“Complained to dealer about improper shifting of transmission while under warranty. Dealer advised the transmission was fine, but changed the fluid anyway. I still continued to have issues with the transmission, but was told by the dealer not to come back. The vehicle has been serviced according to manufactures recommendations and now at 88,000 miles the transmission has failed. This is an u140e transmission, which has had numerous complaints. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2008
“Had a check engine light and was informed that the oxygen sensor and charcoal canister needed to be replaced. This problem happened in toyota and lexus vehicles up until and including 1998. I was told this was not covered under the warranty that covered the older vehicles. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2007
“Had to replace evap charcoal canister on my lexus es300, my co-worker also had to replace this on his rx300 along with the o2 sensors. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2007
“Issue involve 1999 lexus es300 chrome wheels (rims). Failures to maintain air pressure. Numerous owners are experiencing this lexus known problem, but vehicle manufacture unwilling to fix this failure, which result in owners purchasing new chrome wheels at $500 each.”Owner report · Wheels · Jun 2007
“Dt*: the contact stated the passive restraint system light on the dash illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on two occasions. The dealer determined the buckle harnesses needed to be replaced but the light remains illuminated.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2006
“I own a 1999 lexus es-300 automobile that was purchased used in 2002. The engine stopped running as I was driving home from the atlanta airport and would not restart. Just prior to stopping the car began making a rattling noise and then simply stopped while I was driving it. Upon inspection of the engine by lexus mechanics I was informed that there was "oil gel" in the engine and that a new engine would be required. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2004
“The iac valve in the consumer's 1999 lexus es300 failed. This resulted in the vehicle not starting after being driven a short distance. *nm *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
Check your exact ES300 by VIN
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Is the 1999 Lexus ES300 reliable?
NHTSA has 27 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Lexus ES300. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.