2001 Lexus ES300: problems, recalls and reliability

“On 2 recent occasions (nov 13, 2006 and may 5, 2007) my wife was pulling into a parking space and shifting the car into park when the car accelerated rapidly and slammed into a wall. Both incidents were almost identical. Extensive damage was done to the front sheet metal (about $9,000 on each incident). It's possible that my wife stepped on the accelerator when she thought she was stepping on the brake but she swears that this did not happen. Also, it is unlikely that this have happened twice. *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · May 2007

“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 lexus es 300. The contact stated while driving at 45 mph she applied the brakes, but the vehicle continued to accelerate. The contact applied both feet to the brake pedal and the vehicle still would not slow down. The vehicle crashed into a jersey wall causing damage to the rear driver side of the vehicle. The contact did not suffer any injuries during the crash. The contact feels the accelerator pedal stuck and caused the vehicle to accelerate and not stop and eventually crashed. The contact has not called the manufacturer at this time. Failure mileage was 41,014 updated 08/19/10*bf updated 08/24/10”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Feb 2007

“While driving the car would speed up on own without pushing on the accelerator. I found my car going from 40 to 60. In park position the car will rev to high rpm but if I am in drive mode it will just accelerate. I took it to lexus and the technician says the idle speed control valve was not working and the repair work would be $500. *nm”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2005

“Front end collision resulting in head injury of restrained front seat passenger. Injury resulted from impact with radio. Seat belts were not retracted after accident. *nm”Owner report · Seat Belts · Mar 2005

“On january , my wife was driving our two children to an appointment at approximately 0845 hrs. While driving at normal speeds on a two lane road, she stated that the brake light illuminated, and then, the brakes locked up and steering control was not possible. The car did a 540 (a complete 360 and a 180) and ended up off the road and hit a tree. The car was totaled. The temperature was approximately 0 f. The front passenger side wheel was completely severed from the frame. There were no warnings. The car was serviced in 2002 due to complaint about excessive brake noise. *nlm”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 2003

“The wheels on this vehicle break under normal driving conditions--if you hit the slightest uneven road, they will bend, break, or crack, causing the tire significant damage. *ak”Owner report · Wheels · Jul 2002

“Vehicle started up without key in ignition, and while in park, vehicle started to move in reverse into the street. Dealer is taking a look at the vehicle.*ak. Dealer states the problem lies with the remote starter its not a lexus issue. *yd”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2001