1998 Lexus ES problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 1998 Lexus ES — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other ES years?

ES NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all ES years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Lexus ES problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Electrical System	1	33%	new
Engine	1	33%	— flat
Transmission	1	33%	— flat

Does the 1998 Lexus ES have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“SINCE MAY OF 2019 MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON. THE OBD READER KEEPS DETECTING A TROUBLE CODE. WHEN MOVING BACK TO CALIFORNIA, I HAD TO REREGISTERED FOR CALIFORNIA LICENSE PLATES, TAGS, AND GET MY CAR SMOGGED WITH MY SMOG CERTIFICATION IN ORDER FOR ME TO COMPLETE REGISTRATION. I HAVE SPENT SO…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 1, 2019

“SINCE MAY OF 2019 MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON. THE OBD READER KEEPS DETECTING A TROUBLE CODE. WHEN MOVING BACK TO CALIFORNIA, I HAD TO REREGISTERED FOR CALIFORNIA LICENSE PLATES, TAGS, AND GET MY CAR SMOGGED WITH MY SMOG CERTIFICATION IN ORDER FOR ME TO COMPLETE REGISTRATION. I HAVE SPENT SO…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 1, 2019

“SINCE MAY OF 2019 MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON. THE OBD READER KEEPS DETECTING A TROUBLE CODE. WHEN MOVING BACK TO CALIFORNIA, I HAD TO REREGISTERED FOR CALIFORNIA LICENSE PLATES, TAGS, AND GET MY CAR SMOGGED WITH MY SMOG CERTIFICATION IN ORDER FOR ME TO COMPLETE REGISTRATION. I HAVE SPENT SO…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 1, 2019

1998 Lexus ES — common questions

Is the 1998 Lexus ES reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1998 Lexus ES have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Lexus ES. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Lexus ES years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the ES years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2005, 2011, 2019, 2013, 2002, 2010, 2003, 2012. The cleanest record among ES years belongs to 2017.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1998 compare to other ES years?

What are the most common 1998 Lexus ES problems?

Does the 1998 Lexus ES have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1998 Lexus ES — common questions

Is the 1998 Lexus ES reliable?

Does the 1998 Lexus ES have recalls?

Which Lexus ES years should you avoid?

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