VehicleVerdict

1999 Lexus ES problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 1999 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.

8

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other ES years?

ES NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted164 complaints1996: 2 complaints1997: 2 complaints1998: 3 complaints1999: 8 complaints2000: 9 complaints2001: 3 complaints2002: 48 complaints2003: 37 complaints2004: 21 complaints2005: 75 complaints2006: 12 complaints2007: 164 complaints2008: 78 complaints2009: 29 complaints2010: 46 complaints2011: 59 complaints2012: 34 complaints2013: 48 complaints2014: 3 complaints2015: 7 complaints2016: 10 complaints2017: 2 complaints2018: 8 complaints2019: 55 complaints2020: 18 complaints2021: 28 complaints2022: 9 complaints2023: 10 complaints2024: 9 complaints2025: 9 complaints
ES NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all ES years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Lexus ES problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System225%
Speed Control225%
Airbags113%
Other113%
Seat Belts113%
Suspension113%

Does the 1999 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.

“THE FOLLOWING LETTER TO LEXUS & THEY DENIED FAULT OR OBLIGATION TO ASSIST ME: I SPOKE WITH HEATHER STAFFORD WHO ASKED ME TO CALL [PHONE] TO GET MY CAR INSPECTED BY A LEXUS IN CHARLESTON SC. I WAS TOLD NOTHING COULD BE DONE SINCE THE CAR HAD ALREADY BEEN FIXED. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE SERVICE MNGR:…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · March 9, 2006 · fire

“WIFE DROVE LEXUS 2 MILES TO BAKERY, CRUST N'CRUMBS AT 1370 N MAIN ROAD, VINELAND, NJ. WHEN SHE CAME OUT OF BAKERY, SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. SHE CALLED ME. I DROVE THERE AND RAISED THE HOOD. 2 COIL PACKS WERE ON FIRE (ABOUT A 2 INCH FLAME) AND THE HOOD INSULATION WAS SMOULDERING. I BLEW…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 17, 2020 · fire

“ON OR ABOUT OCTOBER 22, 2007 THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT ON 1999 LEXUS ES300 WOULD NOT BUCKLE AS THE FEMALE(CONSOLE SIDE)PART OF THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETURN ALL THE WAY UP -THE RED BUTTON REMAINED PART WAY DOWN. IT WAS REPLACED WITH A LEXUS PART NO. 73240-33010-A0, BELT ASSY, FRT ST ,BY THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · October 22, 2007

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LEXUS ES 300. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FISHTAIL. THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT AND THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ROD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CURRENT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · May 22, 2007 · crash

“AUDIO DISPLAY HAS BEEN COMPLETELY FADED OUT. THIS PROBLEM IS HAVING TO A LOT OF 98-99 LEXUS ES300 MODELS. CONTACTED DEALER, BUT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THIS PROBLEM FOR CONSUMERS EVEN THEY KNOW THIS IS A FAILURE TO MANY VEHICLE OWNERS. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 12, 2006

1999 Lexus ES — common questions

Is the 1999 Lexus ES reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1999 Lexus ES have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1999 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.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.