Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 1997 Lexus Es300 sits mid-pack among Es300 years: 50 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 50, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 9 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across speed control (8), electrical system (6), and seat belts (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
50
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
1
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
9
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Control | 8 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 6 | 12% | — flat |
| Engine | 5 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 5 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 3 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 3 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Steering | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Other | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 2% | — flat |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED CAUSING STEERING VIBRATION AND LOOSENESS.
Consequence
THIS CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, IOWA, KANSAS, MAINE, MICHIGAN,MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEVADA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, NOTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. A CONDITION CAN OCCUR WHERE ACCUMULATED MOISTURE CAN TEMPORARILY FREEZE IN THE BRAKE VACUUM HOSE IF THE VEHICLE IS USED IN EXTREMELY COLD CLIMATES FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME.
Consequence
THIS CAN RESULT IN THE ELIMINATION OF VACUUM ASSIST TO THE BRAKES THAT CAN INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCES AND COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN BRAKE VACUUM HOSE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LEXUS ES300. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH UP HILL, HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP ACCELERATING EVEN WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A BUILDING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HIS NECK AND RIBS DURING THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE…”
“WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO…”
“SEAT BELT DOESN'T RETRACT WHEN REMOVED AFTER CRASH REPAIR. DEALER CLAIMS THIS IS NORMAL WHEN CAR GETS OLD! BELT MUST BE MANUALLY PUSHED BACK INTO RETRACTOR AFTER EACH TIME IT'S USED. I'M AFRAID BELT MAY NOT WORK PROPERLY IN A SEVERE CRASH.”
“WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ENGINE CHECK LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. CONSUMER NOTICED BLUE SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAIL PIPE. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO SLUDGE INSIDE OF THE…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LEXUS ES300. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE DRIVER UNKNOWINGLY FELL ASLEEP AND CRASHED INTO A GUARD RAIL. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER TWICE, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO BE INJURED. THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT WAS FULLY RECLINED ON THE TRACK FRAME WITH THE OCCUPANT BEING…”
It is close to typical for the Es300: 50 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (8 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints), seat belts (5 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Lexus Es300. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Es300 years to avoid are 2002, 2003, 2000. The cleanest record among Es300 years belongs to 2005.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.