Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 1998 Lexus Es300 sits mid-pack among Es300 years: 61 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 50, with a single recall and one closed investigation. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (9), seat belts (7), and electrical system (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
61
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
1
Investigations
15
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
13
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 9 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 7 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 6 | 10% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 6 | 10% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 6 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 5 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 5 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 4 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 4 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Other | 3 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT; VEHICLE WAS BROADSIDED ON PASSENGER'S SIDE AT APPROXIMATELY 35MPH OR MORE. PASSENGER WAS FORCED OVER TO DRIVER'S SIDE BECAUSE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK PROPERLY, AND BOTH AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. VEHICLE AT DEALER AT THIS TIM.; SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS…”
“VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT; VEHICLE WAS BROADSIDED ON PASSENGER'S SIDE AT APPROXIMATELY 35MPH OR MORE. PASSENGER WAS FORCED OVER TO DRIVER'S SIDE BECAUSE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK PROPERLY, AND BOTH AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. VEHICLE AT DEALER AT THIS TIM.; SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS…”
“MAY 17, 2014 TRAVELING ON FLORIDA TURNPIKE AFTER TWO HOURS HAD TWO TIRES SEPARATE. REPLACED TWO TIRES IN PALM BEACH GARDENS AND CONTINUED ANOTHER HOUR WHEN A THIRD TIRE SEPARATED. TIRES WERE ALL COOPER CS4 P205/65R15. IN KEY WEST REPLACED THE REMAINING FAILED TIRE AND THE SO FAR FOURTH REMAINING…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS ES300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED. THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE ENGINE EVAP CANISTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE…”
“IGNITION KEY RELEASED, CAR PARKED IN DRIVE, ROLLED BACK AND HIT OTHER VEHICLE. KEY ALSO RELEASED IN REVERSE, DRIVE, AS WELL AS IN PARK . SHOULD ONLY RELEASE IN PARK.*AK”
It is close to typical for the Es300: 61 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (9 complaints), seat belts (7 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 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.