1999 Lexus Es300 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Among the better years
The 1999 Lexus Es300 is among the quieter years of the Es300 on NHTSA's books: 35 complaints (30% below the model's median year), no recalls, and no open investigations.
Engine leads the complaint categories with 13 reports (37% of the total).
35
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1999 compare to other Es300 years?
What are the most common 1999 Lexus Es300 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 13 | 37% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 3 | 9% | — flat |
| Transmission | 3 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Other | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Child Seat | 1 | 3% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. CONSUMER COULD TAKE THE BATTERY OUT AND REPLACE IT, AND THE LIGHT WOULD STAY ON FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON MORE THAN EIGHT TIMES IN THE LAST EIGHT MONTHS. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE TWICE, BUT COULD NOT FIND…”
“THE LEXUS SPECIALIST AT THE REPAIR SHOP INFORMED ME THAT HE HAS SEEN SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH OTHER ES 300 MODELS AS WELL AS THE RL MODELS AT ABOUT THE SAME MILEAGE. THE ONES WITH THE TOYOTA CAMRY ENGINES HAVEN\\\\\\'T HAD ANY PROBLEMS. THERE IS A TSB ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE AND I HAVE ALSO FILED A…”
“MY BRAKES CONSTANTLY SQUEAKS. THIS HAS BEEN AN ON-GOING PROBLEM FOR THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER HAD A FACTORY PERSON COME CHECK MY BRAKES LAST MONTH ON 12/12/02 AND DIDN'T DETECT A PROBLEM. MY BRAKES ARE SQUEAKING AND I FEEL THERE IS A PROBLEM. I HAD THEIR LOANER SAME MODEL AND…”
“NONE OF THE REAR SEAT BELTS HOLD THE CHILD SEAT FIRMLY. WHEN THE CAR TURNS OR SWERVES LIGHTLY THE CHILD SEAT TILTS ACCORDINGLY. *JB”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LEXUS ES300. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH IN THE REVERSE POSITION. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED A SUDDEN ACCELERATION OCCURRED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO TRAVEL AND CRASHED INTO A RESIDENTIAL…”
1999 Lexus Es300 — common questions
Is the 1999 Lexus Es300 reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 35 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Es300 year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 1999 Es300 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (13 complaints), transmission (3 complaints), brakes (3 complaints).
Does the 1999 Lexus Es300 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1999 Lexus Es300.
Is the 1999 Lexus Es300 under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Lexus Es300 years should you avoid?
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.
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.