2000 Lexus Es300 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 78 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Es300 year — the 2000 model ranks #3 of 15 Es300 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (11), visibility & wipers (11), and speed control (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
78
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
23
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
10
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2000 compare to other Es300 years?
What are the most common 2000 Lexus Es300 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility & Wipers | 11 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 11 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 9 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 9 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 9 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 7 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 5 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Other | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Child Seat | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“2000 LEXUS ES300 ENGINE BEGAN LOSING POWER WHILE DRIVING AT 65-70 MPH. *TS WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS PRESSED THERE WAS NO ACCELERATION BUT THE TACHOMETER WAS SWINGING WILDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SERVICE FACILITY WHO INDICATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *NM”
“WHEN WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE IN USE AT FAST SPEED VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE. VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE BEFORE ACCELERATING. BEEN IN CONTACT WITH DEALERSHIP, AND WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC PROBLEMS ON VEHICLE WERE NORMAL. *AK ALSO A CRACKING NOISE IN THE HEATER, SOMETIME. *YH”
“WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM A RESTAURANT VEHICLE TOOK A DIFFERENT COURSE. IT LOCKED UP , BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE AND IT COLLIDED INTO A NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, DRIVER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO NECK AND BACK. MR...*AK ”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LEXUS ES300. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. SHE ASSUMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING AND PULLED OVER TO ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO COOL DOWN. A COUPLE OF MINUTES LATER, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP.…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 LEXUS ES300. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH; PROCEEDING TO A STOP SIGN. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THERE WAS AN INCREASED ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN AND REAR ENDED A VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT AND THE DRIVER OF THE…”
2000 Lexus Es300 — common questions
Is the 2000 Lexus Es300 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 78 complaints put the 2000 model at #3 of 15 Es300 years. It is one of the Es300 years to avoid.
What are the most common 2000 Es300 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (11 complaints), visibility & wipers (11 complaints), speed control (9 complaints).
Does the 2000 Lexus Es300 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2000 Lexus Es300.
Is the 2000 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.