2001 Lexus Es300 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2001 Lexus Es300 sits mid-pack among Es300 years: 36 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 50, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across speed control (8), brakes (8), and transmission (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
36
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
14
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2001 compare to other Es300 years?
What are the most common 2001 Lexus Es300 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Control | 8 | 22% | — flat |
| Brakes | 8 | 22% | — flat |
| Transmission | 6 | 17% | ▼ down |
| Other | 3 | 8% | — flat |
| Airbags | 3 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 2 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ON JANUARY , MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR TWO CHILDREN TO AN APPOINTMENT AT APPROXIMATELY 0845 HRS. WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEEDS ON A TWO LANE ROAD, SHE STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND THEN, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP AND STEERING CONTROL WAS NOT POSSIBLE. THE CAR DID A 540 (A COMPLETE 360 AND…”
“ON 2 RECENT OCCASIONS (NOV 13, 2006 AND MAY 5, 2007) MY WIFE WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND SHIFTING THE CAR INTO PARK WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED RAPIDLY AND SLAMMED INTO A WALL. BOTH INCIDENTS WERE ALMOST IDENTICAL. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE FRONT SHEET METAL (ABOUT $9,000 ON EACH…”
“VEHICLE STARTED UP WITHOUT KEY IN IGNITION, AND WHILE IN PARK, VEHICLE STARTED TO MOVE IN REVERSE INTO THE STREET. DEALER IS TAKING A LOOK AT THE VEHICLE.*AK. DEALER STATES THE PROBLEM LIES WITH THE REMOTE STARTER ITS NOT A LEXUS ISSUE. *YD”
“WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THEREFORE I WAS THROWN INTO THE STEERING WHEEL AND SUSTAINED AN INJURY TO MY HEAD AND EYE. I WAS TRAVELING 45 MPH BEFORE BREAKING AND CONTACT. *TR”
“CONSUMER COMPLAINED OF GRINDING BRAKE NOISE WHEN STOPPING. DEALER REPLACED FRONT ROTORS AND PADS WITH "UPDATED" VERSIONS AND REPLACED BRAKE FLUID. WHEN FIRST DRIVEN AFTER "UPDATE" BRAKE PEDDLE WENT TO FLOOR AND CAR BECAME DIFFICULT TO STOP. PEDAL SOON BECAME LESS SPONGY, BUT REQUIRED MORE PRESSURE…”
2001 Lexus Es300 — common questions
Is the 2001 Lexus Es300 reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 36 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Es300 year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2001 Es300 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (8 complaints), brakes (8 complaints), transmission (6 complaints).
Does the 2001 Lexus Es300 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2001 Lexus Es300.
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.