Lexus ES300 problems by year
672 owner complaints filed with NHTSA across 14 Lexus ES300 model years. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaint totals are lifetime counts — years that have been on the road longer accumulate more reports.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most reported problem | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Fewer complaints | 5 | 0 | — | |
| 2006 Fewer complaints | 3 | 0 | — | |
| 2003 Most complained | 116 | 0 | Vehicle Speed Control | |
| 2002 Most complained | 153 | 2 | Power Train | |
| 2001 | 29 | 0 | Vehicle Speed Control | |
| 2000 | 56 | 0 | Power Train | |
| 1999 | 27 | 0 | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 1998 | 52 | 0 | Air Bags | |
| 1997 | 45 | 0 | Vehicle Speed Control | |
| 1996 | 37 | 0 | Engine and Engine Cooling | |
| 1995 | 38 | 0 | Electrical System | |
| 1994 | 39 | 0 | Seat Belts | |
| 1993 | 43 | 0 | Electrical System | |
| 1992 | 37 | 0 | Power Train |
How to read this. Complaints are unverified reports owners file with NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation, counted once per case number. Raw totals are not adjusted for sales volume, and recent model years have had less time on the road. “Most complained” flags years well above the model’s median; treat it as a signal for deeper research, not a verdict. This page is not affiliated with Lexus.