- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The steering wheel set nut may not have been sufficiently tightened causing steering vibration and looseness.
- The risk
- THIS CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
- The fix
- DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT.
Vehicle safety record
1997 Lexus ES300 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 45 complaints about the 1997 Lexus ES300 with NHTSA, most often about the seats & seat belts (8) and the acceleration & cruise control (6). Those complaints describe 6 crashes, 2 fires, 9 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in November 1999 for the steering wheel / handle bar. For comparison, the 1996 has 40 and the 1998 has 55.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical ES300 year, for its age
#101 most complained-about 1997 vehicle
- Complaints
- 45
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 6
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 9
- Deaths
- 1
Most common 1997 Lexus ES300 problems
Share of all 45 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1997 Lexus ES300 recalls 2
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of alaska, colorado, idaho, illinois, iowa, kansas, maine, michigan,minnesota, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new york, noth dakota, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin, and wyoming. A condition can occur where accumulated moisture can temporarily freeze in the brake vacuum hose if the vehicle is used in extremely cold climates for an extended period of time.
- The risk
- This can result in the elimination of vacuum assist to the brakes that can increase stopping distances and could lead to a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will install a new design brake vacuum hose.
What owners say
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45 complaints about the 1997 Lexus ES300
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.
The steering wheel comes completely off the column while driving on the freeway. Then again when turning. The car could not be steered at all. The horn and power steering no longer work.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 lexus es300. While driving approximately 50 mph, the vehicle accelerated independently without warning. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was towed but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate mileage was 216,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 lexus es300. While driving approximately 40 mph, the driver unknowingly fell asleep and crashed into a guard rail. The vehicle flipped over twice, causing the driver to be injured. The front passenger's seat was fully reclined on the track frame with the occupant being secured with the seat belt as the crash occurred. The front passenger was killed. The contact stated that the fatality was contributed to the front passenger seat feature, which allowed the seat to recline substantially as...
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designed by the manufacturer. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a salvage facility. The manufacturer was not notified of the incident. The failure mileage and the vin were unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 lexus es300. The contact stated that while shifting into drive, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into a tree. The driver received bruises from the air bag deployemnt and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was advised that the accelerator pedal had become jammed and could not be released. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were approximately 96,500. The vin was unavailable.
Firestone fr380 bl p205/65r15 92s tread seperated at highway speed. Single tire replaced with primewell ps830/850 bl 205/65r15 94h. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 lexus es300. While driving 30 mph up hill, he noticed that the vehicle would not stop accelerating even when the brakes were applied. The failure caused the contact to crash into a building. The contact sustained injuries to his neck and ribs during the crash. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. There were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 210,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 lexus es300. While driving 25 mph the vehicle suddenly accelerated. He lost vehicle control and drove into a field. The vehicle stopped after he crashed into a condominium. The vehicle was completely destroyed. He received injuries to the head, back, and spine. His dog also died due to injuries. The manufacturer took a report; however, the detailed report information was not available. The manufacturer stated that since the contact did not have full coverage insurance that they were...
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not obligated to help him. The contact speculated that the floor-mat may have caused the failure. The police report was not available. He received a fine for reckless driving. The failure and current mileages were 75,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 lexus es300. The contact stated that the seat belt has been unable to retract ever since the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle has not been diagnosed due to the warranty. The failure mileage was 17,708 and current mileage was 73,000. Updated 03-09-09 *bf the seat belt did not retract when it was unlocked. The consumer stated he has difficulties fastening the seatbelt at times. Updated 03/10/09.*Jb
For some time, the driver's side seat heater (left side of seat) would reach a temperature which was uncomfortable. So, I would turn it on for a few minutes to warm up, and then turn it off when it became hot. I decided to take it in to the dealership to be checked out and adjusted, if necessary. A few days before I my appointment, I was riding in the car and turned on the heater. When it became hot, I placed my scarf between the seat and my leg. At a certain point, it smelled as though something was burning....
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I turned off the heater. When I looked at the seat, there was a hole burned right through the leather as well as through my scarf. When I took the car to the dealer a few days later, they disconnected the heater and determined that the seat needs a new heater pad and leather pad, which would cost me $1,326.00. The repair has not yet been made. *Tr
Dt*: the consumer stated the driver seat heater became uncomfortably hot. When the problem occurred in 2002 the consumer shut off the seat heater. The dealership replaced the heating unit because of a short in the heater wiring. In 2005 the passenger side seat heater overheated and burned through the seating material. The dealership found a short in the heater wiring. The heater was disconnected at the consumers request. *Jb updated 02/28/06
The transmission on the lexus es300 which I drove failed suddenly and unexpectedly. Had it happened a twenty minutes earlier while I was on the baltimore beltway (i-695) I would probably have been killed . In the spirit of full disclosure, the car is eight years old, is well maintained and has been driven 113,000 miles. *Jb
While driving at any speed, the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle and pulled over and noticed that fluid was leaking from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the battery needed to be replaced. Please provide further details. *Jb
While driving 65 mph engine check light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Consumer noticed blue smoke coming from the tail pipe. Consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to sludge inside of the engine. *Ak
Problem hsa not been fixed yet. Dealer is offering 50% of the total costs which probably includeds their profit. Oil gelling is the problem. I have 4 receipts for five years worth of service. The balance were done at an stablishment that purged its older records and are no longer available. I also changed the oil numerous times myself but did not keep receipts for the oil and filter. They say I can not prove that I properly maintained the car. Too many instances of people on the internet who could provide the proof but still had gelled oil for me to think that the engine is not to blame. Especially being that I know we properly maintained the car. Any help?
They want 1/2 of 6246.96 To replace the short block. I haven't decided what I'm going to do. I purchased the car used (not from lexus). I have all my maintenance records from the date I purchased the car, but lexus says they will only pay 1/2 of the cost.
Consumer stated that he was having a problem with trying to get vehicle repaired properly. Engine continued knocking, and had been given several reasons by dealer why this was happening. Consumer spent approximately $3000.00 To have repairs done, but the repairs had not corrected the problem. Took vehicle to a mechanic and was told that the repairs were not done properly. Had to have the new fuel injection system replaced. Consumer took vehicle to another mechanic and was told the same thing. Also, consumer spoke to the lexus manufacturer but did not receive any support. He felt that he was being ripped off. *Ak
Lexus es300 when I was stopped in front of my house my car accelerated forward without any gas pressed down, the car proceeded forward knocking into my side of my house causing some damage to my house. Luckily, no one was injured, but there very well could have been. *Nlm
While traveing about 55 mph on the highway and without prior warning one of passenger's tires tread separated from the vehicle. It was a firestone, bridgestone tire, p20565/r15 . *Ak
All four side door windows leak in heavy rains and in a car wash. Seals were replaced by dealer once, while side windows were adjusted by dealer twice; all to no avail. In addition, the windows leak air at speeds above 65 mph.
While vehicle was parked it caught on fire under the hood. Police investigator stated fire started from the engine.*Ak
When vehicle is in neutral key can be removed from ignition. Consumer should not be able to remove key from ignition when in neutral. Please provide any further information.*Ak
Car accelerated to more than 80 mph despite turning off cruise and using brakes. Corrected spontaneously. Dealer messed with acceleator cables but did not come up with definitive cause.*Ak
Engine oil is jelling which prevents the oil from circulating through engine. Dealer contacted. *Ak consumer states that this is due to a defect within the engine. *Slc
Seat belt does not retract automatically. As a result door was closed on seatbelt, and door does not close properly. *Ak
On oing problem with erratic odometer not registering properly. Dealer notified ,and informed nothing could be found. Please feel free to provide any further details. *Ak
Lexus ES300: every year compared
All ES300 years1997 Lexus ES300 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Lexus ES300 | 45 | 2 | C | |
| 1997 Lexus LS400 | 13 | 2 | B | Compare |
| 1997 Lexus LX450 | 7 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 1997 Lexus SC300 | 5 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Lexus ES | 2 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 1997 Lexus Lexus | 1 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 1997 Lexus SC400 | 1 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Lexus LS | 1 | 0 | B | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1997 Lexus ES300
Does the 1997 Lexus ES300 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1997 Lexus ES300: steering wheel / handle bar (November 1999); power assist (September 1997). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Lexus ES300?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the seats & seat belts (8), acceleration & cruise control (6), electrical system (5).
How many complaints has the 1997 Lexus ES300 had?
45 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 20, 1997 and the latest on May 2, 2017. Of these, 6 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 9 injuries and 1 death.
Is the 1997 Lexus ES300 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 44 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Lexus ES300 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Lexus ES300 years have the most complaints?
2002 (185), 2003 (140), 2000 (63). See every Lexus ES300 year compared.
What should I do if my 1997 Lexus ES300 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data