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Engine & cooling

1997 Lexus ES300 Engine problems

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 1997 Lexus ES300's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 11% of all its complaints, most recently on April 9, 2004. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
5
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Engine complaints

Engine & cooling

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

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10066898
Engine & cooling

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?

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10069435
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10068797
Engine & coolingFuel system

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

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10048348
Engine & cooling

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

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 8005414

Lexus ES300 engine complaints by year

ES300 engine problems, every year

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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

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