1993 Lexus ES300
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Lexus › ES300 › 1993
These records cover every 1993 Lexus ES300. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
43 complaints5 involved a crash4 involved a fire5 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1993 lexus es300. The contact stated the vehicle did not start. the contact replaced the battery twice, stated that the vehicle started for a while, and then failed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 293,095. the vin was not available.
- Steering
TL* the contact 1993 es300 lexus. The contact was driving 45mph and the vehicle began to shake. Shortly after the vehicle begin to smoke. Upon pulling over the contact noticed fire coming from under the hood. The local mechanic inspected the vehicle and he stated that the steering fluid caught…
TL* the contact 1993 es300 lexus. The contact was driving 45mph and the vehicle began to shake. Shortly after the vehicle begin to smoke. Upon pulling over the contact noticed fire coming from under the hood. The local mechanic inspected the vehicle and he stated that the steering fluid caught on fire and the fire started in the steering column. The contact had the vehicle towed over to the authorized dealer. The contact still has not heard back from the dealer as of the time of the complaint . The children in the vehicle were in shock but did not sustain any injuries. the failure mileage was 87000. The vin was unavailable.
- Air bags
Dd. *Tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 lexus es300. the contact stated that the speedometer failed while driving. the dealer stated that the failure was due to the age of the vehicle. the powertrain was unknown. the current mileage IS 84,400 and failure mileage was 84,000. the needles on the instrument panel have all burned out. Updated 09/05/07. *Jb
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Interior lighting
Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the speedometer gauge failed. the incident occurred without warning. the vehicle was inspected by a dealer who determined the instrument cluster panel needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was alerted. the consumer stated this was the second time this has happened. The first time it was replaced under warranty. Updated 12/05/06. *Jb
- Structure
Malfunction in design of dashboard instruments. *bf the consumer stated when the vehicle IS low on gas, the needles cease to light and it IS almost impossible to see how just how much gas IS left. the consumer has to fill the gas as often as possible to see much gas IS left, not only can the…
Malfunction in design of dashboard instruments. *bf the consumer stated when the vehicle IS low on gas, the needles cease to light and it IS almost impossible to see how just how much gas IS left. the consumer has to fill the gas as often as possible to see much gas IS left, not only can the consumer not see the gas, but this also affected the temperature gauge and speed. the consumer believed the design of the instrument panel was unsounded and presents a safety hazard. *jb
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
After driving home from getting an oil leak repaired by the dealership vehicle caught on fire under the hood.dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I have experienced the "surging" that was discussed in the media on my 1993 lexus es300 many times. I have owned the car since 1995. this happens when the vehicle IS stopped (at idle). I have the brake depressed and the car engine increases in rpm's. sometimes it IS a powerful surge that causes…
I have experienced the "surging" that was discussed in the media on my 1993 lexus es300 many times. I have owned the car since 1995. this happens when the vehicle IS stopped (at idle). I have the brake depressed and the car engine increases in rpm's. sometimes it IS a powerful surge that causes the car to move forward. usually, I notice this occurring and press harder on the brake to prevent the car from moving forward.
- Electrical system · Vehicle speed control
Instrument gauge cluster: speedometer needle does not light up. It starts flickering with full light intensity, which makes me use lower light intensity to prolong the life of instrument panel needles. With low light intensity it IS almost impossible to see instrument gauge cluster, speed, temp…
Instrument gauge cluster: speedometer needle does not light up. It starts flickering with full light intensity, which makes me use lower light intensity to prolong the life of instrument panel needles. With low light intensity it IS almost impossible to see instrument gauge cluster, speed, temp, fuel when sun IS in front or on the side of car. The only way to see instrument IS to turn the light to full intensity, and then the needles start flickering. This creates a lot of distraction and problem while driving, may result into an accident. It IS a common problem in early models of lexus and it IS not on the recall list even though it cause problems while driving. The instrument cluster was replaced by lexus dearler in 1996 @ 40,000 miles now it IS again giving problems. *la
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Fuel system, gasoline
While traveling on the highway and without any prior warning the vehicle will overheat and shut down . *Ak consumer added there were problems with the vehicle's air conditioner, and a strong gasoline smell inside the vehicle. The consumer was told the head gasket was blown because of poor…
While traveling on the highway and without any prior warning the vehicle will overheat and shut down . *Ak consumer added there were problems with the vehicle's air conditioner, and a strong gasoline smell inside the vehicle. The consumer was told the head gasket was blown because of poor maintenance at the dealership and the vehicle was in need of a radiator although the leaks were coming from the engine and the water pump *la the oxygen sensor failed. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
A cloud of blue smoke comes out when I first start my car in the morning. I was told by the dealer that the 3.0 liter engines have sludge problems and need to be replaced.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
Instrument background lighting of the needles blacked out, creates driving hazard.*ak
- Interior lighting
Consumer states that dashboard area IS dim causing loss of illumination to the needles on the speedometer, tachometer and gas gauge. *tt
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Vehicle was taken to dealer for an oil leak, dealer replaced the o-ring. two months later the oil light illuminated and the dealer could not find any problems, approximately three months later the engine froze up on the highway, the engine was replaced, consumer IS requesting reimbursement for repairs. *slc
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Engine oil IS jelling which prevents oil from circulating through the engine. Dealer contacted. *Ak first there was oil filter gasket leak at block. dealer replaced oil filter housing o-ring. on another occasion, the oil light was on and the vehicle would not start. lastly, the engine seized.…
Engine oil IS jelling which prevents oil from circulating through the engine. Dealer contacted. *Ak first there was oil filter gasket leak at block. dealer replaced oil filter housing o-ring. on another occasion, the oil light was on and the vehicle would not start. lastly, the engine seized. dealer replaced engine and found oil gelling in engine. after new engine, dealer informed consumer of an oil gelling condition that may occur. consumer IS requesting reimbursement from expenses incurred for oil gelling condition. *tt
- Interior lighting
Instrument panel lights have failed, and driver could not see gauges during normal operation of vehicle. dealership has examined vehicle, and informed consumer repairs could be made at consumer's expense, $600 - $1,000. please provide any additional information / documentation.*ak
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Driver's side seat belt unlatches at times.additionally, the passenger side seat belt plastic retainer has broken and has a sharp protruding edge which in an accident may prove very dangerous. *ak
- Interior lighting
The instrument panel background lighting and illumination of the needle indicators blacked out and creates poor visibility, dealership will not repair without payment because the warranty does not apply. *mjs
- Electrical system › Wiring · Vehicle speed control
While driving vehicle accelerated unexpectedly at high speed which almost caused a crash. *ak the diagnosis of the problem indicate that defective wire on a sensor IS the cause. *yh
- Tires
Defective tread tire by goodyear originally equipped caused terrible tire pulls so long unable to rotate tires.lexus refuses to replace the defective tire with a correct tire with no charge. It IS risky to keep driving es300 with defective tire, causing serious accident as a goodyear tire dealer…
Defective tread tire by goodyear originally equipped caused terrible tire pulls so long unable to rotate tires.lexus refuses to replace the defective tire with a correct tire with no charge. It IS risky to keep driving es300 with defective tire, causing serious accident as a goodyear tire dealer warned me.please treat this as a safety related problem and ask lexus/goodyear to replace it free as they covered up the defect when I bought es300. It will be too late after an accident. Appreciating your quick remedy! Harry( dot number: )
- Tires
If this faulty tire manufacturing design was the goodyear tire's practise that could cause the serious accidents, instead of covering up the defective fact, it should be briefed to federal autorities under today's political climate. As the lexus was the collaborated seller of the tires, you should be liable for the illegal tire. *ak( dot number: n/a )
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
While driving a fuse blew, consumer started to smell smoke coming from under dashboard, smelled like an electrical fire. *ak
- Air bags
Air bag sensor light comes on. Consumer will complete complaint form.*ak the air bag light came on and stayed on due to spiral cable and air bag system failure. *yh
- Unknown or other
Have contacted the dealer and have been quoted a repair cost of nearly $1500. No safety defect listed in the summary. *ak
- Electrical system › Ignition · Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
I believe the security system and ignition failed because of a Y2K failure. the car will not start was working properly at least 4 hours prior to trying to start after 1200 midnight on the 1 jan 2000. *ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10214355Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
- 10207945POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Lexus.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.
- 10205352Windshield Wiper Blade Maintenance and cleaning
- 10205346Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
- 10205319Brake Pedal Force Gauge SST for Parking Brake Inspection.
- 10176283Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
- 10174889TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
- 10174888TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, PG002-90, L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003 93, and PG002-90. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1990 ? 2020 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
- 10133926In the recent Bi-annual Floor Mat reminder letter distributed November, 2012, Lexus indicated that we were developing support materials that will help remind dealership customers and associates of the importance of proper floor mat usage.
- 10133923Lexus vehicles are equipped with SRS, including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pretensioner devices did not per
- 10133849A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system. This bulletin references the correct method for installing the Brake Pedal Force Gauge. Refer to the appropriate Repair Manual for parking brake pedal travel inspection and adjustment specification.
- 10132108This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0082-14.
- 10132083Adhesive & sealant cross reference Information
- 10132006This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0092-13.
- 10132004The following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance.
- 10131964Lexus vehicles are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pre-tensioner devices did not perform as expected (including an unintended deployment event), please follow the steps in the recommendations section below.
- 10131653TSB: Replacement Certification Labels. OBSOLETE NOTICE November 28, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0179-17.
- 10111398LSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
- 10111205LSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
- 10109447TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE-October 16, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0082-14.
- 10109445TSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle assembly replacement. Incorrect torque converter bolts or missing washers can cause damage to the torque converter assembly. Use the information in this bulletin when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly.
- 10109444TSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or transmission damage. Use the information in this bulletin when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly.
- 10000251Suspension ball joint inspection method.
- 619119Subject regarding new seat belt tongue plate stopper service parts.
- 619113Subject regarding retro-fit internal trunk release kits.
- 602274New front brake pads are available to reduce front brake groan noise, grinding noise, squeak or vibration.
Every Lexus ES300 model year
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