1996 Lexus ES300
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Lexus › ES300 › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Lexus ES300. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1996 Lexus ES300. Newest first.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the steering wheel set nut may not have been sufficiently tightened causing steering vibration and looseness.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This can result in a loss of vehicle control.
Remedy
Dealers will tighten the steering wheel set nut.
Owner complaints
37 complaints9 involved a crash3 involved a fire9 injuries3 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 1996 lexus es300. The contact stated that while parked, a strong odor of fuel was coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel filler neck needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,340. updated 03/24/15*lj updated 10/19/2015*js
- Steering · Suspension
Was driving home from shopping and went to turn left and all of a sudden the car did not respond smoothly and I almost lost control. Took it to the mechanic and had a lower control arm put in because of a bad bushing but was told the rack and pinion IS also bad. There IS a lot of play in the steering now. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine
Car exploded and started fire in the garage after the car had been parked for approximately 20 minutes. got home from work and stop at grocery store. parked car in garage and brought in some groceries. about 10 - 15 minutes later went out to get paper products (tp and paper towels) out of trunk.…
Car exploded and started fire in the garage after the car had been parked for approximately 20 minutes. got home from work and stop at grocery store. parked car in garage and brought in some groceries. about 10 - 15 minutes later went out to get paper products (tp and paper towels) out of trunk. there was nothing out of the ordinary, no smoke, no fire, no noise. went in side put away everything and started to cook. heard loud explosion noise. went to the garage and opened the door. Hot, heavy black smoke and chemical odor came pouring into the house. I could see flames to the left. It was very hot and there was some liquid mixed in, and the garage was pitch black yet it was a very sunny day with the sun pointing at the garage. Because it was so dark, it looked like the garage doors were closed, but actually, one side was open, but I didn't know because it was so black. couldn't see anything, and my arm was so hot trying to open garage door at wall switch, burned all the hair off my arm. I then left house, 911 was on the way. garage caught on fire, everything in garage burned or melted, including my car. Interior hall, all fixtures in hall and bath burnt or melted, extensive smoke damage to entire home. Thousands of dollars and almost 10 months in a hotel. cars are not supposed to explode or start fire when they are off, parked for 20 minutes in your garage. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*-the contact owns a 1996 lexus es300. While the contact was driving approximately 15 mph, a loud noise was coming from the engine. The vehicle increased acceleration unexpectedly. The ignition was turned off. The vehicle continued and crashed into the side of a building. There was no injury. The…
Tl*-the contact owns a 1996 lexus es300. While the contact was driving approximately 15 mph, a loud noise was coming from the engine. The vehicle increased acceleration unexpectedly. The ignition was turned off. The vehicle continued and crashed into the side of a building. There was no injury. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing. The insurance company stated the failure was related to an acceleration issue. The failure mileage was unavailable. The current mileage was 100,000.
- Electrical system
Dt*: the contact stated the panel in the dash failed and nothing in the dash could be seen. the vehicle was taken to a dealership were a diagnostics test was performed. it was determined that the instrument cluster panel needed to be replaced. no repairs were made. the manufacturer has been alerted. updated 3/9/2006 - *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
1996 lexus es300; sludge build-up; excessive oil consumption; white smoke on start-up; dealer says the engine needs to be rebuilt at a cost of about $7000. this IS the same problem that toyota/lexus has acknowledged for 1997 to 2001 models with the V-6 engine. why won't they honor the repair to the engine for a 1996 model? *nm
- Air bags
Airbag over-sensitivity defect.*mr the consumer feels that the air bag was too sensitive. the vehicle was involved in an accident in which the drivers side bumper and quarter panel was damaged. both front air bags deployed. an infant car seat , with the consumer child fastened inside, was in the front passenger's seat facing rearward. the impact of the air bag caused fatal injuries to the child. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling
Engine failed (seized up) due to oil sludge, despite the fact that the car's oil had been regularly changed. in fact, the car's oil was changed every 3-4,000 miles, not every 5,000 as recommended by lexus. car was also completely serviced by lexus at 70,000 miles and they obviously didn't look at the engine very well . . . There must have been evidence of sludge by that time.
- Engine and engine cooling
My oil light came on in march. I took the car to the lexus dealer on 141 in norcross because I knew my 3 year warrenty ran out in may. The lexus dealer told me that the oil was not flowing properly. He suggested the previous owner did not change the oil and the oil became caked to the engine. The…
My oil light came on in march. I took the car to the lexus dealer on 141 in norcross because I knew my 3 year warrenty ran out in may. The lexus dealer told me that the oil was not flowing properly. He suggested the previous owner did not change the oil and the oil became caked to the engine. The oil was then braking up in pieces and clogging the engine. He said I needed to get another car. I still had payments left (around 6K) and could not afford it. In october, the engine broke. I called lexus and they told me they can't to anything for me. They wanted 11.5K for a new engine. I had to pay $5,037.49 for a new engine to baron's garage. I changed my oil religiously every 3,000 miles. Please call me at 678-642-9913, I want my money refunded
- Engine and engine cooling
"Check engine" light illuminates intermittently, blue exhaust smoke on startup, excessive oil consumption, gelled oil or sludge present beneath oil filler cap on valve cover after going to lexus the best they would offer was to eat the parts cost, about $500 but I would still have to pay $1500 for a head job that anyone else charges $950 for
- Engine and engine cooling
Engine oil sludge we spent a total of 2716.00 for a used engine, the mileage 109,313, I bought the engine on march 10, 2003....and the breakdown occured about a week prior..
- Engine and engine cooling
Engine seized in december 2000. lexus said it was out of warranty. suggested I find a third party to put a new engine in the car which I did.
- Fuel system, other › Fuel injection system
Check engine light came on. servicing dealer replaced O2 sensor - bank 2, sensor 1, part number 89465-33080 - dealer listed as $183.30 for the part while warranty company listed as $128.11 for the same part. when checking warranty coverage, was told warranty did not exist - paid $1,860.00 to bredemann lexus in glenview for the warranty on 6/14/03. *ak
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery
Battery exploded.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
Engine check light intermittently on, blue exhaust in engine smoke, abnormal oil consumption, gelled oil or sludge present inside valve cover below oil filler cap. called lexus america, brought car into dealer, they tell me I must pay $2,071.06 for repairs and pretend not to know of this common…
Engine check light intermittently on, blue exhaust in engine smoke, abnormal oil consumption, gelled oil or sludge present inside valve cover below oil filler cap. called lexus america, brought car into dealer, they tell me I must pay $2,071.06 for repairs and pretend not to know of this common 3.0L V-6 engine problem that IS extensively documented on the internet and that lexus has already started reimbursing car owners starting with 1997 models.*ak
- Steering › Column
Steering wheel locked . luckily while parked. car towed to lexus of marin. bill 3000. mileage on car between 40-50000
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Excessive blue smoke comes out of the tailpipe. engine oil consumption IS very high. engine damage due to oil gelling/sludge. *Ak
- Suspension
Tried to veer slightly left. Car went over 3 lanes of expressway.tried r then l 4 times and braked, but each time went over all lanes and idn't stop. Wound up 180 degrees facing the wrong way stalled. Miraculously all the drivcers behind had just stopped. Thought it was my driving technique. 2…
Tried to veer slightly left. Car went over 3 lanes of expressway.tried r then l 4 times and braked, but each time went over all lanes and idn't stop. Wound up 180 degrees facing the wrong way stalled. Miraculously all the drivcers behind had just stopped. Thought it was my driving technique. 2 days later wheel hard to turn. Sent for service and steering pump leaking, power steering rack broken. *Ak transmissison gasket fluid defective,vane pump defective.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Lexus es300 left road and flipped one time. driver's door came open and buckled seatbelt did not hold driver in car. driver's head ended up under the driver's side roof door jammed and killed instantly.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
I just recently purcharsed this car and I am already $1000.00 in the hole and looking at $2000 just to be able to drive it.it was a lemon from the start and nobody IS willing to cover are assit with the repair just trying to see what legal options I have .i have'nt made a payment on it yet ,but it's undriveable at this point. no safetyd efect listed. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
While driving engine check light would come on. engine blew due to sludge(hard oil in engine). vehicle was repaired in november. the problem arose again in december. there was main bearing damage, too severe to repair and has had problems with the rear main oil seal. *jg *ak
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery
Dangerous. Could not turn off car except to disconnect negative terminal on battery. Very dangerous. Took almost 10 minutes to turn off car. Removing key did nothing. This IS a hazard to all. Could have been disastrous. Lexus was notified. *Ak
- Visibility › Glass, side/rear
While defogging rear window glass popped out inside of vehicle into little pieces. Dealer has been notified. Please provide further information.*ak
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Pump · Steering › Rack and pinion
Steering system failed while driving. steering became very loose. heard noises coming from steering column. Took vehicle to dealership. Was informed that rack and pinion steering unit needed to be replaced.*ak power steering pump also needed replaced. *slc
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Pump · Steering › Rack and pinion
Steering system failed and would make noises. Took vehicle to mechanic and was informed that rack and pinion steering was shot and vehicle not safe to drive.*ak power steering pump was also replaced at cost to consumer. *slc
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine seizure
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.
- 6088674Service campaign to tighten the steering wheel set nut to the proper torque setting.
- 619796Subject regarding steering wheelnut service specification.
- 619119Subject regarding new seat belt tongue plate stopper service parts.
- 619113Subject regarding retro-fit internal trunk release kits.
- 614070This bulletin states that the steering wheel installation nut torque specification has been changed.
- 602274New front brake pads are available to reduce front brake groan noise, grinding noise, squeak or vibration.
- 601429Charcoal canister assembly supply parts have been changed to simplify parts production and permit interchangeability with current model vehicles.
- 52030A541e valve body gasket no 2.
- 52028Publication correction information.
- 50705Air leak noise from front door glass at lower rear corner.
Every Lexus ES300 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.