1998 Lexus ES300
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Lexus › ES300 › 1998
These records cover every 1998 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 1998 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
52 complaints13 involved a crash1 involved a fire11 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires
May 17, 2014 traveling on florida turnpike after two hours had two tires separate. Replaced two tires in palm beach gardens and continued another hour when a third tire separated. Tires were all cooper CS4 p205/65r15. In key west replaced the remaining failed tire and the so far fourth remaining cooper tire. was not able to retain the separated tires as was 200 miles from home with packed car. *tr
- Seat belts
Both left and right rear seat belt buckles have failed. I am unable to insert belts into the buckle. Cleaning and lube had no affect. *tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1998 lexus es300. The contact stated that the engine failed with the illumination of the check engine warning light. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a diagnostic was performed. The failure was located at the engine evap canister. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 115,000.
- Electrical system
The day before the accident happened all the tail light were off and I found the fuse for tail light was blew. So I replaced the fuse. Next day,when I turned on headlight while driving on highway 680, the "r" indicator on the dashboard became on as well -- now both "d" and "r" were on. It puzzled…
The day before the accident happened all the tail light were off and I found the fuse for tail light was blew. So I replaced the fuse. Next day,when I turned on headlight while driving on highway 680, the "r" indicator on the dashboard became on as well -- now both "d" and "r" were on. It puzzled me for awhile so I decided to turn off the headlight. As soon as the headlight was turned off , the car "hesitated" on freeway. I took the car to dealer for service who claimed they have never seen this before. After 3 days of services, they said some wires were crossed and charged $581 for replacing those faulty wires and one controller. the car IS only 13 year old and about 100 k miles. I would definitely classify this accident as a defect by manufacture. I want to file this compliant to see any other es300 owners have experienced such problem. *tt
- Fuel system, gasoline
Fuel pressure regulator (damper) failed allowing fuel to flow into engine compartment and fumes through air intake into passenger compartment. Could have been a serious fire if not detected in time and repaired.
- Seat belts
Seat belt retraction failure. The seat belt on my 1998 lexus had been slow to retract, sometimes not retract at all. It appears this problem IS not unique to this model or year. Many other vehicles made by toyota and lexus have the exact same problem (based on searching on the internet). This IS probably due to a defect in components of the seat belt assembly. *tr
- Air bags › Frontal
TL* the contact owns a 1998 lexus es300. The contact was driving approximately 45-50 mph when another vehicle side swiped his vehicle, causing him to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a cement wall. the front air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries to the neck and shoulder…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 lexus es300. The contact was driving approximately 45-50 mph when another vehicle side swiped his vehicle, causing him to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a cement wall. the front air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries to the neck and shoulder and was transported to the hospital via ambulance. A police report was available. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised that the legal department would contact him. The vin was unavailable. The failure and current mileage was 68,000. updated 09/19/11
- Air bags
My 1998 lexus hit a cement wall and the air bag did not deploy. I called and wrote to lexus headquarters three times and they never responded. I want to hear from lexus about this problem. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 lexus es300. while driving approximately 5 mph pressure was applied to the brake pedal but the vehicle would not stop until colliding with another vehicle in a minor crash. he continued driving and the brakes began to function as normal. later in the day while driving…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 lexus es300. while driving approximately 5 mph pressure was applied to the brake pedal but the vehicle would not stop until colliding with another vehicle in a minor crash. he continued driving and the brakes began to function as normal. later in the day while driving approximately 10 mph he applied pressure to the brake pedal and the vehicle would not stop until being involved in a crash with a fence. a police report was filed but no injuries were reported. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop but was not examined for the cause of failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 33,000.
- Vehicle speed control
I experienced unintended acceleration in my 1998 lexus ES while backing into my garage. I had my foot on the brake, but the vehicle took off in reverse and crashed into the back of the garage, damaging both the car and the garage. I was not injured, but was certainly frightened by the incident.…
I experienced unintended acceleration in my 1998 lexus ES while backing into my garage. I had my foot on the brake, but the vehicle took off in reverse and crashed into the back of the garage, damaging both the car and the garage. I was not injured, but was certainly frightened by the incident. I am certain it had nothing to do with floor mats. I am also certain that I did not place my foot on the accelerator accidentally, because this happened from a complete stop while pressing on the brake with the car in gear. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns 1998 lexus es300. While approaching an intersection with her foot on the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated and crashed into a pole causing extensive damage to the vehicle and the passenger. The air bags deployed breaking her hand in two places. The driver and passenger were…
Tl*the contact owns 1998 lexus es300. While approaching an intersection with her foot on the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated and crashed into a pole causing extensive damage to the vehicle and the passenger. The air bags deployed breaking her hand in two places. The driver and passenger were transported to the hospital. The vehicle was towed from the scene and was destroyed. A police report IS available if needed. The toyota manufacturer was not called. The failure mileage was 54753 updated 03/24/10 *bf updated 05/05/10.*jb when the consumer approached an intersection waiting to turn left with her foot on the brake, the vehicle suddenly accelerated out of control. the consumer crashed into a light pole. Her right hand was broken in three places and the front passenger was also hurt. The consumer raised the question of toyota's software design of the controls. Updated 06/01/10.
- Fuel system, gasoline
Over the last few years, I have periodically complained to my toyota of tucson (auto mall) service dept. That my '98 es300 periodically produces intense gasoline odor in the passenger compartment. It can happen at any time, many months apart. The fumes seem to be swept in through a/c or heating…
Over the last few years, I have periodically complained to my toyota of tucson (auto mall) service dept. That my '98 es300 periodically produces intense gasoline odor in the passenger compartment. It can happen at any time, many months apart. The fumes seem to be swept in through a/c or heating vents, and can continue for the duration of a local drive, only to disappear the next time the car IS started. The problem does not seem to follow any pattern -- not just after fill-up; not just at start-up; not just when engine hot or cold. The dealer has not been able to duplicate the problem and has offered no fix. Now, with long-known toyota problems beginning to be acknowledged by the company, I am wondering if there IS, in fact, some corporate or nhtsa awareness of a gas leak issue. *Tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Headlights turn off by themselves intermittently while driving. This also occurs intermittently when you use the directional signals to signal for a right or left turn. This electrical failure makes this car unsafe to drive at night at any speed. driving at night without headlights on could result…
Headlights turn off by themselves intermittently while driving. This also occurs intermittently when you use the directional signals to signal for a right or left turn. This electrical failure makes this car unsafe to drive at night at any speed. driving at night without headlights on could result in an accident with bodily injury or death to the occupants of this vehicle or other vehicles and/or property damage. The jm lexus' service department diagnosed this problem as a defective wiper switch assembly. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
The accident was due to unintended-acceleration as the car lurched forward fighting the brake. It seemed as though the accelerator had a life of its own overriding the braking actions I tried to implement. I was proceeding slowly up the long narrow driveway. I made a right turn into a parking…
The accident was due to unintended-acceleration as the car lurched forward fighting the brake. It seemed as though the accelerator had a life of its own overriding the braking actions I tried to implement. I was proceeding slowly up the long narrow driveway. I made a right turn into a parking place that was perpendicular to the walk-way. I slowly tapped the gas on my lexus ES 300 and then the brakes. as I moved my foot over to the higher level brake pedal, the car lurched forward accelerating on its own--the ignition/accelerator system took over the car. I pressed the brake as firmly as I could but it did not override the acceleration. The brakes had routine maintenance six weeks prior to the accident and I was told they were in good working order.the car jumped the sidewalk and crashed into a block wall. It was a mechanical failure in the accelerator which caused the accident. the brake pedal was high and there was no mistaking one pedal for another. *Tr
- Air bags › Frontal
Air bag, driver's and passenger's, failed to deploy in a frontal collision that destroyed vehicle. driver was only person in car and from the seat/lap belt suffered sever bruising on torso, abdomen and thighs. left knee badly bruised from contact with steering column. the seat/lap belt did not…
Air bag, driver's and passenger's, failed to deploy in a frontal collision that destroyed vehicle. driver was only person in car and from the seat/lap belt suffered sever bruising on torso, abdomen and thighs. left knee badly bruised from contact with steering column. the seat/lap belt did not fail. the car was a 1998 lexus es300 with approximately 157,000 miles and in excellent condition. had the air bags deployed, I believe I would have still had some bruising but the bruising would have been less severe and less painful and had shorter recovery time. 30 days after the accident, I still have bruises showing and have sever large lumps under the skin where the bruises existed. I still have many tender and sore areas from the bruises. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control
I have a 1998 lexus es300 with approximately 115,000 on the car. the check engine light recently came on stating that it was emissions code p0466, which IS a common charcoal cannister problem for lexus es300 1996 and up. there was an extended warranty issued for 1996-1998 lexus es300 for the…
I have a 1998 lexus es300 with approximately 115,000 on the car. the check engine light recently came on stating that it was emissions code p0466, which IS a common charcoal cannister problem for lexus es300 1996 and up. there was an extended warranty issued for 1996-1998 lexus es300 for the emission problem which includes the p0466 problem. I went to the lexus dealer to get that emissions problem fix, but they said that not all of the 1998 lexus es300 was included in this warranty and my car was one of the cars that was in that category. since the extended warranty stated that 96-98 lexus es300 are covered, IS there any way that my car would be covered since it's a 1998 lexus es300? *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I have a 1998 lexus es300. In november 2003, my car was serviced under lexus' spa program due to engine oil gelling/sludge. Now, 3 years later, the engine seized. This IS a direct and consequential result of driving the car for 76K miles with a gelling issue. The damage had been done and this was a…
I have a 1998 lexus es300. In november 2003, my car was serviced under lexus' spa program due to engine oil gelling/sludge. Now, 3 years later, the engine seized. This IS a direct and consequential result of driving the car for 76K miles with a gelling issue. The damage had been done and this was a latent defect. we took the car to the lexus dealer and had it serviced three weeks ago, spent $700 on it, drove it off the lot and 20 minutes later the engine seized. They now want $5K to put a used engine in it with 130K miles on it. Lexus corporation was useless and they basically said no matter if the seize was caused by the gelling or not, because the car had so many miles on it they were not willing to "assist". Beware of lexus of seattle - they are crooks! *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Service brakes, hydraulic
Consumer 1998 lexus 300 ES check engine light illuminated knocked and died while pulling to the side of the road. *ts ***nar*** the consumer was informed the engine had completely seized. The repair facility recommended a new engine. after the replacement engine was installed in dec 2004, the…
Consumer 1998 lexus 300 ES check engine light illuminated knocked and died while pulling to the side of the road. *ts ***nar*** the consumer was informed the engine had completely seized. The repair facility recommended a new engine. after the replacement engine was installed in dec 2004, the vehicle was inspected on february 11, 2005 and the mechanic noticed oil leaks around the valve cover and oil pan areas. the brakes and calipers had to be replaced. *Jb
- Fuel system, gasoline
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at 65 mph the accelerator pedal was depressed to pass another vehicle and the vehicle would not accelerate. The contact managed to pull the vehicle off the road. Upon inspection gasoline was pouring out onto the engine. The vehicle was towed to a dealership, and the fuel pressure damper was replaced. The manufacturer was contacted.*ak updated 03/17/06. *Jb
- Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler
I have a 1998 lexus es300. the driver's heated seat stopped working. balise lexus, of west springfield, ma, explained there was a broken wire in heating grid and wanted to charge me $500.00, for parts and labor. my mechanic disassembled the seat and found the wire had frayed and shorted out when…
I have a 1998 lexus es300. the driver's heated seat stopped working. balise lexus, of west springfield, ma, explained there was a broken wire in heating grid and wanted to charge me $500.00, for parts and labor. my mechanic disassembled the seat and found the wire had frayed and shorted out when it started on fire. it had burnt part of the heating grid, the foam it was attached to and the inside of the leather upholstery. I showed this heating grid to the lexus dealer, who replied, " the heating grids are only good for 3-5 years." I would think that a fuse would short out, or a light on the dash would alert you to a malfunction. I definetely wouldn't expect a fire. this could have caused serious damage and even severe bodily injury. in the meantime, I have ordered the replacement heating grid for $204.80. I feel this IS a manufacturer's defect and should be reinbursed and a sefety feature of some sort should be installed in future models. what can I do? thank you for any advise. *jb
- Vehicle speed control
While parking vehicle surged, jumped a curb, and ran into an apartment building. *Ak
- Equipment › Electrical · Service brakes, hydraulic · Unknown or other · Wheels
I have had my 1998 es300 in with tom wood lexus of indianapolis well over a dozen times since december of 2002 for the same problems. The abs/trac off and low oil level warning lights went off randomly. After replacing the ABS pump ($1,400 for the part alone), the problem persisted. After an…
I have had my 1998 es300 in with tom wood lexus of indianapolis well over a dozen times since december of 2002 for the same problems. The abs/trac off and low oil level warning lights went off randomly. After replacing the ABS pump ($1,400 for the part alone), the problem persisted. After an unacceptable amount of false diagnostics, wasted service trips (at least a week long each time) and useless but costly repairs, my car IS still in the shop. They suspected that a sludge engine IS the cause of my problems. but it turned out that I did not have the sludge problem. The lexus dealer ended up finding an electrical problem with the oil sensor system. This was after they replaced the abs/traction control actuator pump and the ABS ecu. It took them 6 months to find and fix all of my problems. It was a very expensive 6 months and took up almost all of my vacation time from work for the year to make wasted trips to the dealer. Most of the loaner cars they gave me were smoky junkers that I was forced to drive weeks at a time. I hope this provides insight for future customers. The carfax report I ran came up clean when I bought this car in november of 2002. I have had it for about a month after it was finally "repaired" and it IS working well.
- Engine and engine cooling · Equipment › Electrical
Engine light stays on. decreased performance.
- Air bags › Frontal
This complaint IS in regards to the airbags in my wife's 1998 lexus es300 not deploying when in a full frontal accident at 35-45 mph. *Jb
- Tires
Defective rims that allow the tires to leak air. after that happened many times, we bought new tires thinking that would solve the problem. it has continued . this IS a concern and want to prevent an accident due to this . other than that the lexus IS a great car. *Ak *mr
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
- 10205331Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset
- 10205330Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset
- 10205329Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset.
- 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.
- 10132739TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE: July 7, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete.
- 10132734TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
- 10132726TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
- 10132108This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0082-14.
- 10132083Adhesive & sealant cross reference Information
- 10132074Beginning in 1998, Lexus introduced side airbags as optional equipment. Lexus does NOT recommend replacement of original seat covers with non-Lexus leather or other seat cover materials on vehicles due to the following: Seat covers NOT recommended by Lexus may affect side airbag performance, in general or in part, during an accident. Modifications that negatively affect side airbag performance can result in severe occupant injuries. Seat covers are an integral part of this safety system. Replacing fabric seat covers with non-Lexus leather or other seat cover materials may compromise the effectiveness of this safety system. The design of the seat is complex, integrating safety and strength with comfort and luxury. Lexus strongly discourages modifying original equipment seats that have optional side airbags. Additionally, Lexus strongly advises against the installation or use of aftermarket seat covers, which could impair the performance of the side airbags in the event of an accident.
- 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.
- 10109384TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
- 10054797Lexus: information regarding the seat cover replacement, equipped with side air bags, the modifications that might negatively affect side air bag performance can result in severe injuries.
- 100035771998 es300 wireless door lock control system - repair manual correction - diagnostics.
- 10000251Suspension ball joint inspection method.
- 6088674Service campaign to tighten the steering wheel set nut to the proper torque setting.
- 628655Special policy adjustment for customers who have experienced specific mechanical engine problems attributable to the condition known as oil gelling or sludge.
- 627085Subject regarding turn signals flashing abnormally. *Slc
- 622252Information on preventing particle buildup and preserve the appearance of the shoulder belt anchor.*jb
- 619796Subject regarding steering wheelnut service specification.
- 619119Subject regarding new seat belt tongue plate stopper service parts.
- 619113Subject regarding retro-fit internal trunk release kits.
Every Lexus ES300 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.