1999 Lexus ES300
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Lexus › ES300 › 1999
These records cover every 1999 Lexus ES300. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
27 complaints4 involved a crash3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Steering
TL* the contact owns a 1999 lexus es300. The contact was unable to turn the ignition switch and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact mentioned that the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 85,135.
- Unknown or other
1999 lexus es300. Consumer requests information on toyota defective products *tgw the consumer stated his mother was involved in a near fatal accident and suffered injuries as a result of the accident. *Jb
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 lexus es300. The contact was driving approximately 5 mph in the reverse position. When the accelerator pedal was depressed a sudden acceleration occurred causing the vehicle to crash into another vehicle. The vehicle continued to travel and crashed into a residential…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 lexus es300. The contact was driving approximately 5 mph in the reverse position. When the accelerator pedal was depressed a sudden acceleration occurred causing the vehicle to crash into another vehicle. The vehicle continued to travel and crashed into a residential home. The vehicle was destroyed. The other vehicle driver suffered severe injuries. A police report was filed for the incident. The failure and current mileages were 35,000.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Call lexus and made complain about my car and the problems I am having getting resolution has been frustrating. They are requesting that I tow my car to the dealership before they do anything to fix my vehicle. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
My car accelerated without my control and all attempts to bring it to a stop by using the braking system was futile. After engaging the emergency brakes the car slowed down and stopped. Car was towed by triple aaa to ntb in alexandria va. Report the incident to toyota /lexus customer service and did not get a favorable response. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Complained to dealer about improper shifting of transmission while under warranty. dealer advised the transmission was fine, but changed the fluid anyway. I still continued to have issues with the transmission, but was told by the dealer not to come back. the vehicle has been serviced according…
Complained to dealer about improper shifting of transmission while under warranty. dealer advised the transmission was fine, but changed the fluid anyway. I still continued to have issues with the transmission, but was told by the dealer not to come back. the vehicle has been serviced according to manufactures recommendations and now at 88,000 miles the transmission has failed. this IS an u140e transmission, which has had numerous complaints. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control
Had a check engine light and was informed that the oxygen sensor and charcoal canister needed to be replaced. this problem happened in toyota and lexus vehicles up until and including 1998. I was told this was not covered under the warranty that covered the older vehicles. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control
Had to replace evap charcoal canister on my lexus es300, my co-worker also had to replace this on his rx300 along with the O2 sensors. *tr
- Wheels › Rim
Issue involve 1999 lexus es300 chrome wheels (rims). failures to maintain air pressure. numerous owners are experiencing this lexus known problem, but vehicle manufacture unwilling to fix this failure, which result in owners purchasing new chrome wheels at $500 each.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Dt*: the contact stated the passive restraint system light on the dash illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer on two occasions. the dealer determined the buckle harnesses needed to be replaced but the light remains illuminated.
- Air bags
While driving on a recently oiled and chipped rural road, I had to veer to the right in order to avoid an oncoming vehicle driving in the center of the road. upon said vehicle passing, I slightly turned the wheel to the left in order to fully return to the road. at this point, the vehicle started…
While driving on a recently oiled and chipped rural road, I had to veer to the right in order to avoid an oncoming vehicle driving in the center of the road. upon said vehicle passing, I slightly turned the wheel to the left in order to fully return to the road. at this point, the vehicle started to "fish tail" terribly, no matter how much I tried to regain control, and eventually turned head on toward the opposite side of the road, directly toward trees lining the opposite side. I must have lost consciousness, as the next thing I recall IS facing in the opposite direction that I was going, with the right (passenger) side of the car resting against the trees lining the side of the road opposite the direction I was traveling. the impact had been extremely significant, as the vehicle was absolutely totaled, with the front and passenger side being the areas of primary damage. this vehicle had six (6) airbags, none of which deployed. the vehicle was eventually looked at by lexus representatives, who advised the vehicle was working as it was supposed to, i.e., the airbags should not have deployed in this accident, which I find difficult to understand considering the significant impact of said vehicle. my insurance company suggested that I contact nhtsa to report this incident.*jb
- Engine and engine cooling
The iac valve in the consumer's 1999 lexus es300 failed. this resulted in the vehicle not starting after being driven a short distance. *nm *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I own a 1999 lexus es-300 automobile that was purchased used in 2002. the engine stopped running as I was driving home from the atlanta airport and would not restart. just prior to stopping the car began making a rattling noise and then simply stopped while I was driving it. upon inspection of…
I own a 1999 lexus es-300 automobile that was purchased used in 2002. the engine stopped running as I was driving home from the atlanta airport and would not restart. just prior to stopping the car began making a rattling noise and then simply stopped while I was driving it. upon inspection of the engine by lexus mechanics I was informed that there was "oil gel" in the engine and that a new engine would be required. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While driving at any speed engine check light came on and stayed on. consumer could take the battery out and replace it, and the light would stay on for several weeks. engine check light came on more than eight times in the last eight months. dealer examined the vehicle twice, but could not find the cause of the problem.*ak
- Power train · Unknown or other
The lexus specialist at the repair shop informed me that he has seen similar problems with other ES 300 models as well as the RL models at about the same mileage. the ones with the toyota camry engines haven\\\\\\'t had any problems. there IS a tsb on the nhtsa website and I have also filed a complaint there.
- Child seat · Seat belts › Rear/other
None of the rear seat belts hold the child seat firmly. When the car turns or swerves lightly the child seat tilts accordingly. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Just bought a 1999 lexus ES 300, took it to be checked out because the engine sounded rough in the reverse gear. found out the transmission IS leaking badly and has to be replaced, the lexus specialist says he has seen similar problems with transmissions in the ES 300 models as well as some of the RL models but have not heard of any recalls. information IS found regarding this problem in the tsb database. *Jb
- Service brakes, air › Disc › Caliper · Service brakes, air › Disc › Rotor · Service brakes, air › Drum › Shoes/linings
My brakes constantly squeaks. this has been an on-going problem for the last several months. the manufacturer had a factory person come check my brakes last month on 12/12/02 and didn't detect a problem. my brakes are squeaking and I feel there IS a problem. I had their loaner same model and…
My brakes constantly squeaks. this has been an on-going problem for the last several months. the manufacturer had a factory person come check my brakes last month on 12/12/02 and didn't detect a problem. my brakes are squeaking and I feel there IS a problem. I had their loaner same model and different year-the brakes didn't squeak at all. I would like to get to the bottom of this problem. can this be a possible defect or malfunction. IS it safe my car to squeak constantly whenever I step on the brakes in any kind of weather.
- Air bags › Frontal
While driving at 15 mph vehicle was involved in a head on collision and airbags did not deploy. Dealer notified. Please provide additional information. Ts
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Engine oil gelling damaged engine
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
The vehicle oil light illuminated and smoke began to come from the rear of the vehicle, the consumer soon found out the car had a sludge problem which eventually caused the engine to fail, attorney for client. nlm
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
I recently bought a dealer low mileage extended to 100K warranty 1999 es300 lexus, my mid age dream car. It IS truly a nice auto, except. the beast has been to the shop 3 times for "maid service" not genuine problem until frost/freeze puts the problem against my requirement of windshield…
I recently bought a dealer low mileage extended to 100K warranty 1999 es300 lexus, my mid age dream car. It IS truly a nice auto, except. the beast has been to the shop 3 times for "maid service" not genuine problem until frost/freeze puts the problem against my requirement of windshield defroster for vision. mice have a free run of the entire air intake systems...air conditioning/heater and engine air filter/fuel injection. I have phoned and e-mailed the toyota/lexus folks both at website and california multiple times with little respect towards consumer communication. the response from my agitation relieved me of the last $bill presentation, yet the only recommendations are: "get moth balls,get a cat, get an exterminator..". my car sits on concrete in a rural carport 1/2 the time..yet when my husband took me to yet another toyota service shop to ask..what if this problem exist for your customers, what do you do for them? one mechanic said that he has dealt with and complained about this every which way since 1990..and no one wants to hear the complaint! he personally has a camry that IS parked in the neighborhood in a closed garage, with car cover, 5 cats and liberal dousing of rat poison..and has 3 times had to clean out the same problem. he also said it IS no easy feat to get at the car frame to clean ...including dead rodents,mice & snakes..and disinfect; some of these are luxury autos?! yet no corporate interest to acknowledge nor rectify the inconvenience and expense and perhaps dangerous situation when windshield vision may be more than impaired due to no air control to the front auto glass because mouse ?!@#$% and nest crap just got sucked into the "sophisticated" air filtration system. apparently this IS a routine situation for many that do not reside in a concrete jungle environ. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Gas recirculation valve (egr valve)
At start up and acceleration blue smoke comes from tail pipe.also, there IS excessive use of oil, and pcv valve IS clogged up. dealer has inspected vehicle, and manufacturer has been notified. *Ak head gasket failed. the manufacturer denied repair of the vehicle based on no evidence of defect
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
During early morning starts when accelerating rpms were around 1700 to 2300. Consumer heard a very loud pitch., unsure of the location of the noise. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Dealer was unable to determine the cause. Please provide any further details.*ak
- Seat belts
Rear seat belts do not hold child's safety seat firmly. Yh
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.
- 10205383Spots in Window Glass - vehicle exterior
- 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.
- 10016061Body electrical system repair manual correction for the 1999 lexus es300. 00245-Rm667-u2.
- 10009396Proper identification of the 5 solenoids used in the u140e/u140f transmissions.
- 10000251Suspension ball joint inspection method.
- 6088666Exhibiting an intermittent shudder during the 2-3 shift.
- 631815Subject regarding air conditioner compressor shaft seal repair. *Slc
- 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
Every Lexus ES300 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.