1997 Lexus Es problems

General information about Lexus-Es
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Lexus ES (Japanese: レクサス・ES, Hepburn: Rekusasu ES) is a series of mid-size executive cars marketed since 1989 by Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, across multiple generations, each offering V6 engines and a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. The first five generations of the ES used the Toyota Camry platform, while the latter generations are more closely related to both the Camry and the Avalon. Manual transmissions were offered until 1993, a lower-displacement inline-four engine became an option in Asian markets in 2010, and a gasoline-electric hybrid version was introduced in 2012. The ES was Lexus's only front-wheel drive vehicle until 1998, when the related RX was introduced, and the sedan occupied the entry-level luxury car segment of the Lexus lineup in North America and other regions until the debut of the IS in 1999. The ES name stands for "Executive Sedan". However, some Lexus importers use the name, "Elegant Sedan".

Introduced in 1989, the first generation ES 250 was one of two vehicles in Lexus's debut range, along with the LS 400. The second generation ES 300 debuted in 1991, followed by the third generation ES 300 in 1996, and the fourth generation ES 300/330 in 2001. The first- through fourth generation sedans shared body styling elements with Japan-market Toyota sedans, and a domestic market equivalent, the Toyota Windom (Japanese: トヨタ・ウィンダム, Toyota Windamu), was sold until the launch of the fifth generation ES in 2006. The word "Windom" is a combination of "win" and the suffix "dom" expresses a state of perpetual victory. The fifth generation ES used body styling marketed by Lexus as L-finesse and debuted in early 2006 as a 2007 model. The sixth generation ES debuted in the first half of 2012 as a 2013 model, and features increased cabin dimensions due to a longer wheelbase which is shared with the full-size XX40 series Avalon.

Lexus has positioned the ES in the comfort luxury segment, with an emphasis on interior amenities, quietness, and ride quality, in contrast with more firm-riding sport sedans. Buyers seeking more performance-focused models are targeted by the Lexus IS and rival makes, with such models offering a sportier drive with differently tuned suspensions. In Europe, Japan and other markets where it was not available until the seventh generation model, the GS sport sedans occupy the mid-size category in the Lexus lineup until it was cancelled August 2020. In the United States, the ES has been the best-selling Lexus sedan for over fifteen years.

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Common 1997 Lexus Es problems

The 1997 Lexus ES 300 has been known for certain problems and defects that have been reported by its owners. The most common problems include engine issues, interior accessories problems, seat belts/airbags problems, electrical problems, windows/windshield problems, brakes problems, steering problems, wheels/hubs problems, drivetrain problems, and miscellaneous problems. Engine problems are the most common issue reported by ES 300 owners, with 13 complaints filed with the NHTSA. Interior accessories problems are another common issue reported by ES 300 owners, with 8 complaints filed with the NHTSA. Seat belts/airbags problems are also a common issue reported by ES 300 owners, with 8 complaints filed with the NHTSA. Electrical problems are a common issue reported by ES 300 owners, with 5 complaints filed with the NHTSA. Windows/windshield problems are also a common issue reported by ES 300 owners, with 3 complaints filed with the NHTSA. Brakes problems are a common issue reported by ES 300 owners, with 3 complaints filed with the NHTSA. Steering problems are also a common issue reported by ES 300 owners, with 2 complaints filed with the NHTSA. Wheels/hubs problems are a common issue reported by ES 300 owners, with 2 complaints filed with the NHTSA. Drivetrain problems are also a common issue reported by ES 300 owners, with 2 complaints filed with the NHTSA. Miscellaneous problems are a common issue reported by ES 300 owners, with 1 complaint filed with the NHTSA. In conclusion, the 1997 Lexus ES 300 has been known for certain problems and defects that have been reported by its owners. These issues include engine problems, interior accessories problems, seat belts/airbags problems, electrical problems, windows/windshield problems, brakes problems, steering problems, wheels/hubs problems, drivetrain problems, and miscellaneous problems. It is important for ES 300 owners to be aware of these issues and to take appropriate action to address them, such as taking the car to a certified mechanic for inspection and repair.

Is Lexus ES300 reliable?

Super reliable, never had any maintenance issues.

I've owned this Lexus ES300 for 18 years (I'm the original owner). The car currently has 136,000 miles on it. This car is the best car I've ever owned. I take it for its regularly scheduled maintenance and that is really the only thing I do for it.

What engine is in a 1997 ES300?

3.0 L V61997 Lexus ES 300 / Engine

The ES 300 sported a 138 kW (185 hp) 3.0-liter 3VZ-FE V6 engine and had an advertised 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) time of 7.9 seconds.

What is the life expectancy of a Lexus ES300?

Typically, the Lexus ES will last around 200,000 miles. This number is solid for a luxury vehicle, and the lifespan will be further influenced by how much maintenance you put into the vehicle and the conditions in which the car is driven. You get out of the Lexus ES what you put into it.

What is the top speed of the 1997 Lexus ES300?

Top speed is 141 mph.

1997 Lexus Es car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lexus Es problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Power train problems
Seats problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Lexus Es vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1997 Lexus Es complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Lexus Es.

2012-09-02

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2011-07-14
VIN: JT8BF22G6V0
Components: POWER TRAIN
Summary: REAR NOISE WHILE DRIVING MANY OTHER DRIVERS HAVE THE SAME QUESTION. WHEN THE CAR GOES OVER POT HOLES I MAKES A SOUND SIMILAR TO GOLF / BOWING BOWLN HITTING EACH OTHER. *TR

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2007-06-04

SEATS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2001-12-28
VIN: JT88BF22G5V
Components: SEATS
Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LEXUS ES 300. HE STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY ON DECEMBER 28, 2001. APPROXIMATELY FIVE YEARS LATER HE NOTICED THAT THE SEAT HEATER GOT EXTREMELY HOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MINOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE HOWEVER; HE FELT THIS ISSUE WAS MORE SEVERE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000. THE VIN APPEARS TO BE INVALID. UPDATED 02/01/08. *LJ UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR

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1997 Lexus Es recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1997 Lexus Es.

2009-04-07

Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1997 Lexus Es problems:

Top 5 Problems Lexus ES300 Sedan 3rd Generation 1997-2001 ...

1997 Lexus ES300 Problems and Complaints - 9 Issues

https://repairpal.com/1997-lexus-es300/problems

Problem with your 1997 Lexus ES300? Our list of 9 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1997 Lexus ES300.

Everything Wrong With My 1998 Lexus ES 300 - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOl5AuyOFQo

Nov 27, 2022 ... ... issues, won't idle ... 1997 Lexus ES 300 Review - The Early Days Of Lexus Reliability! ... Top 5 Problems Lexus ES300 Sedan 3rd Generation 1997-2001.

'97 ES300 purchase - any common problems? - ClubLexus - Lexus ...

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-1st-to-4th-gen-1990-2006/196024-97-es300-purchase-any-common-problems.html

Jan 14, 2006 ... ES - 1st to 4th Gen (1990-2006) - '97 ES300 purchase - any common problems? - Hello Lexus experts, I am about to buy a one-owner '97 ES300 ...