1991 Lexus Es250 problems
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 1991 Lexus Es250 problems
The 1991 Lexus ES250 is known to have several common problems that owners have reported. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues:
- Oil Leaks: Many owners of the 1991 ES250 have reported oil leaks, often from the seals around the oil pan or the valve cover gasket. These leaks can be caused by wear and tear on the seals or gaskets, and they may require replacement to fix.
- Head Gasket Problems: The 2VZ-FE engine used in the 1991 ES250 is known to develop head gasket problems, particularly as the car ages and the engine wears out. This issue can lead to coolant leaks, white exhaust smoke, and a rough-running engine.
- Overheating: Some owners of the 1991 ES250 have reported that the car tends to run hot, particularly in hot weather or when driving at high speeds. This issue may be related to the small engine bay and the exhaust design, which can limit airflow and cooling capacity.
- Transmission Issues: Some owners of the 1991 ES250 have reported problems with the car's automatic transmission, including slipping, jerking, and difficulty shifting. These issues may be related to wear and tear on the transmission or problems with the car's computerized control system.
It's important to note that not all 1991 ES250s will experience these problems, and some cars may be more reliable than others. However, these issues are common enough that potential buyers should be aware of them and consider having the car inspected by a mechanic before making a purchase. Regular maintenance and repairs can help to prevent many of these issues, and a well-maintained ES250 can be a reliable and enjoyable car to drive.
Are Lexus ES250 reliable?
The ES 250's high level of comfort, roomy interior and low starting price for a midsize luxury sedan will attract many shoppers, all bolstered by Lexus' reputation for reliability. However, its underpowered and loud four-cylinder engine, paired with dull driving dynamics, might send you elsewhere.
Is the Lexus ES250 underpowered?
The power goes to all wheels via an 8-speed conventional automatic which shifts gears very smoothly. And the all-wheel drive system works well in slippery conditions.
What is the fuel consumption of an ES250?
The Lexus ES250 currently offers fuel consumption from 6.6 to 6.8L/100km.
What is the mileage of an ES250?
Fuel Efficiency of the 2023 Lexus ES 250 AWD
The sedan has a mileage rating of 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
1991 Lexus Es250 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lexus Es250 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
- Structure problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Lexus Es250 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1991 Lexus Es250 complaints
The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Lexus Es250.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-30
- VIN: JT8VV22T2M0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE APPLYING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SPEED. SHIFTED THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO STOP. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT CRUISE CONTROL ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER PRODUCED THIS PART ANYMORE. HOWEVER, PROBLEM RECURRED, AND HAD NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-25
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JT8VV22T9M0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND GET OUT. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. *JB THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE UNLESS THE CONSUMER PAID FOR IT. THE DEALER HAD RECENTLY DONE WORK ON THE DISTRIBUTOR, TRANSMISSION AND BRAKES. THERE WERE NO BURN MARKS AROUND THE ENGINE. THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE PASSENGERS DOOR WHERE THE BRAKES WERE LOCATED. THE CONSUMER FELT THAT THE DEALER DID NOT SEAT THE BRAKES PROPERLY AND THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. *SC *JB
VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-12
- Components: VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: POWER WINDOWS AND LOCKS DO NOT WORK. *AK
VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-11-20
- Components: VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: ON A VERY SUNNY DAY THE POWER WINDOWS AND DOOR CONTROLS STOP WORKING. WHEN I DRIVE THE CAR FOR 8 TO 10 MILES AND STOP THE CAR AND TRY OPENING THE DOOR AND THEN TRY THE POWER WINDOW IT STARTS TO WORK. IT FEELS THAT AS IF THE HEAT BUILDS UP IN THE CAR ON A HOT DAY AND CONTROLS STOP WORKING BUT WHEN I DRIVE AROUND THE CAR COOLS OFF AND CONTROLS SEEM TO WORK. I DID NOT NOTICE THIS BEHAVIOR IN THE COLD WEATHER. *LA
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-22
- VIN: JT8VV22T0M0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: AUTOMATIC LOCKING SYSTEM FAILED TO RELEASE REAR LEFT SIDE DOOR. WOULD TRY MANUALLY & IT STILL FAILED TO RELEASE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP & WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC THAT E ENTIRE LOCKING SYSTEM WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: THE KEY DOES NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK DOORS. *CJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-13
- VIN: JT8VV22T0M0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: INTERMITTENT STALLING.
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-07-01
- VIN: JT8VV22T0M0
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLES HAS HAIR LINE FRACTURE IN CV JOINT AND RIGHT FRONT AXLE.*AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-02
- VIN: JT8VV22T6M0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TRUNK GAS CYLINDER BROKE AND FELL ON CUSTOMER HEAD CAUSING HEAD INJURIES. TT
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
- VIN: JT8VV22T6M0
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: SUPPORT RODS OF TRUNK LID FELL DOWN ONTO PASSENGER'S NECK WHEN RETRIEVING GROCERIES. *SD
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-17
- VIN: JT8VV22T7M0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING CAR ACCELERATES AND CUT OFF . TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-07
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OIL LEAK IN SPARK PLUG WELLS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-07
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OIL LEAK IN SPARK PLUG WELLS.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHEN AUTO WAS PLACE IN PARKED IT JUMPED OUT OF GEAR AND ROLLED INTO THE FREEWAY. TT
1991 Lexus Es250 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1991 Lexus Es250.
- Manufacturer: RIDE CONTROL, LLC
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: RIDE CONTROL IS RECALLING CERTAIN FRONT STRUT MOUNTS BRANDED AS GABRIEL RIDE CONTROL OR ARVINMERITOR, P/NOS. 142435, 142193, 142305, 142303, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FRONT STRUT MOUNTS DID NOT CONTAIN A WELD JOINT BETWEEN THE BEARING HOUSING AND THE RATE PLATE.
- Consequence: THE ABSENCE OF THE WELD CAN ALLOW THE STRUT TO COME OUT OF ITS MOUNTING POSITION UNDER CERTAIN EXTREME DRIVING CONDITIONS WHICH COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO SURROUNDING VEHICLE COMPONENTS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: RIDE CONTROL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED PARTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RIDE CONTROL AT 1-248-458-1396.
Positive 1991 Lexus Es250 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1991 Lexus Es250 problems:
1991 Lexus ES250 Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Most Common 1991 Lexus ES250 Problems ... There are reports of premature automatic transmission failures. ... Head gasket may fail if engine overheats/coolan... The ...
1991 ES250 Transmission issue - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum ...
Sep 26, 2019 ... Check the throttle pressure cable that goes from your transmission to your carburetor or throttle body depending on the configuration of your ...
Transmission Reverse Issues Lexus ES250 | Toyota Nation Forum
Jan 29, 2014 ... I brought my daughter a newer Camry and inherited her old 1991 Lexus ES250. I'm having an issue with it which was the reason for purchasing ...
1991 ES 250 Question - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion
Jul 30, 2013 ... The 2VZ-FE engine is known to develop head gasket problems, so watch out for that. The engine also runs hot because of the exhaust design and ...
1991 Lexus ES Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Oct 31, 2010 ... Faults: Shocks went bad due to lower control arm and tie rod bushings wearing out at 250,000. Power steering hose failed at 270k, ...
Other years of Lexus Es250
Are you having problems with your 1991 Lexus Es250?
Stan Larson 2024-10-25
You have made an excellent choice with this car! It has been owned its whole life and has had no major problems until its 14th year when the radiator and power steering hoses were replaced. The comfort of a Lexus is second to none and the drive is still nice even though the car is going on 16 (although the ride is a little rougher in the Minnesota winter). It is worth noting that repair costs for a Lexus of this age (or any age) are not cheap. However, my family is dedicated to the Lexus/Toyota name and will buy no other vehicles as this car has been so incredibly reliable for so long.
Garfield Lindgren 2024-10-09
I love this car since it debuted. I previously owned a 1990 ES 250 (2000-2003) until it was totaled in an accident, which I walked away from. Since then, I have owned 2 Volvos 960s. When I saw another ES 250 sitting on a lot, even with 145,800 miles on it, I had to have it. It is very luxurious with leather and wood, and being a Lexus, it will last for at least another 10 years and 100,000 miles. I plan to keep it forever.
Edison Fadel 2024-09-14
This is my first car and I absolutely love it! I bought it in 2008 with 104,000 miles on it when I was only 19 years old, and it's still going strong. Since 1990, I've only had to replace the battery, tires, and more recently, the alternator and headlight bulbs. It's a straight 4 cylinder, but it's quicker than my sister's 04 Subaru Legacy, and it handles beautifully at highway speeds. You'd never know it was a 1990 model. I know I can count on my car to start up every morning and perform as if it were only a year old.
Darien Hegmann 2024-07-21
The first Lexus was the best! I absolutely loved this car. I had no problems with it until it was 13 years old, and I drove it 170 miles a day for a year. After that, some things started to wear out...
Jamil Heaney 2024-05-28
I'm glad to hear that you find the car fun to drive! It sounds like it's a great commuter and performs well on the Interstate. It's impressive that it's still reliable despite being a 1990 model with 150000 miles on it.