1996 Lexus Es250 problems

General information about Lexus-Es250
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints 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 1996 Lexus Es250 problems

Based on the information provided in the search results, here are the common problems with the Lexus ES250 1996 based on complaints from owners:

Circuit Control Relay (Fuel Pump):
- Owners have reported issues related to the circuit control relay, specifically affecting the fuel pump. This problem has led to repeated instances of the car not starting.
Battery System:
- The Lexus ES250 has a finicky battery system with two cables connecting to the positive side of the battery. Incorrect cable connections or dirty cables can lead to power issues, affecting the car's ability to start.
Airbag Warning Light:
- The airbag warning light is a common concern among Lexus ES250 owners. When this light comes on, it indicates a problem within the supplemental restraint system. Issues with the SRS module, crash sensor, or other components can lead to airbag deployment failures during a collision.
Transmission Shifting Issues:
- Some owners have experienced transmission shifting problems, such as hard shifting between gears or the transmission getting stuck in one gear. This issue can be related to faulty transmission solenoids or, in some cases, problems with the engine computer.
Oxygen Sensor Problems:
- Oxygen sensor issues have been reported by owners, leading to persistent check engine lights even after sensor replacement. This problem may require checking and potentially replacing all four sensors, along with ensuring the wiring from the sensors to the engine computer is in good condition.

These common problems with the Lexus ES250 1996 can significantly impact the car's performance, safety, and overall driving experience. Owners facing these issues are advised to seek professional assistance to diagnose and address the specific problems effectively.

1996 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:

Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Lexus Es250 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1996 Lexus Es250 complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Lexus Es250.

2002-04-30

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2001-09-01
VIN: JT8BF12G0T0
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: MY CAR STARTED SMOKING FROM THE EXHAUST AREA WHEN I STARTED IT EVERY MORNING AND IN THE EVENING AFTER THE CAR SAT FOR A WHILE IN THE OFFICE GARAGE. I TOOK IT TO THE LEXUS DEALERSHIP BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT NEEDED THE 90,000 MILE MAINTENANCE. I TOLD THEM THE CAR WAS SMOKING AND THE ENGINE JUMPED HEAVILY WHEN I STARTED THE CAR. I ALSO TOLD THEM THE CAR MADE A STRANGE NOISE WHEN IT WOULD GO UP HILL, ESPECIALLY EXCELLERATING UP-HILL. THEY CHARGED ME APPROX. $1500.00. I TOOK THE CAR BACK A FEW WEEKS AFTER THE MAINTENANCE AND TOLD THEM THE CAR WAS STILL SMOKING WHEN IT STARTS AND MAKING THE NOISE WHEN IT WENT UP HILL. THEY KEPT IT OVERNIGHT AND GAVE IT BACK TO ME THE NEXT DAY, SAYING THEY DIDN'T SEE SMOKE WHEN THEY STARTED IT. I TOOK IT BACK AGAIN IN FEB 2002 AND ASKED THEM TO LOOK AT IT AGAIN BECAUSE IT SMOKES REALLY BAD. THEY TOLD ME IT HAD SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE AND IT WOULD COST UP TO $14,000.00 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THEY ALSO TOLD ME THAT I COULD TRY TO HAVE IT FIXED FOR $2500.00 BUT THE CHANCES WAS ONLY 10% THAT THE PROBLEM WOULD BE FIXED. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET FOR WEEKS TO SEE IF THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT. I JUST HAPPENED TO SEE THE ARTICLE IN APRIL'S ISSUE OF AUTOMOTIVE NEWS AND THE PROBLEM MENTIONED WAS THE SAME AS WHAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH MY CAR. THE ARTICLE SAYS TOYOTA HAS AGREED TO REPAIR 1997-2002 CARS WITH SLUDGE. MY CAR IS 1996 BUT THE PROBLEM IS THE SAME AS WHAT THE OTHERS HAVE STATED.*AK

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1996 Lexus Es250 problems:

96 Es300 Passenger Door Won't Open - 92 - 06 Lexus ES250/300/330

https://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/topic/4486-96-es300-passenger-door-wont-open/

Nov 29, 2003 ... Does anyone know if this is a common problem w/ the Lexus doors? Hope this helps.. Quote. Link to comment. Share on other sites. More sharing ...

Transmission Reverse Issues Lexus ES250 | Toyota Nation Forum

https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/transmission-reverse-issues-lexus-es250.686265/

Jan 29, 2014 ... Transmission Reverse Issues Lexus ES250. Jump ... What about the xmissions in 1996 camry's? My ... Finally most common problem is the overdrive ...

First Gen Es 300 Vs. Second Gen... - 92 - 06 Lexus ES250/300/330 ...

https://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/topic/18827-first-gen-es-300-vs-second-gen/

Mar 21, 2005 ... There are a few other minor common problems with this generation. ... 641. Lexus ... 94-96 was an all new aluminum engine with redesigned cooling ...

Should I buy a high mileage Lexus? - Quora

https://www.quora.com/Should-I-buy-a-high-mileage-Lexus

Jul 26, 2015 ... Common Issues: Research common issues or problems associated with the specific model year. Lexus RX vehicles, in general, have a good ...