1998 Lexus Es300 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 1998 Lexus Es300 problems
The 1998 Lexus ES300 is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners. One of the most frequent issues is related to the engine, specifically with cylinder misfires and spark plugs. Owners have reported instances where the spark plugs have blown up, causing damage to the cylinder and leading to misfires.
Another common problem with the 1998 Lexus ES300 is transmission failure, particularly in the 1999 model year. This issue is the most reported problem for the 1999 ES300, with an average repair cost of $3,700 and an average mileage of 104,000 miles when problems occur.
Engine noise and ticking sounds are also common complaints among ES300 owners. These noises can be caused by various factors, such as a loose or tight timing belt, worn-out engine components, or a malfunctioning fuel system.
Lastly, some ES300 owners have reported issues with the automatic windshield wipers and the steering wheel shaking when coming to a stop. The windshield wipers may not function correctly, coming on at random times or not at all, while the steering wheel shake can be caused by a rotor problem that is common in this vehicle. These issues can affect the overall driving experience and safety of the vehicle, requiring professional diagnosis and repair.
In summary, the 1998 Lexus ES300 has several common problems that owners have reported, including cylinder misfires, transmission failure, engine noise, and issues with the automatic windshield wipers and steering wheel shake. These issues can range from minor inconveniences to major repairs, affecting the vehicle's reliability and overall performance.
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.
Are Lexus ES300 expensive to repair?
Lexus ES300 Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost. The annual maintenance cost of a Lexus ES300 is $424.
How many miles will a Lexus ES300 last?
Typically, the Lexus ES will last around 200,000 miles.
How many miles per gallon does a 1998 Lexus ES300 get?
Based on data from 31 vehicles, 1,774 fuel-ups and 534,679 miles of driving, the 1998 Lexus ES300 gets a combined Avg MPG of 22.42 with a 0.14 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 114 outliers (6.04%) removed.
1998 Lexus Es300 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lexus Es300 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Seat belts problems
- Electrical system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Lexus Es300 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1998 Lexus Es300
The NHTSA has received 56 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Lexus Es300. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1998 Lexus Es300 vehicles.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-01
- VIN: JT8BF28GXW0
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: SINCE MAY OF 2019 MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON. THE OBD READER KEEPS DETECTING A TROUBLE CODE. WHEN MOVING BACK TO CALIFORNIA, I HAD TO REREGISTERED FOR CALIFORNIA LICENSE PLATES, TAGS, AND GET MY CAR SMOGGED WITH MY SMOG CERTIFICATION IN ORDER FOR ME TO COMPLETE REGISTRATION. I HAVE SPENT SO MUCH MONEY INTO MY CAR THAT IT'S AFFECTING ME FROM GETTING TO WORK/ SCHOOL AND TAKING DRIVING MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL AS WELL. EVERY TIME I GET SOMETHING FIXED AND DRIVE THE MILES I'M SUPPOSED TO BE DRIVING, THAT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES BACK ON WITH A TROUBLE CODE. THIS IS AFFECTING ME BECAUSE I'M UNABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR BECAUSE IT STILL WON'T PASS SMOG. IT'S BEEN GOING ON QUITE FOR SOME TIME.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-05-17
- VIN: JT8BF28G4W5
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-08-18
- VIN: JT8BF28G9W5
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-06-03
- VIN: JT8BF28G4W5
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-01-15
- VIN: JT8BF28G5W5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-02-21
- VIN: JT8BF28G0W5
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-07-14
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-10-20
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-10-20
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-09-30
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT8BF28G0W5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-07-07
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT8BF28G9W5
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-07-08
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT8BF28G9W5
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-01
- VIN: JT8BF28G8W5
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-01-07
- VIN: JT8BF28G8W0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-11-08
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-09-28
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-05-24
- VIN: JT8BF28G9W0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-10-05
- VIN: JT8BF28G6W5
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-19
- VIN: JT8BF28G7W0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-29
- VIN: JT8BF28G7W5
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-15
- Fire: 1
- VIN: JT8BF28G0W5
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE PARKING VEHICLE SURGED, JUMPED A CURB, AND RAN INTO AN APARTMENT BUILDING. *AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT8BF28G1W5
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-22
- VIN: JT8BF28G0W5
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-22
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JT8BF28G6W5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ELECTRICITY DISCHARGES FROM IGNITION KEY AREA ON STEERING COLUMN AND DOOR AFTER TURNING OFF AND EXITING VEHICLE. I TOOK CAR IN TO SUPERIOR LEXUS TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM AND THEY COULD NOT FIGURE IT OUT. I CONTINUE TO GET ELECTRICAL SHOCKS FROM MY 1998 LEXUS ES300 TODAY.
1998 Lexus Es300 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1998 Lexus Es300.
- Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CO., LTD.
- Components: STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED CAUSING STEERING VIBRATION AND LOOSENESS.
- Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT.
Positive 1998 Lexus Es300 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Lexus Es300 problems:
1998 Lexus ES300 Problems and Complaints - 9 Issues
Problem with your 1998 Lexus ES300? Our list of 9 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1998 Lexus ES300.
Lexus es300 reliability? Everyone chip in please! (updated with pics ...
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Other years of Lexus Es300
Are you having problems with your 1998 Lexus Es300?
Kayden Christiansen 2025-01-08
In 2018, I had to spend some money to fix leaks from my car that were dripping on the garage floor. Unfortunately, in 2019, I did not pass my smog test due to a lack of communication. To get my car smogged, the smog monitors were not engaging after a reset so they replaced the thermostat and one of the monitors. Additionally, I needed a new starter (the first time in 20 years) and they recommended an idle control valve for the idling of the car in the future. The car had about 133,000 miles on it, was garage kept and detailed every year or two. Despite the increasing cost to keep it going, it still drove like a dream. Eventually, I decided to sell it for $2600.
Ignatius Brown 2025-01-07
I love this car! The body style from '97 to '00 is my favorite. The sporty, deliberate lines flow so well from the lifted rear to the lowered front end. While the newer models are impressive, they seem more like a family ride to me. In terms of performance, this car handles like a champ and practically drives itself. Its impressive 200 hp is complemented by its smooth shifting. The interior and dash controls are simple and elegant, just like you would expect from Lexus. The only downside is its poor turning radius, but it's still easy to handle, even for a 5th grader. I give it 5 out of 5!
Derick Terry 2024-11-24
Original owner. The ES 300 is an extremely reliable car with no engine or transmission problems. It still gets 19+ MPG and has a timeless body design, making it an excellent value. However, it may not drive like a BMW.
Claud Roob 2024-11-17
This is a great car! I just hit 50,000 miles and I've never had a single problem. The service people at Lexus here in Las Vegas are fantastic. It's truly the best car I've ever owned.
Arthur McClure 2024-11-08
I test drove a Lexus and I said my next car would be a Lexus. About three months later, I was driving my own Lexus. If I trade it in, it will be for another Lexus, maybe a 2001.