Research · 8 model years
Lexus ES300Every model year, 1996–2003
Across the 8 model years we’ve synced, NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 603 owner complaints for the Lexus ES300. The 2002 model year has the most complaints (185).
Lexus ES300 years compared
Recalls, complaints, NCAP overall and EPA combined MPG per year
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | NCAP overall | MPG comb. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 0 | 140 | 52 | Not rated | 21 | |
| 2002 | 2 | 185 | 45 | Not rated | 21 | |
| 2001 | 0 | 38 | 12 | Not rated | 20 | |
| 2000 | 0 | 63 | 17 | Not rated | 20 | |
| 1999 | 0 | 37 | 5 | Not rated | 19 | |
| 1998 | 1 | 55 | 13 | Not rated | 20 | |
| 1997 | 2 | 45 | 6 | Not rated | 19 | |
| 1996 | 1 | 40 | 9 | Not rated | 21 |
- 20030 recalls · 140 complaints · 21 mpg
- 20022 recalls · 185 complaints · 21 mpg
- 20010 recalls · 38 complaints · 20 mpg
- 20000 recalls · 63 complaints · 20 mpg
- 19990 recalls · 37 complaints · 19 mpg
- 19981 recall · 55 complaints · 20 mpg
- 19972 recalls · 45 complaints · 19 mpg
- 19961 recall · 40 complaints · 21 mpg
Data from NHTSA recalls, complaints & NCAP; EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026
NHTSA complaints per model year
Newer years have had less time on the road
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 40 |
| 1997 | 45 |
| 1998 | 55 |
| 1999 | 37 |
| 2000 | 63 |
| 2001 | 38 |
| 2002 | 185 |
| 2003 | 140 |
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026