Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Lexus ES300
Lexus ES300 Models:
Lexus ES300 Problems
Check Engine Light Due to Failed Oxygen Sensor
The Check Engine Light may illuminate because a component of the oxygen sensor stops working. As a result the engine computer is unable to determine the proper ratio of air to fuel for the engine. Replacing the failed oxygen sensor should correct this concern.
Excess Engine Oil Consumption
Sludge can build up in the engine because Lexus did not recommend frequent enough oil changes. Lexus will sometimes offer a discount on cleaning the engine if necessary. Owners who changed their oil every 3,000 miles did not experience these problems. This sludge build up can lead to excessive oil consumption.
Misfire and/or Check Engine Light Due to Failed Ignition Coil
On higher mileage vehicles, an engine misfire may develop and/or the Check Engine Light may illuminate due to a failed ignition coil. It is not uncommon to replace all the coils when the first one fails in order to prevent return trips to the repair shop.
Check Engine Light and Lack of Power Due to Failed Mass Air Flow Sensor
The Check Engine Light may illuminate because the mass air flow sensor sends incorrect information to the engine control computer. This can cause a loss of power on acceleration. A failed mass air flow sensor will require replacement.
Check Engine Light Due to Failed EVAP Purge Control Valve
Intermittent failure of a purge control valve in the evaporative emission system can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate. A failed valve should be replaced to correct this problem.
Lexus ES300 Recalls (Recent)
Lexus ES300 Recall 01V372000
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THREE-SPOKE STYLE STEERING WHEEL. DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE BOTTOM SEAM OF THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE COVER (HORN PAD) COULD BE TORN AWAY ALLOWING THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THE COVER TO COMPLETELY DETACH FROM THE AIR BAG MODULE.
Learn more »Lexus ES300 Recall 94V039000
Summary: THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MECHANISM HAS A NARROW CLEARANCE BETWEEN INTERNAL PARTS WHICH, OVER TIME, ACCUMULATE DUST OR OTHER FOREIGN MATTER AND CAUSE THE LATCH TO NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY.
Learn more »Lexus ES300 Recall 01V371000
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE TUBE MAY HAVE BEEN DEFORMED PRIOR TO VEHICLE DELIVERY DUE TO IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A COIL SPRING SPACER THAT WAS INSTALLED TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE DURING TRANSPORTATION.
Learn more »Lexus ES300 Recall 97V156000
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, IOWA, KANSAS, MAINE, MICHIGAN,MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEVADA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, NOTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. A CONDITION CAN OCCUR WHERE ACCUMULATED MOISTURE CAN TEMPORARILY FREEZE IN THE BRAKE VACUUM HOSE IF THE VEHICLE IS USED IN EXTREMELY COLD CLIMATES FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME.
Learn more »Lexus ES300 Recall 99V307000
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED CAUSING STEERING VIBRATION AND LOOSENESS.
Learn more »Lexus ES300 Questions and Answers
my lexus started to overheat so i pulled over and ther was steam coming from the hood so i let it cool down for a while or until a tow truck came to bring me some water. as we were putting water in...
The cost of a new gasket for the oil pan is very cheap, but, for installing it, I was given an estimate of about $400.00. Is this
a fair estimate of the cost?
My lexus will hardly accelerate when it is still cold. After it warms up, it will start to shudder when I accelerate, usually around 45-50mph. I have had a bunch of work done of this car in the pas...
My lexus runs for about a minute and shuts off; Also when it's running gas comes out the exhaust(tail pipe)...
What could be wrong?????
I have a 1992 Lexus es300 that starts and drives fine, but after the engine has been running for about 30 min. The car begins to overheat. Do you have any ideas what the problem might be?
Thanks
Lexus ES300 Reviews
Purchsed in 2005 with 130K. Now have 301K...I maintain very well and Lexus is extremely reliable and relatively predictable. Transmission has had problems in drive,(starting at 275K) only when cold, but fine when hot. Engine is excellent.. Normal wear item repairs..Cooling fan runs off p/s and due to age the lines leading to fan are extremely important and needed replacement due to age.Most parts for this vehicle have cross over parts used in camry ( 1MZFE 6 Cyl) and Avalon various years that can be purchased for much less than through Lexus..(Ex. Brake Rotors and most engine parts)Highly recommend used if previous owner did basic maintanence.
I bought my Lexus a couple of years ago and it's a GREAT car, But...! The valve seals started leaking; now it smokes and uses oil like crazy ($2,800). The check engine light is on after absolutely everything($1,400) has been replaced. The dash light for the "OD transmission problem" has been going on and off every since I purchased the car. Yet, It stays on for a few hours and then it goes off and nothing seems to happen. **Nickel & Dimed**
Just bought a 2001 Lexus ES300. Beautiful car. Drove it for about a week then the check engine and trac off lights came on simultaneously, followed by a little stutter in the engine driving down the highway with the cruise control on. Followed some advice on the web by disconnecting and reconnecting the battery and then spraying the air intake port that's near the air horn with some electronic's cleaner(evaporates quickly). This has seemed to take care of the problem, the lights are not on now and the engine stutter is gone; the cars' got nearly 94,000 miles on it. I hope it will keep going strong...just got an oil change too. I'm pleased with it overall...good strong V-6 engine;everything still works in it, I.e. A/C, power seats/windows, etc. I think I made a good purchase. Looking forward to putting a lot of comfortable miles on it.
Bought my 2002 ES300 instead of a car I went to purchase in Florida. Had 75,000 miles on it when I bought it 3 years ago....now has 92,000 miles. Great car except for the lousy Dunlop tires they had on it so I changed to Kumho's and it now rides like a dream! Only trouble I had with the car is because it came from Florida to NJ the engine seal started to leak. Brought it to mechanic and he tightened up some bolts and (knock on wood) it stopped leaking. Only thing I am not crazy about is the brakes...the peddle goes a little to far down to the floor.... Great riding car...could use a little more power but overall a 9.5 out of 10.
1998 Lexus ES300
I bought the ES300 new in 1998 with 22 miles on it when it left the showroom. It now has 479,800 miles on it. The transmission was replaced at 370,000 miles with a used one. The car has been excellent, even after a head-on collision about 6 years ago. It always starts and runs smooth. Just did a long weekend from Baltimore to Myrtle Beach, and never worry about whether it will start or get me where I am going. This car is better than the Mercedes I had for eight years perviously.