10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
5,402 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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problem #5

Jun 302002

ES 300 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,000 miles
The front rotors experienced permature wear. The front rotors had to be replaced on two separate occasions within 5,000 to 6,000 miles of wear. This condition caused the vehicle to vibrate when braking. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, and dealer replaced the rotors, and installed an upgraded braking kit. However, the problem recurred, and the dealer refused to replace or repairs the rotors.

- Naperville, IL, USA

problem #4

Jul 012004

ES 300 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 22,000 miles
Steering wheel shimmy when brakes are applied. This started to occur approx at 22000 miles. The care now has approx 26000 miles. Found 2 other complaints while researching this problem. ODI #S 10034592 and 10037938. Is this something Lexus Corp is volunteering to fix for their consumers.

- Kansas City, KS, USA

problem #3

Nov 102003

ES 300 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12 miles
1. while pulling into a parking space, at 2-4 mph, with my foot on the brake, the car suddenly accelerated at full speed, jumping the curb and hitting a tree with full force. Because of previous concerns with throttle problems noted with the dealership at 1000 and 5000 mile check, I immediately called the Lexus dealership. After a conference call with Lexus roadside assistance and the dealership, my car was flat bedded to the dealership. The frontal crash rendered the vehicle un-drivable. Radiator damage with leakage of fluid covered a portion of the parking lot. The Lexus dealership said they was no problem with the car. I could have been killed or somebody else live could have been in danger. 2. the front air bags did not inflate. 3. the brake rotors had to be corrected at 1500 miles and a "part" was ordered and put on the care to correct this problem. 4. the car when driving at above 50 pulls to the left and from the beginning it felt as though the car was uneven even when not moving. At that time I requested a written explanation of this problem and told my record at the dealership would substantiate this. On the night of the accident I learned by reviewing complaints from the office of defect investigations on the NHTSA web site that the problems have been known by the corporate office of Lexus from as early as January, 2002 in regards to all of the above problems. I also found out there have been two recalls on this vehicle that I was not informed about. I will be requesting an investigation with the Lexus East regional office and discussing this with the rockville Lexus office. I believe that this car is unsafe to drive. I brought the Lexus vehicle even with it's price tag because of its reputation and to drive my 3 year old grandson and 1 year old granddaughter in the safest manner I could facilitate. I am sure that my son and daughter-in-law will not allow this after this crash!!!! updated 7/3/12

- Rockville, MD, USA

problem #2

Aug 072003

ES 300

  • miles
Problems with 2002 Lexus ES 300 steering wheel vibrating when brakes are applied. The rotors warped

- Levittown, NY, USA

problem #1

Mar 152003

ES 300

  • miles
The brake rotors were worn which caused extended stopping distance when braking.

- Fort Washington, MD, USA