1997 Lexus ES300: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 Lexus ES300: 2 recalls, 45 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #97V156000 · 1997 · 18,746 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This can result in the elimination of vacuum assist to the brakes that can increase stopping distances and could lead to a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will install a new design brake vacuum hose.
Steering Vehicle recall #99V307000 · 1999 · 540,037 vehicles
What's wrong: The steering wheel set nut May not have been sufficiently tightened causing steering vibration and looseness.
Why it matters: This can result in a loss of vehicle control.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the steering wheel set nut.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 9 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Speed control / throttle (8): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (2).
- Seat belts (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (5): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
- Engine & cooling (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1997 Lexus ES300 has 45 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 15 ES300 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 45). Complaints peaked in 1999 (9 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 100,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (37 complaints, 1 recalls), 1998 (52 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Lexus ES300.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1997 Lexus ES300 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Lexus ES300. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 Lexus ES300 problems?
Owners have filed 45 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are speed control / throttle (8), seat belts (5), electrical (5).
What gas mileage does the 1997 Lexus ES300 get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 Lexus ES300 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.