2001 Lexus ES300 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Apr 25, 2012 · 29 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other ES300 years
Fewer complaints than other years 8th of 12 for complaints
Safety recalls
None on file
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Lexus ES300. That ranks 8th out of 12 ES300 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is vehicle speed control (8 complaints, 28%), typically at around 41,014 miles. Complaints mention 11 crashes, 1 fire, 6 injuries. There are no safety recalls on file for this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2001 Lexus ES300 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Vehicle Speed Control8 · ~41,014 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic6 · ~30,399 mi
Power Train5 · ~101,000 mi
Air Bags3 · ~147,000 mi
Electrical System2
Exterior Lighting2 · ~27,000 mi
Equipment1 · ~31,500 mi
Equipment Adaptive/mobility1 · ~70,000 mi
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Seat Belts1 · ~60,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Vehicle Speed Control828%41,014——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic621%30,399——
Power Train517%101,000——
Air Bags310%147,000——
Electrical System27%———
Exterior Lighting27%27,000——
Equipment13%31,500——
Equipment Adaptive/mobility13%70,000——
Fuel System, Gasoline13%———
Seat Belts13%60,000——
Tires13%———
Unknown or Other13%———
Wheels13%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2001, with 7 complaints
2001: 7200172002: 7200272003: 2200322004: 3200432005: 1200512006: 1200612007: 1200712008: 1200812009: 1200912010: 3201032011: 1201112012: 120121

n = 29 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2001 Lexus ES300 recalls (0)

No safety recalls are on file for the 2001 Lexus ES300.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 lexus es300. While driving 8 mph, the contact noticed a bump vibration coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact also noticed that the vehicle would unexpectedly shift into reverse. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that metal…

Power Train · received Apr 25, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10456444

Was in an accident and the air bag did not deploy. Therefore i was thrown into the steering wheel and sustained an injury to my head and eye. I was traveling 45 mph before breaking and contact. *tr

Air Bags · received Mar 15, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10390319

2001 lexus es 300. Acceleration issues *gr the consumer stated when his wife started the vehicle, it immediately went to full rpm, probably around 6,000 plus. Her feet were flat on the floor. She had not put the gear in reverse to back out of the garage, nor had she touched the brake or the…

Vehicle Speed Control · received Apr 28, 2010 · NHTSA complaint 10327463

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 lexus es 300. The contact stated while driving at 45 mph she applied the brakes, but the vehicle continued to accelerate. The contact applied both feet to the brake pedal and the vehicle still would not slow down. The vehicle crashed into a jersey wall causing damage to…

Vehicle Speed Control · received Feb 16, 2010 · NHTSA complaint 10310740

I have a 2001 lexus 300. I have never ever had issues with it-except for 12-18 months ago- my mat got stuck. As i drove it keep at high speed and kept going faster- the brake pedal would not move as i pushed down. I pit my head down and pulled at the matt & unhooked the front hook under the seat…

Equipment Adaptive/mobility · received Feb 5, 2010 · NHTSA complaint 10306712

Other Lexus ES300 years

← 2000 ES300 · 2002 ES300 →

See all Lexus ES300 problems by year, every Lexus model, or the Lexus VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Lexus ES300?

Owners most often report vehicle speed control, service brakes, hydraulic, power train problems. The top one, vehicle speed control, accounts for 8 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2001 Lexus ES300?

No safety recalls are on file for this model year.

Was the 2001 Lexus ES300 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other ES300 model years, the 2001 has fewer complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.