1998 Lexus ES300: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Lexus ES300: 1 recall, 52 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
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. 1 mention a fire, 11 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (9): the most common themes are fails to deploy (6).
- Seat belts (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Speed control / throttle (5): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (4).
- Engine & cooling (5): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
The 1998 Lexus ES300 has 52 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 15 ES300 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 45). Complaints peaked in 1999 (17 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 78,564 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (45 complaints, 2 recalls), 1999 (27 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | 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 1998 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 1998 Lexus ES300 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1998 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 1998 Lexus ES300 problems?
Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (9), seat belts (6), speed control / throttle (5).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Lexus ES300 get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 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.