1996 Lexus ES300 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 14%of 37 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,779miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Lexus ES300, 14% of the 37 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,779 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was driving home from shopping and went to turn left and all of a sudden the car did not respond smoothly and I almost lost control. Took it to the mechanic and had a lower control arm put in because of a bad bushing but was told the rack and pinion is also bad. There is a lot of play in the steering now.”
NHTSA complaint #10568716, filed 2014-03, 126,558 miles“Steering system failed while driving. Steering became very loose. Heard noises coming from steering column. Took vehicle to dealership. Was informed that rack and pinion steering unit needed to be replaced. Power steering pump also needed replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #884381, filed 2001-03“Steering system failed and would make noises. Took vehicle to mechanic and was informed that rack and pinion steering was shot and vehicle not safe to drive. Power steering pump was also replaced at cost to consumer.”
NHTSA complaint #883598, filed 2001-03“Steering failure, while driving at speed of 40mph, slightly turning the wheel to change lanes, vehicle went out of control, impact 12:00 position. Consumer was braking moderately while turning steering wheel.”
NHTSA complaint #802808, filed 1996-10Related recalls
- 99V307000Nov 1, 1999Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The steering wheel set nut may not have been sufficiently tightened causing steering vibration and looseness.Covers: Lexus ES300 1994–1998, Toyota Camry 1995–1998
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 2 | 2% |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 1 | 2% |
| 1999 | 1 | 4% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 2 | 4% |
| 1996 | 5 | 14% |
| 1995 | 3 | 8% |
| 1994 | 3 | 8% |
| 1993 | 1 | 2% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1996 Lexus ES300
11 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Lexus ES300
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology