1997 Lexus ES300 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 11%of 45 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Lexus ES300, 11% of the 45 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,000 miles.
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.
“Problem hsa not been fixed yet. Dealer is offering 50% of the total costs which probably includeds their profit. Oil gelling is the problem. I have 4 receipts for five years worth of service. The balance were done at an stablishment that purged its older records and are no longer available. I also changed the oil numerous times myself but did not keep receipts for the oil and filter. They say I can not prove that I properly maintained the car. Too many instances of people on the internet who could provide the proof but still had gelled oil for me to think that the engine is not to blame. …”
NHTSA complaint #10069435, filed 2004-01, 42,000 miles“They want 1/2 of 6246.96 to replace the short block. I haven't decided what I'm going to do. I purchased the car used (not from Lexus). I have all my maintenance records from the date I purchased the car, but Lexus says they will only pay 1/2 of the cost.”
NHTSA complaint #10068797, filed 2004-01“While driving 65 MPH engine check light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Consumer noticed blue smoke coming from the tail pipe. Consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to sludge inside of the engine.”
NHTSA complaint #10066898, filed 2004-04“Consumer stated that he was having a problem with trying to get vehicle repaired properly. Engine continued knocking, and had been given several reasons by dealer why this was happening. Consumer spent approximately $3000.00 to have repairs done, but the repairs had not corrected the problem. Took vehicle to a mechanic and was told that the repairs were not done properly. Had to have the new fuel injection system replaced. Consumer took vehicle to another mechanic and was told the same thing. Also, consumer spoke to the Lexus manufacturer but did not receive any support. …”
NHTSA complaint #10048348, filed 2003-11Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 11 | 9% |
| 2002 | 9 | 6% |
| 2000 | 4 | 7% |
| 1999 | 10 | 37% |
| 1998 | 5 | 10% |
| 1997 | 5 | 11% |
| 1996 | 11 | 30% |
| 1995 | 4 | 11% |
| 1994 | 1 | 3% |
| 1993 | 7 | 16% |
| 1992 | 4 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1997 Lexus ES300
8 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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