1997 Lexus ES300 Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 11%of 45 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 17,708miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the seat belts of the 1997 Lexus ES300, 11% of the 45 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 17,708 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“The contact owns a 1997 Lexus ES300. The contact stated that the seat belt has been unable to retract ever since the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle has not been diagnosed due to the warranty. The failure mileage was 17,708 and current mileage was 73,000. Updated 03-09-09 the seat belt did not retract when it was unlocked. The consumer stated he has difficulties fastening the seatbelt at times. Updated 03/10/09.”
NHTSA complaint #10258505, filed 2009-02, 17,708 miles“The middle rear shoulder belt locks up, making it very difficult to get the occupant out from the middle seat. Consumer, therefore, had to cut the belt in order to get a child out the rear middle seat. Also the shoulder belt was around the child's neck and was compressing his neck tightly.”
NHTSA complaint #810658, filed 1997-04“Seat belt doesn't retract when removed after crash repair. Dealer claims this is normal when car gets old! Belt must be manually pushed back into retractor after each time it's used. I'm afraid belt may not work properly in a severe crash.”
NHTSA complaint #733916, filed 2000-10Seat belts: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 | 20% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 1 | 3% |
| 2000 | 1 | 2% |
| 1999 | 2 | 7% |
| 1998 | 6 | 12% |
| 1997 | 5 | 11% |
| 1996 | 2 | 5% |
| 1995 | 3 | 8% |
| 1994 | 9 | 23% |
| 1993 | 1 | 2% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1997 Lexus ES300
8 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsEngine cooling
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 31, 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