1997 Lexus ES300 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 4%of 45 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 180,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Lexus ES300, 4% of the 45 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 180,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“The steering wheel comes completely off the column while driving on the freeway. Then again when turning. The car could not be steered at all. The horn and power steering no longer work.”
NHTSA complaint #10983192, filed 2017-05, 180,000 miles“Vehicle steered to the left when hit by an object. When the driver tried to steer vehicle straight it went out of control, resulting in a collision and minor injuries. Manufacturer has been notified.”
NHTSA complaint #862264, filed 2000-05Related 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 1997 Lexus ES300
8 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 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 27, 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