1997 Lexus ES300 Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 18%of 45 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1997 Lexus ES300, 18% of the 45 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,500 miles. 3 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.
“Lexus ES300 when I was stopped in front of my house my car accelerated forward without any gas pressed down, the car proceeded forward knocking into my side of my house causing some damage to my house. Luckily, no one was injured, but there very well could have been.”
NHTSA complaint #10032534, filed 2003-08, 59,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Lexus ES300. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently without warning. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was towed but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate mileage was 216,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10723287, filed 2015-06, 216,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Lexus ES300. While driving 30 MPH up hill, he noticed that the vehicle would not stop accelerating even when the brakes were applied. The failure caused the contact to crash into a building. The contact sustained injuries to his neck and ribs during the crash. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. There were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 210,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10298029, filed 2010-01, 210,000 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Lexus ES300. The contact stated that while shifting into drive, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into a tree. The driver received bruises from the air bag deployemnt and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the contact was advised that the accelerator pedal had become jammed and could not be released. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were approximately 96,500. The VIN was unavailable.”
NHTSA complaint #10420012, filed 2011-08, 96,500 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Lexus ES300. While driving 25 MPH the vehicle suddenly accelerated. He lost vehicle control and drove into a field. The vehicle stopped after he crashed into a condominium. The vehicle was completely destroyed. He received injuries to the head, back, and spine. His dog also died due to injuries. The manufacturer took a report; however, the detailed report information was not available. The manufacturer stated that since the contact did not have full coverage insurance that they were not obligated to help him. …”
NHTSA complaint #10291142, filed 2009-11, 75,000 milesVehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 | 20% |
| 2003 | 48 | 41% |
| 2002 | 50 | 33% |
| 2001 | 8 | 28% |
| 2000 | 9 | 16% |
| 1999 | 2 | 7% |
| 1998 | 5 | 10% |
| 1997 | 8 | 18% |
| 1996 | 2 | 5% |
| 1995 | 6 | 16% |
| 1994 | 4 | 10% |
| 1993 | 2 | 5% |
| 1992 | 2 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1997 Lexus ES300
5 complaintsEngine cooling
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 30, 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