1998 Lexus ES300 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 10%of 52 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the fuel system of the 1998 Lexus ES300, 10% of the 52 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 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.
“Over the last few years, I have periodically complained to my toyota of tucson (auto mall) service dept. That my '98 ES300 periodically produces intense gasoline odor in the passenger compartment. It can happen at any time, many months apart. The fumes seem to be swept in through A/C or heating vents, and can continue for the duration of a local drive, only to disappear the next time the car is started. The problem does not seem to follow any pattern -- not just after fill-up; not just at start-up; not just when engine hot or cold. …”
NHTSA complaint #10313796, filed 2010-02, 90,000 miles“Fuel pressure regulator (damper) failed allowing fuel to flow into engine compartment and fumes through air intake into passenger compartment. Could have been a serious fire if not detected in time and repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10393180, filed 2011-03, 145,000 miles“The contact stated while driving at 65 MPH the accelerator pedal was depressed to pass another vehicle and the vehicle would not accelerate. The contact managed to pull the vehicle off the road. Upon inspection gasoline was pouring out onto the engine. The vehicle was towed to a dealership, and the fuel pressure damper was replaced. The manufacturer was contacted. Updated 03/17/06.”
NHTSA complaint #10147632, filed 2006-01, 87,129 milesFuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 6 | 5% |
| 2002 | 7 | 5% |
| 2001 | 1 | 3% |
| 2000 | 3 | 5% |
| 1999 | 1 | 4% |
| 1998 | 5 | 10% |
| 1997 | 1 | 2% |
| 1996 | 2 | 5% |
| 1994 | 1 | 3% |
| 1993 | 1 | 2% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1998 Lexus ES300
9 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Lexus ES300
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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