Skip to content
Engine coolingPart report

1999 Lexus ES300 Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
10about this part
Share
37%of 27 total for the year
Median mileage
108,700miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1999 Lexus ES300, 37% of the 27 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 108,700 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.

“Call Lexus and made complain about my car and the problems I am having getting resolution has been frustrating. They are requesting that I tow my car to the dealership before they do anything to fix my vehicle.”

NHTSA complaint #10319103, filed 2010-03, 245,000 miles

“I own a 1999 Lexus es-300 automobile that was purchased used in 2002. The engine stopped running as I was driving home from the atlanta airport and would not restart. Just prior to stopping the car began making a rattling noise and then simply stopped while I was driving it. Upon inspection of the engine by Lexus mechanics I was informed that there was oil gel in the engine and that a new engine would be required.”

NHTSA complaint #10073061, filed 2004-05, 59,000 miles

“Had a check engine light and was informed that the oxygen sensor and charcoal canister needed to be replaced. This problem happened in toyota and Lexus vehicles up until and including 1998. I was told this was not covered under the warranty that covered the older vehicles.”

NHTSA complaint #10207787, filed 2007-11, 108,700 miles

“While driving at any speed engine check light came on and stayed on. Consumer could take the battery out and replace it, and the light would stay on for several weeks. Engine check light came on more than eight times in the last eight months. Dealer examined the vehicle twice, but could not find the cause of the problem.”

NHTSA complaint #10072092, filed 2004-05, 62,790 miles

“At start up and acceleration blue smoke comes from tail pipe.also, there is excessive use of oil, and pcv valve is clogged up. Dealer has inspected vehicle, and manufacturer has been notified. Head gasket failed. The manufacturer denied repair of the vehicle based on no evidence of defect”

NHTSA complaint #880975, filed 2001-02

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2003119%
200296%
200047%
19991037%
1998510%
1997511%
19961130%
1995411%
199413%
1993716%
1992411%

Other parts of the 1999 Lexus ES300

Other or unknown
3 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
3 complaints
Air bags
2 complaints
Electrical system
2 complaints
Seat belts
2 complaints
Vehicle speed control
2 complaints
Brakes
1 complaints
Fuel system
1 complaints
Steering
1 complaints
Suspension
1 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
Wheels
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1999 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