1999 Lexus ES300 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 11%of 27 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 81,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Lexus ES300, 11% of the 27 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,000 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.
“The Lexus specialist at the repair shop informed me that he has seen similar problems with other es 300 models as well as the rl models at about the same mileage. The ones with the toyota camry engines haven\\\\\\'t had any problems. There is a TSB on the NHTSA website and I have also filed a complaint there.”
NHTSA complaint #10070114, filed 2004-01, 80,000 miles“Complained to dealer about improper shifting of transmission while under warranty. Dealer advised the transmission was fine, but changed the fluid anyway. I still continued to have issues with the transmission, but was told by the dealer not to come back. The vehicle has been serviced according to manufactures recommendations and now at 88,000 miles the transmission has failed. This is an u140e transmission, which has had numerous complaints.”
NHTSA complaint #10225778, filed 2008-04, 88,000 miles“Just bought a 1999 Lexus es 300, took it to be checked out because the engine sounded rough in the reverse gear. Found out the transmission is leaking badly and has to be replaced, the Lexus specialist says he has seen similar problems with transmissions in the es 300 models as well as some of the rl models but have not heard of any recalls. Information is found regarding this problem in the TSB database.”
NHTSA complaint #10010655, filed 2003-03, 81,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10205346Oct 16, 2014Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
- 10109447Oct 16, 2014TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE-October 16, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0082-14.
- 10109445Oct 16, 2014TSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle…
- 10109444Oct 16, 2014TSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or…
- 10132108Oct 1, 2013This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0082-14.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 27 | 23% |
| 2002 | 52 | 34% |
| 2001 | 5 | 17% |
| 2000 | 10 | 18% |
| 1999 | 3 | 11% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 2 | 4% |
| 1995 | 2 | 5% |
| 1994 | 3 | 8% |
| 1993 | 2 | 5% |
| 1992 | 9 | 24% |
Other parts of the 1999 Lexus ES300
10 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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