2000 Lexus ES300 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 7%of 56 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 175,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine of the 2000 Lexus ES300, 7% of the 56 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 175,000 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.
“I was driving and the vehicle started to stall and then jolt increasing and decreasing in acceleration by itself I have already had the transmission serviced and rebuilt a couple years ago and now it seems to be doing the same thing.”
NHTSA complaint #10689755, filed 2015-02, 278,958 miles“I just paid $3,600 to have the knock sensors and connecting harness replaced, and a transmission re-build, in this car because the knock sensor problem caused the traction control system to automatically stop working ( trac off light, no override) and the check engine light to stay on. It is also what caused my transmission to need re-building because when traction control is off, the transmission will not shift into overdrive, and this destroys the transmission. After replacing and repairing these, the problem recurred within 2 weeks. …”
NHTSA complaint #10836458, filed 2016-02, 175,000 miles“While driving on highway engine did shut off suddenly lost control , fortunately there was no traffic. Tried start engine again and it showed a check engine light and low oil light. Inspected engine oil with dip stick and showed good level. Towed it to mechanic and been told the sludge formation caused engine seize . Replacement of engine is the only option. Found a TSB on NHTSA technical service bulletin number: 628655 bulletin date: 20-jan-2002 about the oil sludge issue. I am requesting NHTSA to help me to fix this problem by manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #10904803, filed 2016-09, 77,000 miles“Driving on highway, suddenly engine stopped working. Towed it to mechanic and he said engine seized. He suggested me to replace engine with a newer one quoted 7500$ +labor. It has only 77000 miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #10902968, filed 2016-08Related service bulletins
- 10179601Aug 5, 2020TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a…
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2000 Lexus ES300
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 Lexus ES300
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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