2000 Lexus ES300 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 18%of 56 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 115,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2000 Lexus ES300, 18% of the 56 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 115,000 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 have a 2000 Lexus ES300 with about 100,000 miles. Transmission failed suddenly and car stalled in the middle of the road. Just read the edmunds forum and there are 1,384 postings about transmission problems on Lexus. This is a serious issue and needs attention.”
NHTSA complaint #10310671, filed 2010-02, 100,000 miles“2000 Lexus ES300 engine began losing power while driving at 65-70 MPH. When the accelerator was pressed there was no acceleration but the tachometer was swinging wildly. The vehicle was towed to a service facility who indicated that the transmission needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10148630, filed 2006-01, 87,000 miles“2000 Lexus ES300 transmission failure 80,000 miles, no warning, driving car and suddenly car would not move forward when accelerating. Very scary experience. Could have caused an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10228614, filed 2008-05, 80,000 miles“On september 7 with the servicemanger and mechanic testing the vehicle at 55 MPH in heavy traffic it downshifted from 4th to 1st gear, started jerking, and moving on it's on at a slow uncontrolled pace by computer only. Driver had no control over acceleration or deceleration. This problem happened to me at least six time in heavy traffic barely escaped death by oncoming traffic. Lexus plans to replace the computer and the transmission and give it back to me tuesday, sept. 12. I have a fear of driving that car and don't wish to take it back. Please help. …”
NHTSA complaint #730915, filed 2000-09Related service bulletins
- 10179697Aug 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…
- 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…
- 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 2000 Lexus ES300
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsEngine
4 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 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