2001 Lexus ES300 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 17%of 29 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 101,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Lexus ES300, 17% of the 29 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 101,000 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 contact owns a 2001 Lexus ES300. While driving 8 MPH, the contact noticed a bump vibration coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact also noticed that the vehicle would unexpectedly shift into reverse. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that metal fillings were found inside of the transmission. The vehicle was then taken to a local mechanic, where the transmission was replaced. The failure and current mileages were 110,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10456444, filed 2012-04, 110,000 miles“Vehicle started up without key in ignition, and while in park, vehicle started to move in reverse into the street. Dealer is taking a look at the vehicle. . Dealer states the problem lies with the remote starter its not a Lexus issue.”
NHTSA complaint #8001321, filed 2002-01“The problem with the traction control is that it engages much too easily and for an extended period of time. The traction control is engaging under excellent conditions where the pavement is dry and the throttle is depressed less than half. I have come close to being read-ended a few times due to the fact that the traction control engages for about 2 seconds while trying to turn into traffic. The manufacturer has been slow to acknowledge the problem and provide a fix.”
NHTSA complaint #748130, filed 2001-07“Consumer stated that he used the remote starter to warm up the vehicle and the key was in the house, the daughter was in the car seat, when his wife got in the car and thought the key was in the ignition and pressed the brake pedal the vehicle shut off, as it should, wife got out of the car leaving the drivers door open to get the key the vehicle rolled out of the driveway, consumer jumped in and brought it to a stop. Dealer checked out the vehicle and stated there is nothing wrong with the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #565096, filed 2002-04Related 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…
- 10109449Oct 23, 2014TSB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix…
- 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 2001 Lexus ES300
8 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 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