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2001 Lexus ES300 problems

The most common problem on the 2001 Lexus ES300 is acceleration and speed control. Its complaint count is close to a typical ES300 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
74/100
Owner complaints
29
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
57
Worst area
Acceleration
Fuel economy
20mpg

The worst 2001 Lexus ES300 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Acceleration
    8
  • Brakes
    6
  • Transmission
    5
  • Airbags
    3
  • Electrical
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Acceleration
    8
  • Brakes
    6
  • Transmission
    5
  • Airbags
    3
  • Electrical
    2
  • Lights
    2
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2001 Lexus ES300 57

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 57 bulletins for the 2001 Lexus ES300

2001 Lexus ES300 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.0L 6‑cylFWD172420

What 2001 Lexus ES300 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 25, 2012 · Transmission · 110,000 miles · MA

Tl* 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.

Filed Mar 15, 2011 · Airbags · 195,000 miles · SC · crash

Was in an accident and the air bag did not deploy. Therefore I was thrown into the steering wheel and sustained an injury to my head and eye. I was traveling 45 MPH before breaking and contact.

Filed Apr 28, 2010 · Acceleration · CA

2001 lexus es 300. Acceleration issues *gr the consumer stated when his wife started the vehicle, it immediately went to full RPM, probably around 6,000 plus. Her feet were flat on the floor. She had not put the gear in reverse to back out of the garage, nor had she touched the brake or the accelerator, when the rpms began acting erratically. The consumer stated only a computer failure could have caused the RPM to instantly increase in that manner. The consumer stated he went to the garage to see what was going on and was able to turn the vehicle off. The consumer re-started the vehicle and it behaved in a normal manner.

Filed Feb 16, 2010 · Acceleration · 41,014 miles · VA · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 lexus es 300. The contact stated while driving at 45 MPH she applied the brakes, but the vehicle continued to accelerate. The contact applied both feet to the brake pedal and the vehicle still would not slow down. The vehicle crashed into a jersey wall causing damage to the rear driver side of the vehicle. The contact did not suffer any injuries during the crash. The contact feels the accelerator pedal stuck and caused the vehicle to accelerate and not stop and eventually crashed. The contact has not called the manufacturer at this time. Failure mileage was 41,014 updated 08/19/10*bf updated 08/24/10

Filed Feb 5, 2010 · Brakes · 70,000 miles · NJ

I have a 2001 lexus 300. I have never ever had issues with it-except for 12-18 months ago- my mat got stuck. As I drove it keep at high speed and kept going faster- the brake pedal would not move as I pushed down. I pit my head down and pulled at the matt & unhooked the front hook under the seat . I thank god I was able to remove my mat- as of that day-I removed my mat & have ruined my carpet, but that is fine. I am surprised this recall is not for my make & model- when I heard the issues with the pedal...it brought back that day- if I was unable to free the pedal, I do not know what would have happened- I would never had thought to hit the e brake or shut car down- and I put all my power on the brake & it would not work. All in all it is an excellent car!

Filed Mar 9, 2009 · Transmission · 92,000 miles · MA

Transmission skipping at 92,00 miles and failed, made repair $560. Now at 104,000 transmission has totally failed.

Filed Apr 10, 2008 · Airbags · 99,000 miles · OH · crash · 1 injury

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 lexus es300. While driving 55 MPH, the contact's daughter was involved in a three vehicle crash. The first vehicle slammed on its brakes and caused the second vehicle to strike the bumper of the first vehicle. The contact's daughter then crashed into the rear of the second vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy in the third vehicle and no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the insurance company's service center for repair. The manufacturer was notified after the repair was made and they stated that nothing could be done because the vehicle had been repaired. A police report was filed. The contact's daughter was injured. The failure mileage was 99,000 and the current mileage was unavailable.

Filed Jun 22, 2007 · Acceleration · 82,000 miles · VA · crash · 1 injury

On 2 recent occasions (nov 13, 2006 and may 5, 2007) my wife was pulling into a parking space and shifting the car into park when the car accelerated rapidly and slammed into a wall. Both incidents were almost identical. Extensive damage was done to the front sheet metal (about $9,000 on each incident). It's possible that my wife stepped on the accelerator when she thought she was stepping on the brake but she swears that this did not happen. Also, it is unlikely that this have happened twice.

Filed Apr 13, 2006 · Seat belts · 60,000 miles · TN · crash · 3 injuries

Front end collision resulting in head injury of restrained front seat passenger. Injury resulted from impact with radio. Seat belts were not retracted after accident.

Filed Sep 30, 2005 · Acceleration · CA

While driving the car would speed up on own without pushing on the accelerator. I found my car going from 40 to 60. In park position the car will rev to high RPM but if I am in drive mode it will just accelerate. I took it to lexus and the technician says the idle speed control valve was not working and the repair work would be $500.

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Questions about the 2001 Lexus ES300

Is the 2001 Lexus ES300 reliable?

Owners have filed 29 complaints about the 2001 Lexus ES300, close to a typical ES300 model year.

What is the 2001 Lexus ES300 year score?

The 2001 Lexus ES300 scores 74 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Lexus ES300: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Lexus ES300?

Acceleration and speed control, with 8 complaints. Next is brakes (6).

How many recalls does the 2001 Lexus ES300 have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 2001 Lexus ES300 get?

Official estimates for the 2001 Lexus ES300 range from 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 17 city and 24 highway.

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