1997 Lexus ES: common problems and reliability
50 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about vehicle speed control. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 1997 ES?The 1997 Lexus ES has 50 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are vehicle speed control and seat belts.
Safety record for the 1997 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1997 Lexus ES vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1997 a good year for the ES?
Across the 29 ES model years we track, complaint volume runs from 15 (2018) to 664 (2007). With 50 complaints, the 1997 ES sits about the same as the model's median of 56.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1997 ES
exterior lighting
Campaign 09E012000SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
steering: steering wheel/handle bar
Campaign 99V307000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED CAUSING STEERING VIBRATION AND LOOSENESS.
service brakes, hydraulic:power assist
Campaign 97V156000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALASKA, COLORADO, IDAHO, ILLINOIS, IOWA, KANSAS, MAINE, MICHIGAN,MINNESOTA, MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NEVADA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW YORK, NOTH DAKOTA, SOUTH DAKOTA, VERMONT, WISCONSIN, AND WYOMING. A CONDITION CAN OCCUR WHERE ACCUMULATED MOISTURE CAN TEMPORARILY FREEZE IN THE BRAKE VACUUM HOSE IF THE VEHICLE IS USED IN EXTREMELY COLD CLIMATES FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability, low operating costs, and a comfortable, quiet, and refined driving experience.
Owner insights cover all generations of the ES. See the full ES owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used ES listings typically run $43,225–$47,448.
Other ES model years
Compare every ES year side by side to see how 1997 ranks against the rest.
Compare the ES against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy