1997 Lexus ES: common problems and reliability

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. Owners most often flag infotainment touchpad interface — described as annoying, difficult to use; preference for post-2022 touchscreen models. frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 1997 model year

50
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
6
Crash reports
2
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1997 Lexus ES vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

vehicle speed control
8
seat belts
5
electrical system
5
engine and engine cooling
5
seats
4

Recalls affecting the 1997 ES

exterior lighting

Campaign 09E012000

SABERSPORT 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 REQUIREMEN…

steering: steering wheel/handle bar

Campaign 99V307000

VEHICLE 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 97V156000

VEHICLE 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 Y…

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. The ES is consistently praised as a durable, low-stress luxury sedan ideal for high-mileage commutin

  • Infotainment touchpad interface — described as annoying, difficult to use; preference for post-2022 touchscreen models. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Steering rack leaks — noted on higher-mileage examples (e.g., 2010 model with 137k miles). Frequency: isolated.
  • CV axle boot leaks — reported after extended high-speed driving. Frequency: isolated.
  • Strut and engine mount wear — expected high-mileage maintenance items (e.g., on a 2010 model with 137k miles). Frequency: isolated.
  • Intermittent electrical/starting issues — clicking relays, failure to start (e.g., 2019 model). Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the ES.

Typical used price

Used ES listings typically run $51,553–$56,216 across 2025 to 2026 model years.

Other ES model years

2025 ES2024 ES2021 ES2018 ES2015 ES2012 ES2006 ES2004 ES2001 ES
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