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 cv axle boot leaks: reported after extended high-speed driving. frequency: isolated.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1997 Lexus ES vehicles (US, public record).
Across the 10 ES model years we track, complaint volume runs from 9 (2024) to 190 (2004). With 50 complaints, the 1997 ES sits abovethe model's median of 39.
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.
exterior lighting
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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 Y…
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.
Used ES listings typically run $51,553–$56,216 across 2025 to 2026 model years.
Compare every ES year side by side to see how 1997 ranks against the rest.