The vehicle dossier US · 2000

2000 Lexus
ES300Problems & recalls

56 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Other components appears in 17 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 56 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Other components17 reports
Visibility10 reports
Transmission & drivetrain10 reports
Engine8 reports
Brakes8 reports
Electrical system6 reports
Air bags5 reports
Suspension3 reports
Fuel system3 reports
Steering1 reports
Body & structure1 reports
See original component labels
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL8
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY8
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION5
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC4
AIR BAGS4
ENGINE4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
POWER TRAIN3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
SUSPENSION:FRONT2
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP2
TIRES:TREAD/BELT2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE2
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:INTERIOR1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS1
TIRES1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:DRUM1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL1
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY1
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
CHILD SEAT1
SUSPENSION1
STEERING1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
SEAT BELTS1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Aug 14, 2019
Mileage, where supplied

77,000 miles is the median among 33 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 60,000–112,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

0 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

No campaigns matched this model-year in the imported recall files. This is not confirmation that a particular VIN has no open recalls.
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

56 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Apr 19, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsL-SB-0022-24Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas suc…NHTSA ID 11003643

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. While the quality and durability of paint on Lexus vehicles is continuously being improved, it remains the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.

Campaign / software reference: L-SB-0022-24

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11003643 at NHTSA
Apr 19, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsL-SB-0021-24Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal…NHTSA ID 11003642

Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-PG004-94. •The entire bulletin has been updated.

Campaign / software reference: L-SB-0021-24

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11003642 at NHTSA
Apr 19, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsL-SB-0020-24Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be ident…NHTSA ID 11003641

Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.

Campaign / software reference: L-SB-0020-24

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11003641 at NHTSA
Apr 19, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsL-SB-0022-24Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas suc…NHTSA ID 11003588

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. While the quality and durability of paint on Lexus vehicles is continuously being improved, it remains the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.

Campaign / software reference: L-SB-0022-24

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11003588 at NHTSA
Apr 19, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsL-SB-0021-24Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal…NHTSA ID 11003587

Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-PG004-94. •The entire bulletin has been updated.

Campaign / software reference: L-SB-0021-24

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11003587 at NHTSA
Apr 19, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsL-SB-0020-24Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be ident…NHTSA ID 11003586

Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.

Campaign / software reference: L-SB-0020-24

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11003586 at NHTSA
Apr 13, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSafety Recall 22Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022NHTSA ID 10214355

Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10214355 at NHTSA
Jan 12, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsLexus PRO19-02 -POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available t…NHTSA ID 10207945

POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Lexus.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.

Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL · TIRES · WHEELS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10207945 at NHTSA
Aug 5, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsL-SB-0002-20 RevTSB: 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 fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?l…NHTSA ID 10179697

TSB: 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 fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? should be repaired accordingly and will be covered under warranty if applicable. Cases that are determined to be a ?seep? should be documented on the repair order and inspected at the next service interval. Follow the Repair Information in this bulletin to determine if the concern in question is a fluid leak or fluid seep and review the Repair Procedure section to address this condition.

Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10179697 at NHTSA
Aug 5, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsL-SB-0002-20 RevTSB: 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 fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?l…NHTSA ID 10179601

TSB: 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 fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? should be repaired accordingly and will be covered under warranty if applicable. Cases that are determined to be a ?seep? should be documented on the repair order and inspected at the next service interval. Follow the Repair Information in this bulletin to determine if the concern in question is a fluid leak or fluid seep and review the Repair Procedure section to address this condition.

Components: ENGINE · POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:LUBRICANT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10179601 at NHTSA
May 1, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsLexus Safety ReSafety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification RequirementsNHTSA ID 10176283

Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10176283 at NHTSA
Apr 6, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsL-SB-0179-17 ObsTSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN PlatesNHTSA ID 10174889

TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10174889 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened Apr 30, 2002 ClosedENGINE SEIZUREDP02004

Recorded closure: Jun 20, 2002

Find investigation DP02004

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