One problem related to tire sidewall has been reported for the 2001 Lexus ES300. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Tire had a bubble on the sidewall after driving only 1500 miles. Bridgestone say's it's due to roadhazard. I don't recall hitting anything, but I can't rule it out. Bridgestone has never actually inspected the tire. Lexus replaced the tire at a cost of $285. The service manager at Lexus, mike jackson, said there is a risk you take from driving on "low profile" tires. I told him if I knew I would have to take a risk driving a $31,000 car I never would have purchased it. He recommended I purchase the smaller 16" wheels and tires, at an additional cost. (tiresize: 215/45zr17).