Lexus ES300 owners have reported 103 power train related problems since 1996. Table 1 shows the 14 most common power train problems. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's automatic transmission (48 problems). The second most common problem is related to the vehicle's power train (24 problems). For details of each of the problem category, use the links in the table.
Lexus (2002 ES) has dramatic transmission stutter at low or high speeds, jerking occupants and making quick starts (turning across lanes) very dangerous. Read details...
I purchased a used 2003 Lexus es30from used car dealer. After a couple days of driving it I noticed it was shifting gears innormally. It would surge up to 4000rmp before shifting to 2nd gear and at one point wasn't moving while I hit the gas the acceleration very fast out of nowhere. Read details...
Upon acceleration in stop-and-go traffic, severe hesitation with brake-like effect, engine reviving, with driver thrown forward, then lurching into gear. Said was fixed with installation of tsib tc004-3. Narrowly being missed by oncoming traffic when car basically stalled. Tsib not a fix. Read details...
2002 Lexus Es300, car lunges and jerks during acceleration and deceleration. Car drove fine until Lexus upgraded software, and then 100% noticeable difference in performance. Car was brought to jm Lexus approx 4-5 times for problem, and once to palm beach Lexus. Read details...
I have a 2000 Lexus Es300 with about 100,000 miles. Transmission failed suddenly and car stalled in the middle of the road. Just read the edmunds forum and there are 1,384 postings about transmission problems on Lexus. This is a serious issue and needs attention. Read details...