Model year guide

2001 Lexus es300

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2001 Lexus es300 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

2001 Lexus es300 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2001 Lexus es300 at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints39
Combined20 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2001 Lexus es300 recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2001 Lexus es300.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 16 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2001 Lexus es300 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

2001 Lexus es300 MPG & running costs

Combined20 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway24 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,350
EPA size classCompact Cars
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
Passenger volume92 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$4,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2001 Lexus es300 costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$16,750
Fuel only$16,750
Per mile$0.22

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 66

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 66.

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, r…

Bulletin L-SB-0020-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

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 re…

Bulletin L-SB-0021-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

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,…

Bulletin L-SB-0022-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especiall…

Bulletin L-SB-0024-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

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, r…

Bulletin L-SB-0020-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

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 re…

Bulletin L-SB-0021-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

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,…

Bulletin L-SB-0022-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especiall…

Bulletin L-SB-0024-24 · Structure · Apr 2024

Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022

Bulletin Safety Recall 22 · Equipment · Apr 2022

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.…

Bulletin Lexus PRO19-02 - · Tires, Wheels, Equipment · Jan 2022

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the ES300. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

2001 Lexus es300 trims & engines on record

Trims
300
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl 210 hp

2001 Lexus es300 vehicles on record

Other Lexus es300 model years

2001 Lexus es300 — frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Lexus es300 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 2001 Lexus es300. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Lexus es300?

Across all 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are vehicle speed control, power train, service brakes.

What gas mileage does the 2001 Lexus es300 get?

The 2001 Lexus es300 has a U.S. EPA estimate of 20 mpg combined (17 city / 24 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.