2000-2001 Lexus ES Reliability Score: 9.0 out of 10

85 NHTSA Complaints

0 Recalls

5 Fire Reports

26 Crash Reports

Reliability Score

9.0 / 10

Reliability score

Very few owner complaints against similar midsize sedans

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 27 powertrain complaints. A typical midsize sedan fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 83.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.1 points in the typical case.

Breakdown

Complaints overall27 complaints against about 83 for similar vehicles

9.0

Last three years

n/aNot enough data

Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced

n/aNot enough data

Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating

n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year

20008.6
20019.4

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

1MZ-FE

3.0L 6-cyl / 210 hp

54 complaints 27.0 per year Gasoline

5 fire reports

View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission

electrical

other

brakes

engine

Same engine used in

TOYOTA Camry (2002-2006)TOYOTA Avalon (2013-2018)TOYOTA Highlander (2001-2007)TOYOTA Avalon (2000-2004)LEXUS RX (2000-2003)LEXUS RX (2004-2009)

+6 more

TOYOTA Camry (2012-2017)TOYOTA Camry (2007-2011)TOYOTA Sienna (2000-2003)TOYOTA Avalon (2005-2012)TOYOTA RAV4 (2001-2005)LEXUS ES (2002-2006)

Lexus ES Unidentified Engine

31 complaints 15.5 per year

View details

Complaint Breakdown

other

safety systems

transmission

brakes

interior

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Lexus ES, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Transmission: 16 owner complaints

Brakes: 13 owner complaints

Electrical System: 12 owner complaints

Safety Systems: 7 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2000-2001 Lexus ES

On a used 2000-2001 Lexus ES, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the transmission and drivetrain (16), the brakes (13) and the electrical system (12). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 16 owner complaints on the 2000-2001 Lexus ES about the transmission and drivetrain.
On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 13 owner complaints on the 2000-2001 Lexus ES about the brakes.
Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 12 owner complaints on the 2000-2001 Lexus ES about the electrical system.
Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 7 owner complaints on the 2000-2001 Lexus ES about the airbags and driver-assist systems.

Open the full inspection checklist for the 2000-2001 Lexus ES

All Generations

XV202000-2001 XV302002-2006 XV402007-2012 XV602013-2018 XV702019-2025

Alternatives in Midsize Sedan

4 engines / 35 complaints

3 engines / 178 complaints

2 engines / 134 complaints

2 engines / 126 complaints

6 engines / 2,048 complaints

3 engines / 139 complaints

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2000-2001 Lexus ES complaints?

Owners have filed 85 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2001 Lexus ES. The systems they name most often are the transmission, the brakes and the electrical system.

Is the 2000-2001 Lexus ES a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 85 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2001 Lexus ES. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2001 Lexus ES have?

NHTSA has 85 owner complaints on file for the 2000-2001 Lexus ES as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2000-2001 Lexus ES?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2000-2001 Lexus ES.

What should I check before buying a used Lexus ES?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the transmission, the brakes and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

Does the ES have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2000-2001 Lexus ES. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 85 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-10-12.