1996 Lexus ES
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 13 of 38 complaints (34%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more deaths (3) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed held steady at 38 in both 1995 and 1996.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | vs. 1996 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,950 | 2,950 | 3,300 | 3,100 | |
| Combined MPG | 21 | 21 | 19 | 20 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 18 / 26 | 18 / 26 | 17 / 24 | 17 / 25 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 423 | 423 | 468 | 444 | |
| Complaints filed | 38 | 38 | 47 | 53 | |
| Recalls issued | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 6 | 9 | 6 | 13 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
| Injuries reported | 4 | 9 | 9 | 11 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 1996 Lexus ES have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 1996 Lexus ES?
Engine: 13 of 38 NHTSA complaints (34%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 1996 Lexus ES get?
EPA rates it 21 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 1996 Lexus ES?
EPA estimates $2,950 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (1)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 18 mpg | 26 mpg | 21 mpg | $2,950 | 423 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 13 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 8 | 6 | 0 | 8 | 3 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (1)
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR · Campaign 99V307000 · Nov 8, 1999
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED CAUSING STEERING VIBRATION AND LOOSENESS.
Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT.