Lexus · Known Issues

1997 Lexus ES Problems: 2 Known Issues

1997 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated August 2026

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1997 Lexus ES has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is XV20 ES 300 (1MZ-FE): Engine Oil Sludge / Gelation Blocking Oil Passages ($600-$5,500 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $350 to $5,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Lexus ES problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 1997 Lexus ES has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: XV20 ES 300 (1MZ-FE): Engine Oil Sludge / Gelation Blocking Oil Passages, XV20/XV30 ES (1MZ-FE): Knock Sensor Sub-Harness Chafes and Sets P0325 / P0330. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Lexus ES reliable?

The 1997 Lexus ES has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: XV20 ES 300 (1MZ-FE): Engine Oil Sludge / Gelation Blocking Oil Passages. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Lexus ES problems?

Repair costs for known Lexus ES issues range from $350 to $5,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, XV20 ES 300 (1MZ-FE): Engine Oil Sludge / Gelation Blocking Oil Passages, typically costs $600-$5,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 1997-2002 Lexus ES XV20 ES 300 (1MZ-FE): Engine Oil Sludge / Gelation Blocking Oil Passages?

The 3.0L 1MZ-FE V6 in the 1997-2002 ES 300 is one of the core engines in Toyota's oil-gelation controversy. A combination of crankcase ventilation design and a 7,500-mile service interval let oil oxidize into a thick sludge that coats the valve covers and plugs the oil pickup scr… Repairs typically run $600-$5,500. Severity: high.

What is the 1997-2003 Lexus ES XV20/XV30 ES (1MZ-FE): Knock Sensor Sub-Harness Chafes and Sets P0325 / P0330?

On the 1MZ-FE V6 the two knock sensors sit in the valley between the cylinder heads, and their sub-harness bakes there under the intake manifold. The wire insulation hardens and chafes, shorting the signal wire to ground and setting P0325 (knock sensor 1 circuit) and/or P0330 (kn… Repairs typically run $350-$900. Severity: medium.

1997 Lexus ES Problems: 2 Known Issues

All 2 Known Issues

1997-2002 Lexus ES: XV20 ES 300 (1MZ-FE): Engine Oil Sludge / Gelation Blocking Oil Passages#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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1997-2003 Lexus ES: XV20/XV30 ES (1MZ-FE): Knock Sensor Sub-Harness Chafes and Sets P0325 / P0330#