AI Damage1991 Lexus ES250: common problems
Owners of the 1991 Lexus ES250 filed 13 complaints with NHTSA, most often about latches, locks, linkages and structure. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 13
What fails most often
- 1 Latches, locks, linkages 23% of all complaints
- 2 Structure 23% of all complaints
- 3 Engine and cooling 15% of all complaints
- 4 Powertrain 15% of all complaints
- 5 Vehicle speed control 15% of all complaints
- 6 Visibility 15% of all complaints
- 7 Service brakes 8% of all complaints
- 8 Suspension 8% of all complaints
- Latches, locks, linkages: 3 complaints (23% of all).
- Structure: 3 complaints (23% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 2 complaints (15% of all).
- Powertrain: 2 complaints (15% of all).
- Vehicle speed control: 2 complaints (15% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 13 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latches, locks, linkages | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
While applying the accelerator pedal vehicle accelerated on its own. Consumer applied the brakes and vehicle continued to speed. Shifted the vehicle in neutral in order to stop. Consumer drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that cruise control actuator needed to be replaced.
While driving 65 mph, the consumer noticed smoke was coming from underneath the hood. The driver was able to pull over and get out. The vehicle caught fire. The vehicle was towed by the insurance company. The dealership refused to diagnose the cause unless the consumer paid for it.
On a very sunny day the power windows and door controls stop working. When I drive the car for 8 to 10 miles and stop the car and try opening the door and then try the power window it starts to work.
Automatic locking system failed to release rear left side door. Would try manually & it still failed to release. Took vehicle to dealership & was informed by mechanic that e entire locking system would need to be replaced.
Vehicles has hair line fracture in cv joint and right front axle.
Support rods of trunk lid fell down onto passenger's neck when retrieving groceries.
Trunk gas cylinder broke and fell on customer head causing head injuries. Tt
When auto was place in parked it jumped out of gear and rolled into the freeway. Tt
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 9,843 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 27% most complained about).
On average one model year of the ES250 has 3 complaints (10 years in the data). This year has 13, above average.
What to check before buying
- Latches, locks, linkages. Door, hood and tailgate latches, especially near the impact.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1991 Lexus ES250?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: latches, locks, linkages, structure, engine and cooling. Total complaints: 13. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: windows, sunroof (15%), oil leak or consumption (8%), smoke, burning smell, fire (8%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1991 Lexus ES250?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1991 Lexus ES250 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1991 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.