Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The steering wheel set nut may not have been sufficiently tightened causing steering vibration and looseness.
Risk: This can result in a loss of vehicle control.
Sell your 1997 Lexus ES for cash
The 1997 Lexus ES is a compact car that came with a 3.0L 6-cyl engine. At 29 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 1997 ES in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
LexusES1997
1997 Lexus ES at a glance
| Body style | Compact Cars |
|---|---|
| Engines | 3.0L 6-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,550 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 468 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 1 configuration |
| Age | 29 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 29 years old, most of a 1997 ES's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
- Weight: as a compact car, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Recalls: NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1997 ES. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the vehicle speed control, typically around 210,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
1997 Lexus ES recalls
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls covering the 1997 Lexus ES. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the states of alaska, colorado, idaho, illinois, iowa, kansas, maine, michigan,minnesota, montana, nebraska, nevada, new hampshire, new york, noth dakota, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin, and wyoming. A condition can occur where accumulated moisture…
Risk: This can result in the elimination of vacuum assist to the brakes that can increase stopping distances and could lead to a vehicle crash.
Common 1997 ES problems
Owners have filed 47 complaints about the 1997 Lexus ES with NHTSA. 6 reports involved a crash and 2 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 9 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Vehicle Speed Control210,000 mi
- Engine and Engine Cooling42,000 mi
- Steering180,000 mi
1997 Lexus ES service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 48 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1997 Lexus ES. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
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
Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA opened 1 defect investigation covering the 1997 Lexus ES.
Engine seizure
Selling a 1997 ES: questions
How much is a 1997 Lexus ES worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 1997 ES that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 1997 ESs that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Can I sell a 1997 ES with open recalls?
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1997 Lexus ES; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 1997 ES?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get cash for your 1997 ES today
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.