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Lexus Es Problems

The Lexus ES is a mid-size luxury sedan that has been in production since 1989, representing one of the core models in the Lexus lineup. While generally reliable, the ES has experienced notable complaint volumes, particularly regarding air bags affecting multiple model years. The 2007 model year stands out as particularly problematic with 318 complaints, while various other years show moderate issue rates. Recent years show improved reliability with fewer reported concerns.

1,606
Total Complaints
8
Total Recalls
30
Model Years
0
Reported Deaths
!

Years to Avoid

These years have significantly more complaints than average.

2008 2007 2005
✓

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

1996 1997 1998

Common Problem Categories

Air Bags 444
Unknown Or Other 160
Structure 146
Power Train 110
Vehicle Speed Control 108

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year ↓ Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
2025 6 1 6 0 Good
2024 12 2 2 0 Good
2023 16 2 8 0 Good
2022 14 0 0 0 Good
2021 56 1 4 0 Average
2020 26 1 4 0 Good
2019 100 1 28 0 Below Average
2018 16 0 4 0 Good
2017 4 0 0 0 Good
2016 14 0 2 0 Good
2015 14 0 4 0 Good
2014 4 0 0 0 Good
2013 86 0 12 0 Below Average
2012 66 0 10 4 Average
2011 118 0 24 0 Below Average
2010 92 0 4 0 Below Average
2009 58 0 8 0 Average
2008 152 0 18 0 Avoid
2007 318 0 38 2 Avoid
2006 24 0 0 0 Good
2005 150 0 36 0 Avoid
2004 42 0 14 0 Average
2003 72 0 34 0 Average
2002 92 0 26 26 Below Average
2001 6 0 0 0 Good
2000 18 0 0 10 Good
1999 16 0 2 6 Good
1998 6 0 0 0 Good
1997 4 0 0 0 Good
1996 4 0 0 0 Good

Lexus Es Years to Avoid

2007, 2008, 2005, 2011, 2019

Best Lexus Es Years

2017, 2014, 1996, 1997, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common problems with the Lexus ES?

The most frequently reported issues involve air bags, structural concerns, power train problems, and vehicle speed control issues. Air bag complaints account for 444 reports across various model years.

Which Lexus ES years should I avoid?

The 2007 model year leads with 318 complaints, followed by 2008 (152), 2005 (150), 2011 (118), and 2019 (100). These years experienced significant air bag and structural issues.

What are the best years for the Lexus ES?

The 2017, 2014, 1996, 1997, and recent 2025 model years have the fewest complaints with only 4-6 complaints each, representing excellent reliability.

Why does the Lexus ES have so many air bag complaints?

The Lexus ES was affected by the Takata airbag recall that impacted millions of vehicles industry-wide, contributing to 444 air bag complaints. These issues relate to potentially dangerous inflator ruptures requiring recall repairs.