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Lexus · Known Issues

1997-2025 Lexus ES Problems: 16 Known Issues

1997-2025 model years · 7,200+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 7,200+ owner reports, the 1997-2025 Lexus ES has 16 documented known issues, with 7 rated critical. The most serious are Hybrid Battery Pack Degradation ($1,500-$5,000 repair), XV40 ES 350 (2GR-FE): Rubber VVT-i Oil Hose Ruptures Causing Sudden Total Oil Loss ($150-$6,000 repair), XV40 ES 350: Takata Passenger Airbag Inflator Can Rupture on Deployment ($0-$0 repair), XV40 ES 350: Accelerator Pedal Entrapment by Floor Mat (Unintended Acceleration) ($0-$0 repair), XV20 ES 300 (1MZ-FE): Engine Oil Sludge / Gelation Blocking Oil Passages ($600-$5,500 repair), XV20/XV30 ES 300 and ES 330: U140E Automatic Transmission Slipping and Hesitation ($400-$4,000 repair) and XZ10 ES: Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Swells and Stalls the Engine ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Excessive Oil Consumption 2GR-FE Engine with 3,200 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $6,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • ES Engine5
  • ES Safety/Recalls3
  • ES Transmission2
  • ES Electrical1
  • ES Fuel System1
  • ES Interior1
  • ES HVAC1
  • ES Cooling1
  • ES Brakes1
  • Recalls3
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine5
  • Safety/Recalls3
  • Transmission2
  • Electrical1
  • Fuel System1
  • Interior1
  • HVAC1
  • Cooling1
  • Brakes1
  • Recalls3
  • FAQ

All 16 Known Issues

NHTSA Recalls3 recalls

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Campaign #25V74400030/10/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Mirai, Lexus LS500, LS500H, 2023-2024 Lexus ES250, ES300H, ES350, 2024 Lexus LC500, and LC500H vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Due to incorrect programming of the parking-assist electronic control unit (ECU) software, the rearview camera image may not immediately display within a couple of seconds after the shifter is placed into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Campaign #24V12400021/02/2024

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Lexus ES problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 7,200+ owner reports, the 1997-2025 Lexus ES has 16 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Hybrid Battery Pack Degradation, XV40 ES 350 (2GR-FE): Rubber VVT-i Oil Hose Ruptures Causing Sudden Total Oil Loss, XV40 ES 350: Takata Passenger Airbag Inflator Can Rupture on Deployment. Of these, 7 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Lexus ES reliable?

The 1997-2025 Lexus ES has 16 known issues documented across 7,200+ owner reports. 7 issues are rated critical: Hybrid Battery Pack Degradation and XV40 ES 350 (2GR-FE): Rubber VVT-i Oil Hose Ruptures Causing Sudden Total Oil Loss and XV40 ES 350: Takata Passenger Airbag Inflator Can Rupture on Deployment and XV40 ES 350: Accelerator Pedal Entrapment by Floor Mat (Unintended Acceleration) and XV20 ES 300 (1MZ-FE): Engine Oil Sludge / Gelation Blocking Oil Passages and XV20/XV30 ES 300 and ES 330: U140E Automatic Transmission Slipping and Hesitation and XZ10 ES: Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Swells and Stalls the Engine. 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 $0 to $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Hybrid Battery Pack Degradation, typically costs $1,500-$5,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Lexus ES is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Lexus ES. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 1997-2025 Lexus ES with 16 documented issues documented across 7,200+ owner reports.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 7,200+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

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On 2007-2008 ES 350 models built with the 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 (engines produced before April 2008), the variable valve timing (VVT-i) oil supply line uses a short rubber hose section joining two metal pipes outside the block. It carries hot, high-pressure oil, and the rubber degrades with heat and age until it splits or blows off, dumping the engine's entire oil charge in seconds. Owners report a sudden oil-pressure light and a cloud of smoke, and engines that are driven even a short distance after the rupture are frequently destroyed. Toyota/Lexus addressed it with Limited Service Campaign 9LH (a special service campaign, not an NHTSA safety recall), replacing the hose with a revised part; engines built from April 2008 onward received an all-metal line from the factory.

This issue also affects: Toyota Camry, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Sienna

Common Symptoms

  • Sudden oil pressure warning light while driving
  • Large oil puddle or oil sprayed over the underside of the engine bay
  • White/blue smoke from oil hitting the exhaust
  • Engine knocking or seizure shortly after the light comes on
  • Rapid loss of the entire oil charge

How to Fix

Have the VVT-i oil line replaced. Lexus Limited Service Campaign 9LH covered 2007-2008 ES 350 (and 2007-2009 RX 350) at no charge; check with a dealer by VIN, as coverage windows on limited service campaigns can expire. Because the revised part is still a rubber hose, many owners and independent shops fit the later all-metal VVT-i oil line assembly used on post-April-2008 engines as a permanent fix. If the hose has already let go, stop the engine immediately and do not restart - repair cost jumps from a one-hour hose job to an engine replacement.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $6,000

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

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 screen and small oil passages, starving bearings and rings. Symptoms progress from a persistent low-oil-level and blue smoke to a knocking bottom end. Toyota settled a class action covering roughly 3.5 million 1997-2002 Toyota and Lexus vehicles with the affected engines, agreeing to repair sludge-damaged engines for up to 8 years from purchase with third-party mediation for denied claims. That settlement window has long closed, so today this is a buyer-beware inspection item rather than a covered repair.

This issue also affects: Lexus ES300, Toyota Camry, Toyota Sienna

Common Symptoms

  • Thick tar-like sludge under the valve covers and on the oil filler cap
  • Oil light flickering at idle
  • Heavy oil consumption between changes
  • Blue smoke on startup
  • Engine knocking or spun bearing

How to Fix

Pull a valve cover (or inspect through the oil filler) for tan/black sludge before buying an XV20 ES 300. A lightly sludged engine can sometimes be recovered with repeated short-interval changes of full synthetic and a pickup-screen/oil-pan drop to clear the strainer. A heavily sludged engine with bearing knock needs a rebuild or replacement. Prevention on a clean engine is a strict 5,000-mile (or shorter) synthetic oil change interval and fixing any coolant intrusion. The original Toyota sludge settlement coverage has expired.

Typical repair cost:$600 - $5,500

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Community reported
3,200 owners

The 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 in the ES350 consumes excessive oil between changes, often burning 1 quart every 1,500-2,500 miles. The root cause is typically worn piston rings that allow oil past the ring lands into the combustion chamber. Toyota/Lexus issued a TSB acknowledging the issue and revised the piston ring design in later production runs.

This issue also affects: Lexus IS, Toyota Avalon, Toyota Highlander

Common Symptoms

  • Oil level drops significantly between oil changes
  • Blue smoke from exhaust on startup
  • Low oil pressure warning light
  • Need to add oil every 1,000-2,000 miles

How to Fix

Perform an oil consumption test at the dealer to document the rate. If consuming more than 1 quart per 1,200 miles, the repair involves replacing piston rings and possibly pistons. Use 0W-20 synthetic oil and check levels every 1,000 miles. Some owners switch to 5W-30 for reduced consumption.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipKeep meticulous oil top-off records with dated receipts — this documentation is essential for warranty claims and proves the consumption rate to the dealer.
Typical repair cost:$300 - $4,000

Research This Issue

Based on 3,200 owner reports

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Community Reported
High Confidence3,200 owner reportsLast reported by owners Nov 2025Reviewed Mar 2026

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 (knock sensor 2 circuit). The ECU responds by pulling timing, so the car runs down on power and mileage with a permanent check engine light. The recurring forum lesson is that the harness - not the sensors - is usually the failed part: owners who replace only the sensors see the code return within days.

This issue also affects: Lexus ES300, Toyota Camry, Toyota Sienna

Common Symptoms

  • Check engine light with P0325 and/or P0330
  • Reduced power and sluggish acceleration from retarded timing
  • Worse fuel economy
  • Codes return shortly after replacing only the knock sensors

How to Fix

Replace both knock sensors AND the knock sensor sub-harness with genuine Toyota parts as a set; the intake manifold has to come off either way, so doing the harness at the same time is nearly free labor. Skipping the sub-harness is the single most common reason the code comes back. If codes persist after both, check the ECU ground straps and the connector pins for corrosion before condemning anything mechanical.

Typical repair cost:$350 - $900

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

The 2GR-FE V6 seals its front timing chain cover to the block and heads with a formed-in-place sealant (FIPG) rather than a conventional gasket. On early 2007-2009 engines the seal breaks down and weeps oil from the front of the engine, dripping onto the subframe, front control arm bushings, and steering rack, and occasionally onto the exhaust. Toyota largely resolved the problem in production by about the 2010 model year. The repair is notorious because reaching the cover requires dropping the engine, transmission, steering rack, and front subframe - Toyota's own labor estimate runs around 20+ hours for a roughly $20 gasket and sealant, so dealer quotes commonly land between $2,400 and $4,000.

This issue also affects: Toyota Camry, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Sienna

Common Symptoms

  • Oil drips under the front of the engine
  • Oil-soaked front subframe, control arm bushings, or steering rack
  • Burning oil smell after driving
  • Gradually dropping oil level with no visible smoke

How to Fix

Confirm the source with a dye test - the leak is easily confused with the VVT-i oil line, valve cover gaskets, or the cam/crank seals, all of which are far cheaper to address. If the leak is genuinely the timing cover and is only a slow weep, many owners simply monitor it and top up oil, cleaning the area to watch the rate. A proper repair means removing the front subframe and engine assembly, cleaning all mating surfaces, and re-sealing the cover with Toyota FIPG. Replace the front crank seal and any deteriorated control arm and rack bushings while the assembly is out.

Typical repair cost:$2,400 - $4,000

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

The 2007-2012 ES 350 carries a Takata front passenger airbag inflator whose ammonium-nitrate propellant degrades after long exposure to high humidity and temperature cycling. A degraded inflator can over-pressurize and burst its metal housing during a crash, spraying fragments into the cabin. The ES 350 was pulled in over several NHTSA campaigns as the Takata recall expanded by humidity zone: 16V340 (Zone A - Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas and U.S. territories), 17V006 (further regional expansion), and 19V741 (the broadened inflator campaign). This is one of the most serious open recalls on used ES 350s, and unremedied cars are still on the road.

Common Symptoms

  • No warning symptoms - the defect only manifests during airbag deployment
  • Airbag/SRS warning light in some related inflator cases

How to Fix

Enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or on the Lexus owners site and have any open Takata inflator recall performed - the inflator module is replaced free of charge, regardless of vehicle age or ownership history. Do not carry a passenger in an unremedied car. There is no owner-side workaround; only the dealer replacement resolves it.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

The XV40 ES 350 was the vehicle that opened NHTSA's pedal-entrapment investigation: in March 2007 the agency began a preliminary investigation into the 2007 ES 350 after consumer complaints alleging crashes and injuries, with the accessory all-weather floor mat identified as the likely cause. Toyota first recalled about 55,000 floor mats for 2007-2008 Camry and ES 350 (NHTSA campaign 07E082), then in 2009 issued the far broader floor-mat/pedal-entrapment recall 09V388 covering 2007-2010 ES 350 among other models. The accelerator pedal can be held wide open by an unsecured, stacked, or incompatible driver's floor mat, and the driver cannot free it while the car accelerates.

Common Symptoms

  • Accelerator pedal sticks at or near wide open
  • Vehicle continues accelerating after the pedal is released
  • Pedal feels trapped or held down by the mat
  • Loss of speed control while braking

How to Fix

Verify recalls 09V388 and 07E082 by VIN. The dealer remedy reshaped the accelerator pedal (and, on the ES 350, the floor surface), replaced the pedal with a redesigned part from April 2010, and installed a brake-override system that cuts engine power when brake and accelerator are pressed together. As an immediate precaution, remove the driver's floor mat entirely, never stack mats, and use only the correct Lexus mat with both retaining hooks engaged. If the pedal sticks while driving, shift to Neutral and brake to a stop - do not shut the engine off at speed, which disables power steering assist.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

Lexus ES sedans built for the 2023-2025 model years and equipped with the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system are covered by NHTSA recall 25V744000. Toyota reports a software error that can cause the ES rearview camera to freeze on a stale image or show a blank screen when the car is shifted into reverse. Because the required rear image is not displayed, the affected vehicles do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 111, "Rear Visibility." The campaign as a whole covers roughly 1,024,407 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles; that figure is campaign-wide and not specific to the ES.

Common Symptoms

  • Rearview camera image freezes on the screen when reverse is selected
  • Blank or black display instead of the rear camera view when backing up
  • Panoramic View Monitor does not show a live image behind the car

How to Fix

The repair is free at any Lexus dealer: the dealer reflashes the parking assist software that drives the Panoramic View Monitor, which restores a live rearview image in reverse. Toyota's recall numbers for this campaign are 25TB13 and 25LB06, and owner notification letters were mailed January 2, 2026. If you did not receive a letter, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm whether your ES is included, or call Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

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High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

The U140E four/five-speed automatic used behind the 1MZ-FE and 3MZ-FE in the ES 300 and ES 330 has two distinct documented failure patterns. Higher-mileage 1999-2003 ES 300 units slip - typically after the fluid warms up a couple of minutes - as the clutch packs and valve body wear, ending in a burnt pack and no drive. Separately, the 2002-2005 cars are known for a shift-logic hesitation and momentary surge from a rolling start that Toyota treated as a drivability/customer-satisfaction issue and addressed with control software revisions; the 2004-2005 ES 330 in particular drew heavy complaint volume for slow, inconsistent shifting.

This issue also affects: Lexus ES300, Toyota Camry, Toyota Sienna

Common Symptoms

  • Slipping that appears a couple of minutes after startup as fluid warms
  • Long pause before engaging Drive or Reverse
  • Hesitation then a surge when accelerating from a rolling start
  • Flaring rpm between gears
  • Burnt-smelling dark transmission fluid

How to Fix

For the hesitation, ask a Lexus dealer whether an updated transmission/ECM calibration applies to the VIN - that was the factory answer to the 4th-gen shift-logic complaints. For mechanical slipping, a remanufactured valve body with new solenoids has resolved many cases; once the clutch packs are burnt (dark, smelly fluid, slip that worsens with heat) the unit needs rebuild or replacement. Regular drain-and-fills with Toyota T-IV fluid slow the decline but will not reverse a failed clutch pack. Have the transmission fluid condition checked before buying any XV20/XV30 ES.

Typical repair cost:$400 - $4,000

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Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

The U660E six-speed automatic introduced on the 2007 ES 350 has a well-documented shift flare: on the first upshifts after a cold soak the engine speed rises 300-700 rpm before the gear engages, most commonly on the 3-4 upshift but also reported on 2-3, 4-5, and the 5-4 downshift when transitioning between coast and light throttle. Toyota issued transmission TSBs (including TC007-07) with revised ECM/TCM calibrations. Forum consensus splits the units by build date: earlier units (through roughly 06/2006 production) were generally cured with a valve body and solenoid replacement plus a reflash, while later units often needed more, up to transmission replacement. Left unaddressed, repeated flaring glazes the clutch packs.

This issue also affects: Toyota Camry, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Sienna

Common Symptoms

  • RPM flare of 300-700 rpm on the 3-4 upshift when cold
  • Delayed or slurred engagement in the first ten minutes of driving
  • Harsh bump on the 5-4 downshift between 30-40 mph
  • Hesitation when accelerating from a coast

How to Fix

Start with the dealer TSB reflash of the transmission control software - on many cars that alone removes or greatly reduces the flare. If flaring persists, the documented fix is valve body and shift-solenoid replacement. A drain-and-fill with genuine Toyota WS fluid (repeated 2-3 times, as the unit has no dipstick and requires the temperature-controlled level check procedure) is worth doing first on a high-mileage car with dark fluid. Full replacement is the last resort. Do not use aftermarket 'universal' ATF in this transmission.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $4,500

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Community reported
1,200 owners

The ES300h hybrid battery pack experiences capacity degradation over time, particularly in hot climates where thermal cycling accelerates cell deterioration. Owners report reduced fuel economy, inability to maintain EV mode, and eventually a hybrid system warning light. The NiMH battery pack typically begins showing degradation between 8-12 years of age.

This issue also affects: Lexus CT, Toyota Camry, Toyota Highlander

Common Symptoms

  • Decreased fuel economy by 5-10 MPG
  • Hybrid system warning light on dashboard
  • Unable to enter or maintain EV mode
  • Reduced acceleration performance
  • Battery charge gauge drops rapidly

How to Fix

Replace the hybrid battery pack with a new or refurbished unit. Lexus dealers charge $3,000-$5,000 for a new pack. Aftermarket refurbished packs from companies like Green Bean Battery or Dorman cost $1,500-$2,500 installed. Individual cell replacement is also possible for partial degradation.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • 2013-2017 Lexus ES300h complete hybrid battery replacement
    OEM2013-2017 ES300h hybrid battery replacement

    Replace a diagnosed failed 2013-2017 ES300h pack through a model-specific remanufactured/new program Fitment/availability: Live configurable product page covers the pre-2019 ES300h branch and offers shipping/core-return or regional insta…

    Hybrid Restoration
  • 2013-2018 Lexus ES300h reconditioned hybrid battery installation
    OEM2013-2018 ES300h reconditioned pack service

    Replace a diagnosed failed AVV60-generation pack through the vendor's installed service Fitment/availability: Live page title/content lists 2013-2018 ES300h and states the product is not shipped or purchased as an online DIY item; instal…

    Volts Hybrid Batteries
  • G9510-33112 genuine Lexus HEV supply battery assembly
    OEMG9510-33112

    Confirm VIN and core terms.

    LexusPartsNow

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Typical repair cost:$1,500 - $5,000

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Based on 1,200 owner reports

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Community Reported
Medium Confidence1,200 owner reportsLast reported by owners Jan 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

The 2019 ES 350 (and other 2019 Lexus models) were recalled under NHTSA campaign 20V012 for a Denso-supplied low-pressure in-tank fuel pump. The impeller was molded from a lower-density resin that absorbs fuel, swells, deforms, and binds against the pump housing. The result is a rough-running engine, a no-start, or - the safety issue - a stall at speed with no warning. Toyota's January 2020 recall covered roughly 131,000 vehicles initially and has been amended and expanded repeatedly since, with the most recent amendment in January 2025. Related class-action filings alleged that some 2018-2019 vehicles with the same pump were left out of the original scope.

This issue also affects: Lexus GS, Lexus IS, Lexus NX

Common Symptoms

  • Engine stalls without warning while driving
  • Long crank or no-start
  • Rough running and hesitation under load
  • Whining noise from the fuel tank
  • Check engine light with lean or fuel-system codes

How to Fix

Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If campaign 20V012 (or a later amendment) applies, an authorized Lexus dealer replaces the low-pressure fuel pump assembly with an improved-impeller unit at no charge. Remedy parts have been available since early 2021. If the car stalls or hesitates and the recall shows as already completed, have the fuel pressure and pump current draw tested - a whine from the tank plus long crank times points at the pump rather than at ignition.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

Lexus programs ZLD and ZLZ document cracked and/or sticky dashboard surfaces caused over time by heat, humidity and, in ZLZ, light intensity on covered ES 350 vehicles. ZLD covers certain 2007-2008 vehicles and ZLZ covers certain 2008-2012 vehicles, preserving the page’s 2007-2012 identity. The primary records describe a cosmetic condition; they do not support the page’s “dangerous glare” or “2,000+ complaints” claims.

This issue also affects: Lexus GS, Lexus IS, Lexus RX

How to Fix

Have a Lexus dealer verify the VIN and inspect the dashboard condition. The published ZLD and ZLZ coverage periods were time-limited, so this page does not promise a free repair in 2026; ask Lexus whether any current assistance applies before authorizing dashboard replacement. Avoid solvent or coating experiments that could worsen the surface. No universal retail part or dealer-only remedy is asserted.

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Manually Verified
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

Lexus technicians and owners report that high-mileage 2007-2012 ES 350s commonly lose refrigerant through a leaking evaporator core buried in the HVAC case behind the dash. The symptom is gradual: air that is cool but not cold, worse in traffic, and a system that cools again briefly after a recharge before fading over weeks or months. Because the evaporator is inside the dash, replacement is a labor-heavy job - a ClubLexus master technician put the repair comfortably over $1,500. The A/C condenser at the front of the car is a separate, cheaper failure point on the same generation, usually punctured by road debris.

Common Symptoms

  • A/C blows cool but not cold, worst at idle or in traffic
  • Cooling returns after a recharge then fades over weeks
  • Low refrigerant charge on gauges with no obvious external leak
  • Faint sweet smell or oily residue at the evaporator drain

How to Fix

Have the system dye-tested or sniffed to find where the refrigerant is escaping before paying for another recharge - condenser, line O-rings, and compressor shaft seal are all far cheaper to fix than the evaporator. A condenser is a front-end job; an evaporator core requires removing the dash and HVAC box. Replace the receiver/drier any time the system is opened, and pull a proper vacuum before recharging. Do not use stop-leak sealant products - they contaminate the system and can wreck a recovery machine, which some shops will then refuse to service.

Typical repair cost:$400 - $2,000

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Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the otherwise very reliable 2013-2018 ES 350 (2GR-FE), the engine-driven water pump is the standout mechanical failure. The bearing and seal wear, producing a squeal or chirp that is loudest on a cold start and a slow coolant weep from the pump's telltale hole. Owners on ClubLexus and the Lexus Owners Club repeatedly report the noise being diagnosed first as a serpentine belt or idler pulley, with the belt replaced before the pump is found to be the real source. Failures cluster between roughly 60,000 and 120,000 miles, and replacement typically runs several hundred to well over a thousand dollars depending on shop.

This issue also affects: Toyota Camry, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Sienna

Common Symptoms

  • Squeal or chirp from the front of the engine, worst on cold start
  • Pink or orange coolant crust below the water pump
  • Slowly dropping coolant level in the reservoir
  • Coolant smell after driving
  • Temperature gauge climbing in late-stage failure

How to Fix

Before replacing a belt for a squeal, spin the water pump pulley by hand with the belt off and check for roughness or play, and look for dried pink/orange coolant residue at the weep hole below the pump. Replace the pump with a genuine Toyota/Aisin unit and gasket, refill with Toyota SLLC pink coolant, and bleed the system properly. Replace the serpentine belt and inspect the idler and tensioner pulleys at the same time since they are already off the car. A pump left to fail completely overheats the engine.

Typical repair cost:$500 - $1,600

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
Community reported
2,800 owners

The electronic brake actuator on the 2019+ ES produces a noticeable buzzing or grinding noise during low-speed braking and when the brake hold function is engaged. The noise comes from the ABS actuator cycling at low speeds and is a design characteristic of the brake-by-wire system. While not a safety concern, the noise is prominent enough to be heard in the cabin.

This issue also affects: Lexus IS, Lexus GS, Lexus RX

Common Symptoms

  • Buzzing or grinding noise when braking at low speed
  • Vibration felt through brake pedal during light braking
  • Noise when brake hold function activates
  • Groaning sound from engine bay area when releasing brakes

How to Fix

Lexus released a software update (TSB) to modify the brake actuator operation and reduce noise. Visit the dealer for the ECU reflash. Some noise may persist at very low speeds as this is inherent to the brake-by-wire design. Adding sound deadening material around the actuator can further reduce cabin intrusion.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipThe TSB software update significantly reduces the noise but may not eliminate it completely. This is a known characteristic of Toyota/Lexus brake-by-wire systems across their TNGA platform.

Research This Issue

Based on 2,800 owner reports

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Community Reported
High Confidence2,800 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

Campaign #23V86500020/12/2023

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

get a full repair guide

What is the 2013-2019 Lexus ES Hybrid Battery Pack Degradation?

The ES300h hybrid battery pack experiences capacity degradation over time, particularly in hot climates where thermal cycling accelerates cell deterioration. Owners report reduced fuel economy, inability to maintain EV mode, and eventually a hybrid system warning light. The NiMH… Repairs typically run $1,500-$5,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2008 Lexus ES XV40 ES 350 (2GR-FE): Rubber VVT-i Oil Hose Ruptures Causing Sudden Total Oil Loss?

On 2007-2008 ES 350 models built with the 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 (engines produced before April 2008), the variable valve timing (VVT-i) oil supply line uses a short rubber hose section joining two metal pipes outside the block. It carries hot, high-pressure oil, and the rubber degrades… Repairs typically run $150-$6,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2012 Lexus ES XV40 ES 350: Takata Passenger Airbag Inflator Can Rupture on Deployment?

The 2007-2012 ES 350 carries a Takata front passenger airbag inflator whose ammonium-nitrate propellant degrades after long exposure to high humidity and temperature cycling. A degraded inflator can over-pressurize and burst its metal housing during a crash, spraying fragments in… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2010 Lexus ES XV40 ES 350: Accelerator Pedal Entrapment by Floor Mat (Unintended Acceleration)?

The XV40 ES 350 was the vehicle that opened NHTSA's pedal-entrapment investigation: in March 2007 the agency began a preliminary investigation into the 2007 ES 350 after consumer complaints alleging crashes and injuries, with the accessory all-weather floor mat identified as the… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

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 1999-2005 Lexus ES XV20/XV30 ES 300 and ES 330: U140E Automatic Transmission Slipping and Hesitation?

The U140E four/five-speed automatic used behind the 1MZ-FE and 3MZ-FE in the ES 300 and ES 330 has two distinct documented failure patterns. Higher-mileage 1999-2003 ES 300 units slip - typically after the fluid warms up a couple of minutes - as the clutch packs and valve body we… Repairs typically run $400-$4,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2019-2020 Lexus ES XZ10 ES: Denso Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Impeller Swells and Stalls the Engine?

The 2019 ES 350 (and other 2019 Lexus models) were recalled under NHTSA campaign 20V012 for a Denso-supplied low-pressure in-tank fuel pump. The impeller was molded from a lower-density resin that absorbs fuel, swells, deforms, and binds against the pump housing. The result is a… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2017 Lexus ES Excessive Oil Consumption 2GR-FE Engine?

The 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 in the ES350 consumes excessive oil between changes, often burning 1 quart every 1,500-2,500 miles. The root cause is typically worn piston rings that allow oil past the ring lands into the combustion chamber. Toyota/Lexus issued a TSB acknowledging the issue a… Repairs typically run $300-$4,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2012 Lexus ES Dashboard Melting and Sticky Surface?

Lexus programs ZLD and ZLZ document cracked and/or sticky dashboard surfaces caused over time by heat, humidity and, in ZLZ, light intensity on covered ES 350 vehicles. ZLD covers certain 2007-2008 vehicles and ZLZ covers certain 2008-2012 vehicles, preserving the page’s 2007-201… Severity: medium.

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.

What is the 2023-2025 Lexus ES Panoramic View Monitor Rearview Camera Freezes or Goes Blank in Reverse (Recall 25V744000)?

Lexus ES sedans built for the 2023-2025 model years and equipped with the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system are covered by NHTSA recall 25V744000. Toyota reports a software error that can cause the ES rearview camera to freeze on a stale image or show a blank screen when the ca… Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2012 Lexus ES XV40 ES 350: A/C Evaporator Core Leaks and Slow Loss of Cooling?

Lexus technicians and owners report that high-mileage 2007-2012 ES 350s commonly lose refrigerant through a leaking evaporator core buried in the HVAC case behind the dash. The symptom is gradual: air that is cool but not cold, worse in traffic, and a system that cools again brie… Repairs typically run $400-$2,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2009 Lexus ES XV40 ES 350: U660E 6-Speed Automatic 3-4 Shift Flare and Delayed Engagement?

The U660E six-speed automatic introduced on the 2007 ES 350 has a well-documented shift flare: on the first upshifts after a cold soak the engine speed rises 300-700 rpm before the gear engages, most commonly on the 3-4 upshift but also reported on 2-3, 4-5, and the 5-4 downshift… Repairs typically run $150-$4,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2013-2018 Lexus ES XV60 ES 350: Water Pump Bearing Failure Mistaken for a Serpentine Belt Squeal?

On the otherwise very reliable 2013-2018 ES 350 (2GR-FE), the engine-driven water pump is the standout mechanical failure. The bearing and seal wear, producing a squeal or chirp that is loudest on a cold start and a slow coolant weep from the pump's telltale hole. Owners on ClubL… Repairs typically run $500-$1,600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2010 Lexus ES XV40 ES 350 (2GR-FE): Front Timing Chain Cover Oil Leak (FIPG Seal Failure)?

The 2GR-FE V6 seals its front timing chain cover to the block and heads with a formed-in-place sealant (FIPG) rather than a conventional gasket. On early 2007-2009 engines the seal breaks down and weeps oil from the front of the engine, dripping onto the subframe, front control a… Repairs typically run $2,400-$4,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2019-2025 Lexus ES Brake Actuator Buzzing and Grinding Noise?

The electronic brake actuator on the 2019+ ES produces a noticeable buzzing or grinding noise during low-speed braking and when the brake hold function is engaged. The noise comes from the ABS actuator cycling at low speeds and is a design characteristic of the brake-by-wire syst… Severity: low.