Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

Lexus ES350 Problems, Recalls and MPG by Year

What this means

NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns across the Lexus ES350, 2007–2023. Owners have filed 1,451 complaints with NHTSA. Of the last 15 model years with settled counts, the 2007 drew the most (539) and the 2018 the fewest (5).

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026

Lexus ES350 complaints by model year

1,451 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Red numbers above the columns are recall campaigns for that model year.

2008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
ComplaintsStill collecting reports3Recall campaigns

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fewest complaints

  • 2018 · 5 complaints
  • 2019 · 5 complaints
  • 2020 · 5 complaints

Most complaints

  • 2007 · 539 complaints
  • 2008 · 255 complaints
  • 2011 · 153 complaints

Among the last 15 model years at least five years old; newer years are left out because owners are still filing reports. Every year compared →

Problem areas by model year

Complaints that name each component, 2014–2023. Darker cells mean more reports. One complaint can name several components.

Lexus ES350 owner complaints by component and model year (NHTSA ODI)
Component2014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Unknown or other 4783211001
Electrical system 8422002000
Service brakes 5433101010
Forward collision avoidance 2212002110
Air bags 3022002000
Structure 3013100100
Vehicle speed control 1221201000
Engine 4021100000

Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Lexus ES350 recalls (11)

Recall campaigns NHTSA lists for at least one ES350 model year, newest first.

NHTSA recall campaigns for the Lexus ES350
CampaignFiledWhatModel yearsRepaired
20V682000Nov 4, 2020Fuel Pump May Fail2018, 2019, 202092.2%
20V012000Jan 13, 2020Fuel Pump May Fail2018, 201991.8%
19V741000Oct 17, 2019Frontal Air Bag Inflators May Explode2007–201272.6%
19V005000Jan 9, 2019Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode2010, 2011, 201290.9%
18V024000Jan 9, 2018Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode2009, 201089%
17V415000Jun 29, 2017Loose Lock Nut May Cause Tie Rod Separation201794.2%
17V006000Jan 9, 2017Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture2007–201288.6%
16V340000May 23, 2016Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture2007–201187.7%
16V198000Apr 7, 2016Brake Actuator may have a Damaged O-Ring/FMVSS126201690.6%
15V728000Nov 3, 2015Unexpected Braking due to Pre-Collision System2013, 2014, 201583.7%
09V388000Oct 5, 2009PEDAL ENTRAPMENT2007–2010—

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. Open a model-year page for each campaign's official text, or check your VIN on NHTSA.

Check on NHTSA ↗

Crash-test stars by model year

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the Lexus ES350 (most-tested body style each year)
Model yearOverallFrontalSideRolloverTested as
2023★★★★★4★5★4★4 dr fwd
2022★★★★★4★5★4★4 dr fwd
2021★★★★★4★5★4★4 dr fwd
2020★★★★★4★5★4★4 dr fwd
2019★★★★★4★5★4★4 dr fwd
2018★★★★★4★5★4★4 dr fwd
2017★★★★★4★5★4★4 dr fwd
2016★★★★★4★5★4★4 dr fwd
2015★★★★★5★5★4★4 dr fwd
2014★★★★★5★5★4★4 dr fwd
2013★★★★★5★5★4★4 dr fwd
2012★★★☆☆4★2★4★4 dr fwd

Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Source: NHTSA NCAP, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy by model year

201022 mpg
201122 mpg
201222 mpg
201324 mpg
201424 mpg
201524 mpg
201624 mpg
201724 mpg
201824 mpg
201926 mpg
202026 mpg
202126 mpg
202226 mpg
202326 mpg

EPA combined mpg range across engine and transmission configurations. Your mileage will vary. Source: EPA, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Where to next

Lexus ES350 FAQ

How many recalls has the Lexus ES350 had?

NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns that cover at least one Lexus ES350 model year from 2007 to 2023. Each campaign card on the model-year pages has NHTSA's official text and the repair completion rate. Only NHTSA's VIN lookup can tell you whether a specific car was repaired.

Which Lexus ES350 year has the most complaints?

Among the last 15 model years with settled counts, the 2007 drew the most owner complaints filed with NHTSA (539) and the 2018 the fewest (5). Counts are owner reports, not failure rates, and sales volume affects them.

What are the most common Lexus ES350 problems?

Across the 2014–2023 model years, owners most often name the unknown or other, electrical system, service brakes in complaints filed with NHTSA.

What mpg does the Lexus ES350 get?

EPA rates the 2023 Lexus ES350 at 26 mpg combined, depending on engine and transmission.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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