Lexus ES problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The best-documented Lexus ES problems are a VVT-i oil hose service campaign on the 2007–2008 ES 350, Takata passenger airbag recalls on 2007–2012 cars, the fuel pump recall for 2018–2020 ES 350 (20V682), an engine-block recall on some 2020 ES 300h hybrids (20V064) and occupant-sensor recall 23V865 for 2020–2022 models.

CarWhere lists 14 documented ES issues, including 12 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

ES generations at a glance

Lexus ES generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
XV302002–2006Crankshaft pulley outer ring can slip (recall 11V539) · Transmission hesitation and light surge (service bulletins)
XV402007–2012Accessory all-weather floor mat can trap the accelerator (recall 07E082) · VVT-i oil hose can leak (Limited Service Campaign) · Takata passenger airbag inflator can rupture (recalls 16V340, 17V006, 18V024, 19V005)
XV602013–2018Pre-Collision System can brake unexpectedly (recall 15V728) · ABS actuator O-ring may be damaged (recall 16V198) · Right tie rod lock nut can loosen (recall 17V415)
XZ102019–2025Low-pressure fuel pump can fail (recalls 20V012, 20V682) · Driver knee airbag may be improperly installed (recall 19V288) · Brake booster pump can fail (recall 19V544) · 2.5L engine block casting porosity can leak coolant (recall 20V064) · Passenger occupant sensor can short circuit (recall 23V865) · Rearview camera image may be delayed (recall 24V124)
XZ202026–presentNo widespread issue documented here

XV30 ES problems (2002–2006)

Crankshaft pulley outer ring can slip (recall 11V539) (2004–2005)

Safety recall
Generation:
XV30 (2002–2006)
Years:
2004–2005
Powertrain:
V6 (3MZ-FE)

Some crankshaft pulleys built June 1, 2004–March 31, 2005 had too little adhesive between the outer ring and the rubber damper. The ring can misalign, causing noise or a battery light, and in some cases the power steering belt can come off, making steering suddenly heavy. The campaign spans Toyota and Lexus models, including 2004–2005 ES 330; dealers replace pulleys from the affected supplier.

Symptoms

  • Squeal or noise from the front of the engine
  • Battery discharge warning light
  • Sudden heavy steering

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 11V539 (2011-11) · 420,326 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1]

Transmission hesitation and light surge (service bulletins) (2002–2006)

Minor
Generation:
XV30 (2002–2006)
Years:
2002–2006
Powertrain:
ES 300 and ES 330

Lexus has said some 2002–2006 ES 300/ES 330 owners reported transmission hesitation and a momentary surge of about 2 mph or less at steady throttle. Lexus called it a drivability and customer-satisfaction issue, not a safety defect, and issued technical service bulletins to smooth shifting. It was not a recall.

Symptoms

  • Hesitation when accelerating from low speed
  • Slight surge at steady light throttle
  • Harsh or delayed shifts

Check before buying

  • Ask whether the transmission software/shift bulletin was applied and for the repair order
  • Test-drive at steady low to moderate speeds and from a stop

Sources: [2]

XV40 ES problems (2007–2012)

Accessory all-weather floor mat can trap the accelerator (recall 07E082) (2007–2008)

Safety recall
Generation:
XV40 (2007–2012)
Years:
2007–2008
Powertrain:
V6 (ES 350)

The optional all-weather floor mats sold for 2007–2008 ES 350 and Camry could slide forward if not hooked down or if stacked on another mat, and hold the accelerator partly down. This was an equipment recall: owners were told to secure or return the mats, and Lexus provided replacements.

Symptoms

  • Accelerator pedal slow to return or stuck partly down

Check before buying

  • Remove any stacked or unsecured floor mats
  • Confirm the driver mat is the correct one and is fixed on both retaining hooks

NHTSA recall: 07E082 (2007-09) · 55,000 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [3]

VVT-i oil hose can leak (Limited Service Campaign) (2007–2008)

Moderate
Generation:
XV40 (2007–2012)
Years:
2007–2008
Powertrain:
V6 (ES 350)

Lexus ran a Limited Service Campaign on 2007–2008 ES 350s because the rubber section of the oil supply hose to the VVT-i actuator on the 2GR-FE V6 can deteriorate and leak oil. Dealers replaced the hose with a redesigned one at no charge. About 374,000 ES 350 and 2007–2009 RX 350 vehicles were included. The campaign ended March 31, 2013.

Symptoms

  • Oil leak at the front/side of the engine
  • Abnormal engine noise
  • Oil pressure warning light

Check before buying

  • Ask a Lexus dealer whether the VVT-i oil hose campaign was completed on the VIN
  • Look for oil on the timing-cover side of the engine and confirm the hose has a metal (not rubber) section

Sources: [4]

Takata passenger airbag inflator can rupture (recalls 16V340, 17V006, 18V024, 19V005) (2007–2012)

Safety recall
Generation:
XV40 (2007–2012)
Years:
2007–2012
Powertrain:
All

2007–2012 ES 350s were added to the Takata passenger-inflator recalls in stages from 2016 to 2019, by model year and region. The non-desiccated ammonium-nitrate propellant can degrade after long heat and humidity exposure and rupture in a crash. Dealers replace the inflator or airbag assembly; recall 19V741 also replaces inflators that an earlier repair swapped for the same design.

Symptoms

  • No symptoms before a crash

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 19V005 (2019-01) · 1,299,448 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [5][6][7][8][9][10]

XV60 ES problems (2013–2018)

Pre-Collision System can brake unexpectedly (recall 15V728) (2013–2015)

Safety recall
Generation:
XV60 (2013–2018)
Years:
2013–2015
Powertrain:
ES 350 and ES 300h

On 2013–2015 ES 350 and ES 300h built June 18, 2012–July 6, 2015 with the optional Pre-Collision System, the radar could read a steel joint or plate in the road as an obstacle and apply the brakes. The recall, shared with the Avalon, replaces certain PCS components.

Symptoms

  • Sudden automatic braking with no vehicle ahead, often over bridge joints or steel plates

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 15V728 (2015-11) · 30,812 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [11]

ABS actuator O-ring may be damaged (recall 16V198) (2016)

Safety recall
Generation:
XV60 (2013–2018)
Years:
2016
Powertrain:
ES 350

2016 ES 350s built Sept. 1, 2015–Feb. 29, 2016 may have an ABS actuator with a damaged O-ring, causing improper brake fluid pressure during ABS, traction or stability control activation. Dealers inspect the actuator and replace it as needed.

Symptoms

  • ABS or VSC warning light
  • Unusual braking behaviour during ABS or stability-control activation

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 16V198 (2016-04) · 16,656 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [12]

Right tie rod lock nut can loosen (recall 17V415) (2017)

Safety recall
Generation:
XV60 (2013–2018)
Years:
2017
Powertrain:
ES 350

On some 2017 ES 350s the right-side tie rod lock nut can loosen over time, and the tie rod could separate and cause loss of steering. Dealers inspect the nut and, if it is loose, replace the lock nut, steering gear and tie rod.

Symptoms

  • Clunk or looseness in the steering

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 17V415 (2017-06) · 1,761 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [13]

XZ10 ES problems (2019–2025)

Low-pressure fuel pump can fail (recalls 20V012, 20V682) (2018–2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
XZ10 (2019–2025)
Years:
2018–2020
Powertrain:
V6 (ES 350)

The low-pressure fuel pump in the tank can fail and stall the engine while driving. Recall 20V012 covered 2018–2019 ES 350s, and the November 2020 expansion 20V682 covers 2018–2020 ES 350 (the 2018 is the previous generation). Dealers fit an improved fuel pump assembly.

Symptoms

  • Rough running or hesitation
  • Check-engine light
  • Engine stall or no-start

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 20V682 (2020-11) · 1,525,742 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [14][15]

Driver knee airbag may be improperly installed (recall 19V288) (2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
XZ10 (2019–2025)
Years:
2019
Powertrain:
All

On some 2019 ES sedans the driver knee airbag mounted to the lower instrument panel may have been improperly installed, which could affect how it deploys in a crash. Dealers inspect the knee airbag and replace it if needed.

Symptoms

  • No symptoms before a crash

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 19V288 (2019-04) · 564 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [16]

Brake booster pump can fail (recall 19V544) (2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
XZ10 (2019–2025)
Years:
2019
Powertrain:
Hybrid (ES 300h)

The brake booster pump on some 2019 ES 300h hybrids (and other Toyota/Lexus hybrids) can fail, switching off Vehicle Stability Control and brake assist. Dealers inspect and replace the pump as needed.

Symptoms

  • Brake or VSC warning lights
  • Harder brake pedal / reduced brake assist

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 19V544 (2019-07) · 6,925 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [17]

2.5L engine block casting porosity can leak coolant (recall 20V064) (2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
XZ10 (2019–2025)
Years:
2020
Powertrain:
2.5L four-cylinder hybrid (ES 300h)

Porosity in the engine castings of some 2.5L four-cylinder engines can crack and leak coolant internally or externally, which can overheat and damage the engine and, with an oil leak, raise fire risk. Some 2020 ES 300h hybrids are included alongside Camry, Avalon Hybrid and RAV4 models; dealers inspect and replace the engine, including the block, as needed.

Symptoms

  • Coolant level dropping
  • Overheating warning
  • Coolant or oil leak under the engine

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 20V064 (2020-02) · 44,191 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [18]

Passenger occupant sensor can short circuit (recall 23V865) (2020–2022)

Safety recall
Generation:
XZ10 (2019–2025)
Years:
2020–2022
Powertrain:
All

A short circuit can develop in the front passenger Occupant Classification System sensor and prevent the passenger airbag from deploying. The campaign covers 2020–2021 ES 350, 2021 ES 250 and 2020–2022 ES 300h among about 1 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Dealers inspect and replace the sensor; final-remedy letters were mailed in phases.

Symptoms

  • Passenger airbag OFF indicator lit with an adult seated
  • Airbag warning light

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 23V865 (2023-12) · 999,901 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [19]

Rearview camera image may be delayed (recall 24V124) (2023–2024)

Safety recall
Generation:
XZ10 (2019–2025)
Years:
2023–2024
Powertrain:
All

On 2023–2024 ES 250, ES 300h and ES 350 with the Panoramic View Monitor, parking-assist ECU software can delay the rearview camera image after the shifter goes into reverse, which fails federal rear-visibility rules. Dealers update the ECU software.

Symptoms

  • Camera image takes several seconds to appear in reverse

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Lexus dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 24V124 (2024-02) · 18,616 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [20]

Related ES research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how an ES was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Lexus build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Lexus build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

Does the Lexus ES 350 have oil leak problems?

The 2007–2008 ES 350 was part of a Lexus Limited Service Campaign because the rubber section of the VVT-i oil supply hose could deteriorate and leak. Dealers fitted a redesigned hose free of charge until March 31, 2013; ask a dealer whether it was done on the VIN.

Is there a fuel pump recall on the Lexus ES?

Yes. Recall 20V012 covered 2018–2019 ES 350s and expansion 20V682 covers 2018–2020 ES 350s. The in-tank low-pressure pump can fail and stall the engine; dealers install an improved pump assembly.

What recalls affect the Lexus ES 300h?

ES 300h recalls in the federal dataset include unexpected Pre-Collision braking (15V728, 2013–2015), brake booster pump failure (19V544, 2019), engine-block porosity (20V064, 2020), the passenger occupant sensor (23V865, 2020–2022) and a delayed camera image (24V124, 2023–2024).

What is the hybrid battery warranty on a Lexus ES 300h?

For model year 2020 Lexus hybrids, including the ES Hybrid, Lexus extended hybrid battery coverage to 10 years from first use or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. Other hybrid components keep 8-year/100,000-mile coverage.

Did the 2002–2006 ES 300/330 have transmission problems?

Lexus acknowledged that some owners reported shift hesitation and a light surge, treated it as a drivability issue rather than a safety defect, and issued technical service bulletins to smooth shifting. It was never a recall.

Are there recalls on the new 2026 Lexus ES?

No recall for the eighth-generation ES (2026–present) appears in the federal recall dataset we reviewed as of November 2026. Check the specific VIN in NHTSA’s recall lookup, since new campaigns can be added at any time.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. NHTSA recall 11V539: CRANKSHAFT PULLEY — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  2. Lexus Update: Our Response to the Los Angeles Times on Lexus ES 300/330 Drivetrain Issue (May 23, 2010) — Lexus USA Newsroom
  3. NHTSA recall 07E082: ACCESSORY FLOOR MAT — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  4. Limited Service Campaign for VVT-i Oil Line (March 1, 2010) — Lexus USA Newsroom
  5. NHTSA recall 19V005: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  6. NHTSA recall 16V340: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  7. NHTSA recall 17V006: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  8. NHTSA recall 18V024: Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  9. NHTSA recall 19V741: Frontal Air Bag Inflators May Explode — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  10. Toyota adds vehicles to Takata safety recall involving certain Toyota and Lexus models (Jan. 9, 2019) — Lexus USA Newsroom
  11. NHTSA recall 15V728: Unexpected Braking due to Pre-Collision System — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  12. NHTSA recall 16V198: Brake Actuator may have a Damaged O-Ring/FMVSS126 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  13. NHTSA recall 17V415: Loose Lock Nut May Cause Tie Rod Separation — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  14. NHTSA recall 20V682: Fuel Pump May Fail — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  15. NHTSA recall 20V012: Fuel Pump May Fail — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  16. NHTSA recall 19V288: Knee Airbags May not Deploy Properly — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  17. NHTSA recall 19V544: Loss of Stability Control, Brake Assist/FMVSS 126 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  18. NHTSA recall 20V064: Engine may Leak Coolant — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  19. NHTSA recall 23V865: OCS Sensors May Short Circuit — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  20. NHTSA recall 24V124: Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)

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