WORST Lexus Es 350 Years To Avoid, as per Real Owner Complaints

If you’re looking to buy a Lexus ES 350, it’s important to know that some model years have more problems than others. For example, the 2007-2009 models are known for oil leaks and head gasket failures, which can lead to expensive repairs and engine damage.

The 2015 model also has significant safety issues, especially with airbags and the ABS system. Knowing about these problems can help you avoid unexpected headaches and costs.

So, why are these years so troublesome, and which years should you consider instead? Let’s take a closer look.

Key Takeaways

• Stay away from 2007-2009 models because they often have oil leaks and head gasket problems.
• The 2013-2016 models have big issues with airbags and electronic systems.
• The 2015 model has major safety concerns with airbags and ABS.
• Fifth-generation models are known for oil leaks and head gasket issues.
• High repair costs and reliability problems make some years less appealing.

Overview of Lexus ES 350

The Lexus ES 350 is well-known for its luxurious comfort, dependable performance, and top-notch craftsmanship. However, it’s important to know about some common problems that have come up over the years.

For example, the fifth-generation models from 2007 to 2009 often had engine issues like oil leaks and blown head gaskets. Models from 2013 to 2016 sometimes had electronic and software problems too.

Even though the Lexus ES 350 has great safety ratings overall, some years had issues with critical systems like airbags, ABS, and forward collision detection. Knowing about these problems can help you make a smarter choice if you’re thinking about getting a Lexus ES 350.

Common Lexus ES 350 Issues

When thinking about getting a Lexus ES 350, it’s good to know about some common problems that have affected certain years. For the 2007-2009 models, issues like oil leaks and head gasket failures have been reported.

Some years have also had problems with the airbag system, which can affect safety.

For the 2013-2016 models, electronic and software glitches have been a big concern.

Oil Leak Problems

Oil leaks, especially from the front timing cover, are a big issue for the early Lexus ES 350 models, particularly those from 2007 to 2009. These leaks not only mess with the engine’s performance but also lead to expensive repairs. If you own or are thinking about getting a 2007-2009 Lexus ES 350, keep these points in mind:

• Frequent oil leaks: These affect how reliable the engine is.
• High repair costs: Fixing the front timing cover leak can be pricey.
• Maintenance worries: Taking care of the car over time can be a major hassle.
• Performance problems: Oil leaks can hurt the engine’s overall performance.
• Owner complaints: Many drivers have reported this issue.

Steering clear of these model years can save you a lot of trouble and money.

Head Gasket Failures

Head gasket failures are a common problem in the early Lexus ES 350 models, especially in the 2007, 2008, and 2009 versions. These failures often lead to coolant leaks and engine overheating, which can cause serious engine damage if not fixed quickly.

Signs of head gasket issues in your Lexus ES 350 include white smoke from the exhaust and visible coolant leaks. Fixing a failed head gasket can be expensive and take a lot of time.

To avoid these problems, consider choosing a Lexus ES 350 from the 2010 model year or later, as they’ve fewer head gasket issues. If you own a 2007-2009 model, watch out for early warning signs to reduce the risk of damage.

Airbag System Faults

Airbag problems have been a big issue in some Lexus ES 350 cars, especially the ones made from 2013 to 2016. These problems are serious because they affect your safety, so you might want to steer clear of these model years.

If you’re thinking about buying a used Lexus ES 350, keep these points in mind:

• The NHTSA has issued recalls for airbag problems.
• Many drivers have reported ongoing issues with the airbags.
• There’s a risk that the airbags mightn’t work in an accident.
• Fixing these airbag issues can be very expensive.
• The manufacturer has admitted that these problems keep happening.

Knowing about these safety issues can help you make a smart choice and avoid trouble with these particular model years. Always do your homework before you buy.

Oil Leaks in Early Models

In the early Lexus ES 350 models, oil often leaks from the front timing cover. This needs to be fixed right away to avoid damaging the engine.

Fixing these leaks can be costly and usually requires a visit to a dealership.

To avoid these problems, it’s important to do regular maintenance and get a detailed inspection before buying one of these cars.

Common Leak Locations

Early Lexus ES 350 models from 2007 to 2009 often have oil leaks from the front timing cover, which can lead to expensive repairs if not fixed quickly. These leaks can hurt engine performance and cause serious damage over time if ignored. To keep your car in good shape, it’s important to watch for and fix any oil leaks.

Here are some important things to remember:

• Front Timing Cover: A common place for leaks.
• Engine Performance: Will get worse if leaks aren’t fixed.
• Regular Inspections: Needed to catch leaks early.
• Oil Levels: Should be checked often.
• Preventive Maintenance: Helps avoid big repair costs.

Repair Costs Breakdown

Fixing oil leaks in 2007-2009 Lexus ES 350 models can be quite costly, often needing special dealership services because the repair is complicated. These older models often have oil leaks from the front timing cover, which can lead to big repair bills if not fixed quickly.

The repairs can cost anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on how bad the leak is. It’s important to keep these potential costs in mind if you’re thinking about buying one of these early models.

Regular check-ups are crucial to catch oil leaks early, helping to reduce costs and keep the car running well for a long time.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

Regularly checking and maintaining the front timing cover can significantly reduce the risk of oil leaks in 2007-2009 Lexus ES 350 models. Preventive maintenance is crucial to avoid expensive repairs and potential engine damage.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Check the front timing cover regularly for any signs of oil leaks.
• Keep an eye on your oil levels frequently to spot any unusual drops.
• Schedule regular maintenance with a mechanic who knows Lexus cars well.
• Use high-quality oil and filters to keep your engine running smoothly.
• Fix any leaks quickly to stop small problems from becoming big ones.

Head Gasket Problems

Some Lexus ES 350 model years, especially from 2007 to 2009, are well-known for head gasket problems that can lead to major and expensive repairs. These years often experience frequent failures, which can cause oil leaks and coolant mixing. Early warning signs include overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, and engine misfires.

Here’s a simple overview to help you understand the severity:

Choosing a Lexus ES 350 from 2010 or later can help you avoid these common issues.

Airbag Faults

Dealing with airbag problems in the 2007 to 2009 Lexus ES 350 models is important because these issues have caused several recalls and serious safety concerns. The airbag problems during these years were big enough to make the cars less safe for passengers. If you’re thinking about buying one of these models, you should be cautious because of these ongoing airbag issues.

Here’s what you need to know:

• There were several recalls due to problems with the airbag system.
• The airbags mightn’t work properly in a crash, which is dangerous.
• Fixing these issues often required major repairs and part replacements.
• Many people avoided these models because of the safety risks.
• These problems hurt the reputation of the cars from these years.

Knowing about these issues is crucial for making a smart choice.

Accelerator Pedal Concerns

Another big problem with the Lexus ES 350 models from 2007 to 2010 is issues with the accelerator pedal. These problems have raised serious safety concerns. The main issue is that the accelerator pedal can get stuck under the floor mats, causing the car to speed up unexpectedly.

This led to several recalls, as well as lawsuits and investigations against Toyota, the company that owns Lexus. Fixing these accelerator pedal problems quickly is important for safety. Regular maintenance and responding to recalls can help reduce the risks.

If you own or plan to buy a Lexus ES 350 from these years, make sure all recall work has been done to keep the car safe.

Fifth-Generation ES Problems

If you’re looking at Lexus ES 350 models from 2007 to 2009, be aware that they often have serious issues with oil leaks and head gaskets. These problems can be expensive to fix and make the car less reliable.

Here are some of the main issues:

• Oil leaks: These cars are well-known for leaking oil, which can damage the engine if you don’t fix it quickly.
• Head gasket problems: It’s common for these models to have head gasket failures, which can cause the engine to overheat and even fail.
• High repair costs: Fixing these issues can get very expensive.
• Lower resale value: Because of these problems, the car might not sell for much.
• Shorter lifespan: These ongoing issues can make the car wear out faster.

It’s best to avoid these model years if you want a more reliable car.

2007-2009 Model Issues

When looking at the 2007-2009 Lexus ES 350 models, you’ll find that oil leaks and head gasket failures are common and serious problems. These years are known for oil leaks, which can cause more severe engine damage if not fixed quickly.

Blown head gaskets are also frequent and expensive issues in these 2007-2009 models, often needing major repairs. Because of how often these problems occur, the 2007-2009 Lexus ES 350 models are considered some of the worst to buy.

Potential buyers should be very careful and thoroughly check any car from these years to avoid costly and troublesome issues. It’s clear these models have big reliability concerns.

Sixth-Generation ES Problems

The sixth-generation Lexus ES models from 2013 to 2016 have a bunch of electronic and software issues that hurt their reliability. The 2015 Lexus ES 350, in particular, has a lot of problems. If you’re thinking about getting a sixth-generation ES, watch out for these issues:

• Airbag problems: They mightn’t deploy correctly, and the sensors often fail.
• ABS issues: The ABS warning light comes on a lot, and the brakes don’t always work right.
• Forward collision system faults: It behaves unpredictably and gives false alerts.
• Infotainment glitches: The screen can freeze, and the controls sometimes don’t respond.
• Battery drain: The battery can drain for no clear reason, causing starting problems.

These problems are more common in the 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 models, making them less reliable and harder to maintain. It’s best to avoid these years to dodge these recurring issues.

2013-2016 Model Issues

If you’re thinking about getting a Lexus ES 350 from the 2013 to 2016 model years, watch out for major electronic and software problems.

These cars often had issues with the airbags and ABS, which could be dangerous.

Plus, the forward collision system was known to act up, making these models more troublesome.

Electronic and Software Glitches

Lexus ES 350 models from 2013 to 2016 had a lot of problems with their electronics and software. These issues included:

• Electronic glitches that made various parts of the car act up.
• Software issues that caused navigation and GPS problems.
• Infotainment system malfunctions that messed up audio and display functions.
• Bluetooth connectivity problems that made hands-free calls difficult.
• Electronic control unit failures that affected overall car performance.

These problems made the 2013-2016 Lexus ES 350 less reliable and left many customers dissatisfied. If you’re thinking about buying one from these years, be aware of these common issues. Knowing about them can help you decide better.

Airbag and ABS Faults

Many Lexus ES 350 models from 2013 to 2016 had big problems with airbags and ABS, making people worry about safety and reliability.

The airbags often needed repairs, which was frustrating for owners. The ABS also had a lot of issues, affecting how well the car could brake.

On top of that, the forward collision system in these cars frequently failed, making it less effective and adding to the safety concerns.

If you’re thinking about getting a Lexus ES 350 from these years, be aware of these problems. These ongoing issues show why it’s important to thoroughly inspect these cars or maybe even avoid these model years to ensure you get a reliable and safe vehicle.

Buyers should look for cars with safety features that work properly to avoid possible risks.

Worst Year: 2015

The 2015 Lexus ES 350 is often seen as the worst year for this model because of many reported problems and high complaint rates. In 2015, owners dealt with issues that seriously affected the car’s reliability and safety. These problems made it one of the most troublesome years for the ES 350.

• Airbag issues: Owners often reported that the airbags didn’t work right, which was a big safety concern.
• ABS problems: The anti-lock braking system frequently failed, causing major worries.
• Forward collision system issues: This safety feature was unreliable and often had errors.
• High number of complaints: There were more driver-reported issues in 2015 compared to other years.
• Safety feature problems: Electronic systems and other safety features were particularly troublesome.

All these factors make the 2015 ES 350 a year to avoid.

Reliability Ratings Overview

When looking at the reliability of the Lexus ES 350, you should check data from trusted sources like NHTSA and IIHS to get a full picture. These ratings give you important details about the car’s performance and safety.

For some years, such as 2007, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016, the ratings show major problems. Common issues include electronic faults and software glitches, which lead to safety concerns. Problems with the airbag system, ABS, and forward collision system make things worse.

Experts and drivers often warn about these years because of repeated mechanical and electronic issues, suggesting that potential buyers should avoid them to prevent headaches and safety risks.

Best Years: 2010-2012

Choosing a Lexus ES 350 from the 2010-2012 model years means you’ll get a car known for being more reliable and having fewer issues. These years are praised for their dependable engine and transmission upgrades. You’ll encounter fewer problems that older models often have.

• More reliable with fewer problems
• Better engine and transmission performance
• Fewer oil leaks and head gasket issues
• High marks for durability and lifespan
• Good reviews from drivers and experts

Going with a 2010-2012 Lexus ES 350 will likely give you a more enjoyable ownership experience. These models benefit from better engineering and quality control, making them a great choice among Lexus cars.

Best Years: 2017 Onwards

When looking at a Lexus ES 350, it’s smart to go for models from 2017 onwards. These newer models have better engine reliability and advanced safety features, making for a smoother and safer drive.

They also fix many problems found in older versions. Picking a 2017 or newer ES 350 means you’ll have a more reliable and enjoyable car.

Enhanced Engine Reliability

Starting with the 2017 model year, the Lexus ES 350 has become much more reliable, making it a better choice for long-term use. These newer models have fewer engine problems compared to older versions.

Here are some of the benefits of these later models:

• Better engine reliability: Fewer breakdowns and malfunctions.
• Improved build quality: Superior materials and design.
• Lower maintenance costs: Less frequent repairs.
• Higher resale value: More demand for reliable cars.
• Longer lifespan: The engine lasts longer, ensuring prolonged use.

Choosing a 2017 or newer Lexus ES 350 means fewer engine issues and a more dependable driving experience.

Advanced Safety Features

Starting in 2017, the Lexus ES 350 added new safety features that make driving safer and easier. These models now include important technologies like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking as standard features. These tools help alert you to potential dangers and can even take action to avoid accidents.

The safety upgrades in these models make the 2017 and newer ES 350 a great option for anyone focused on safety. If you want the latest in driver assistance and safety features, choosing a Lexus ES 350 from 2017 onwards is a smart move.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Tips

To make sure you don’t buy a Lexus ES 350 with problems, do a detailed check before purchasing. Focus on common issues like oil leaks, head gasket problems, airbag faults, and accelerator pedal issues. Pay extra attention to problems that are common in certain model years.

• Oil Leaks: Look at the engine and underneath the car for any signs of oil leaking.
• Head Gasket Problems: See if there’s coolant mixed with the oil or other signs of a head gasket issue.
• Airbag Faults: Make sure all airbags work and check if there are any recalls.
• Accelerator Pedal Issues: Test how the accelerator responds to avoid problems with it sticking.
• Electronic Malfunctions: Check for any warning lights or software issues.

It’s crucial to have a qualified mechanic do a thorough inspection.

When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Lexus Rx, Lexus Gx 460, Lexus Ct200h and Lexus Is 250. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.

Conclusion

If you’re thinking about getting a Lexus ES 350, it’s best to steer clear of the 2007-2009 and 2015 models. These years have a lot of reliability problems and costly repairs.

Instead, look for models from 2010-2012 or anything from 2017 and up, as they tend to be much more reliable.

Always get a pre-purchase inspection to avoid any nasty surprises.

Happy car hunting!