MotorDeets

Lexus ES350 problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every ES350 from 2008 to 2023: 912 owner complaints and 30 recalls across 16 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2008 (255), 2011 (153), 2009 (145). Best fuel economy: 26 mpg combined (2023).

Lexus ES350
Photo: Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Airbags614
Speed control / throttle86
Other / unknown54
Electrical42
Body & structure38
Brakes25
Visibility (wipers, glass)20
Engine15

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
2008425522
2009514522
2010513722
2011315322
201238922
201312324
201412824
201511624
201612124
201712224
20182524
20192526
20201526
20210526
20220226
20230126

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Lexus ES350.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Lexus ES350?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2008 (255), 2011 (153), 2009 (145).

How many recalls has the Lexus ES350 had?

Across 2008–2023, NHTSA lists 30 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).