MotorDeets

Lexus Es problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Es from 1996 to 2025: 670 owner complaints and 8 recalls across 30 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2007 (125), 2008 (68), 2005 (58). Best fuel economy: 44 mpg combined (2025).

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

Problem areas across all years

Airbags227
Other / unknown92
Body & structure74
Electrical58
Transmission & drivetrain57
Speed control / throttle56
Engine49
Brakes46

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
19960121
19970219
19980120
19990819
20000620
20010220
200202721
200302321
200401621
200505821
200601221
2007012522
200806822
200902822
201004122
201104622
201203122
201303440
20140440
20150540
20160940
20170340
20180540
201913444
202011844
202112844
202201144
202321044
20242944
20251544

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 Es.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

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

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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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 Es?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2007 (125), 2008 (68), 2005 (58).

How many recalls has the Lexus Es had?

Across 1996–2025, NHTSA lists 8 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).