RoadVitals

2005 Lexus ES 330 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
141
Latest May 29, 2019
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
36

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2005 Lexus ES 330, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

52
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND WHEN THE DIGANOISED CODE CHECK IS PERFORMED "NO CODES APPEAR," BUT I DO HAVE A POWER STEERING LEAKAGE AND I HEAR THE POWER STEERING NOISE WHEN I AM TURNING AND FROM THE RECALL 11V53900 11/09/2011 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING ITS A HUGE PROBLEM. I CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY WHERE NO HELP! I CALLED FOR SERVICING AND THEY STATED ON MY VIN THERE IS NO RECALL BUT ON THE NHTSA THERE POPS UP THIS RECALL SO NO COOL. I AM GOING TO WAIT UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS AND SUE THE HELL OUT OF LEXUS FOR REFUSING TO SERVICE MY VEHICLE AND NEGLECTING THE ISSUES WHEN I CALLED AND ALL THE CALLS ARE RECORDED. TROUBLE & HORRIBLE SERVICE I AM NOT A SATISFIED CUSTOMER. I GUESS YOU NEED TO BE IN CERTAIN FINANCIAL BRACKET TO RECEIVE EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE.

NHTSA ID 11113561 · filed Jul 25, 2018

THE AUTOMOBILE SEEMS ACCELLERATE JUST A LITTLE BIT.WHEN YOU ARE STEPPING ON THE GAS IT, KIND OF JUMPS FORWARD SOME, WITHOUT PUTTING MORE PRESSURE TO THE PEDAL.IN MOTION AT ANY SPEED.

NHTSA ID 10876227 · filed Jun 23, 2016
All 52 reports naming driver assistance

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

33
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TRANSMISSION SHIFTS VERY ROUGH, UP-SHIFT AND DOWN-SHIFT SINCE VEHICLE WAS NEW. DOCUMENTED/REPORTED PROBLEM AT EVERY SERVICE CHECK. WAS TOLD SOFTWARE HAD BEEN 'ADJUSTED/RESET' AND THAT THIS IS NORMAL FOR THE CAR. AS THE CAR IS AGING PROBLEM IS BECOMING MORE PRONOUNCED AND ROUGH/HARD SHIFTING IS ESCALATING. *TT

NHTSA ID 10417197 · filed Aug 5, 2011

LEXUS ES330 TRANSMISSION. SURGES. *TR

NHTSA ID 10367014 · filed Nov 21, 2010
All 33 reports naming transmission

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT ON WHEN SEATED

NHTSA ID 11210572 · filed May 29, 2019

THIS IS SIMILAR TO THE COMPLAIN ANOTHER CAR OWNER HAS FILED. MY CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM THE LEXUS OF PLEASONTON,CA DEALERSHIP. I HAVE HAD NO MAJOR ACCIDENT OR NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. CAR HAS BEEN LIGHTLY USED WITH 80K MILES ON THE ODOMETER CURRENTLY. THE AIRBAG CONTAINER ON THE PASSENGER DASH HAS PROGRESSIVELY CRACKED AT THE TOPICAL SEAMS OVER TIME. I HAVE BEEN TOLD AN AIRBAG SHOULD NOT LOOK LIKE THIS. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT AN UNTIMELY DEPLOYMENT AND IF THE CONTAINER WILL GET WORSE. AT NO TIME HAS THE AIRBAG BEEN MANIPULATED, REPAIRED, ETC SINCE MY OWNERSHIP.

NHTSA ID 11183306 · filed Feb 28, 2019
All 17 reports naming airbags

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TAMARA RECALL ON MY AIRBAGS,NEVER REPAIRED. I GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT AND AIRBAGS DIDN'T COME OUT. HAVE TO REPLACE BRAKES EVERY FEW MONTHS ON THIS CAR ALSO

NHTSA ID 11039368 · filed Oct 24, 2017

AS CAR IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON BRAKES TO AVOID TWO TEENAGERS RUNNING ACROSS IN FRONT OF HER, I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND THE CAR ACCELERATED FROM 20-30. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID THE SEAT BELT ENGAGE AND LOCK TO PREVENT ME FROM SLAMMING INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. THE ABS BRAKES WERE SLAMMED AND IT FELT LIKE THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK LIKE THERE WAS AN AIR BUBBLE IN THE SYSTEM. I CRASHED INTO THE HYUNDAI. TOTALED MY CAR AND THE FRONT OF THE CAR FRAME WAS BENT. CALLED THE POLICE, BUT DID NOT TAKE A REPORT SINCE NO ONE WAS TAKEN BY AMBULANCE. WENT DO MY DOCTOR AND REPORTED THIS TO LEXUS-INCIDENT NUMBER 150922-00272 ON 9/22/15. LEXUS WILL INSPECT THE CAR ON 10/9/15...UPDATED 10/15/15 *BF ...UPDATED 12/03/15 *BF, UPDATED 4/9/18*JB *TR

NHTSA ID 10777818 · filed Sep 26, 2015
All 13 reports naming brakes

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND WHEN THE DIGANOISED CODE CHECK IS PERFORMED "NO CODES APPEAR," BUT I DO HAVE A POWER STEERING LEAKAGE AND I HEAR THE POWER STEERING NOISE WHEN I AM TURNING AND FROM THE RECALL 11V53900 11/09/2011 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING ITS A HUGE PROBLEM. I CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY WHERE NO HELP! I CALLED FOR SERVICING AND THEY STATED ON MY VIN THERE IS NO RECALL BUT ON THE NHTSA THERE POPS UP THIS RECALL SO NO COOL. I AM GOING TO WAIT UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS AND SUE THE HELL OUT OF LEXUS FOR REFUSING TO SERVICE MY VEHICLE AND NEGLECTING THE ISSUES WHEN I CALLED AND ALL THE CALLS ARE RECORDED. TROUBLE & HORRIBLE SERVICE I AM NOT A SATISFIED CUSTOMER. I GUESS YOU NEED TO BE IN CERTAIN FINANCIAL BRACKET TO RECEIVE EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE.

NHTSA ID 11113561 · filed Jul 25, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LEXUS ES330. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY DISCHARGE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V539000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 66,108. *CONSUMER REQUEST TO WITHDRAW COMPLAINT. UPDATED 10/21/16*LJ THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO WITHDRAW THE COMPLAINT. THE ISSUE WAS FIXED. UPDATED 10/26/16.*JB

NHTSA ID 10898756 · filed Aug 26, 2016
All 12 reports naming engine

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE AUTOMOBILE SEEMS ACCELLERATE JUST A LITTLE BIT.WHEN YOU ARE STEPPING ON THE GAS IT, KIND OF JUMPS FORWARD SOME, WITHOUT PUTTING MORE PRESSURE TO THE PEDAL.IN MOTION AT ANY SPEED.

NHTSA ID 10876227 · filed Jun 23, 2016

DID NOT HAVE A CAR ACCIDENT, OR EXPERIENCE ANY INJURIES OR CAR DAMAGE, BUT THIS CAR, LIKE NUMEROUS OTHER CARS OF THE SAME MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR HAS SOME SERIOUS TRANSMISSION/COMPUTER SOFTWARE ISSUES AT TIMES. IT HESITATES AND LURCHES OFTEN. I DROVE ON THE HIGHWAY YESTERDAY AND THE CAR ACTED UP IN THE WORST WAY EVER.BUT IT SEEMS TO ME THAT WITH INFORMATION ON THESE SAME TRANSMISSION ISSUES PLASTERED ALL OVER THE INTERNET, YOUR ORGANIZATION WOULD MAKE TOYOTA ENGINEER A PERMANENT FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM, AND RECALL AND FIX THESE CARS.

NHTSA ID 10715805 · filed May 11, 2015
All 10 reports naming powertrain (other)

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LEXUS ES330. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT AND WAS DRIVEN HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING PUMP AND ALTERNATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NEEDED TO REPLACE HER KEY WITH ANOTHER KEY CHIP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID 10967246 · filed Mar 20, 2017

MY COMPLAINT IS IN REGARD TO THE IGNITION SWITCH FOR MY 2005 LEXUS ES-330. WHILE TRYING TO START MY VEHICLE THE CASE THAT HOUSES THE KEY BROKE APART. THE KEY WAS STILL IN THE IGNITION, THE CAR RUNNING, BUT THE OTHER HALF OF THE CASE WAS DANGLING FROM THE KEY ITSELF.AFTER I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE ENGINE BY TURNING IT OFF WITH THE KEY ITSELF AND GATHERING UP ALL THE PARTS OF THE IGNITION SWITCH, UPON OBSERVATION I FOUND A VERY SMALL SCREW THAT SUPPOSEDLY WAS USED TO SECURE THE SWITCH CASE TOGETHER HAD BECOME LOOSE AND THEREFORE ALLOWED THE SWITCH CASE TO BREAK OPEN FROM THE PRESSURE NEEDED TO START THE ENGINE. WITH A LITTLE BIT OF GLUE AND TRANSPARENT TAPE I WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR AND DRIVE IT TO THE LOCAL LEXUS DEALER ON ATLANTIC BLVD.IN JACKSONVILLE, FL.THE SERVICE MANAGER SEEMED UNCONCERNED ABOUT MY PROBLEM, AND SPOKE MOSTLY ABOUT THE REDESIGNED SWITCH PRESENTLY AVAILABLE, AND WAS TOTALLY UNCONCERNED ABOUT MY PROBLEM. I ASKED ABOUT OTHERS WITH THE SAME TYPE KEY CASE AS MINE AND IF A REMEDY HAD BEEN TAKEN TO THE SECURING OF THE SMALL SCREW THAT HOLDS THE CASE TOGETHER, HE SAID NOT HIS KNOWLEDGE. I GUESS MY QUESTION IS SIMPLY WHY NOT? THE SERVICE MANAGER IS [XXX], I WAS TOLD BY HIM MY ONLY SOLUTION WAS TO PURCHASE ANOTHER KEY AS IF THE PROBLEM WAS MINE INSTEAD OF THE DEALERS.COULD THERE BE A SAFETY CONCERN HERE? I AM [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 10916491 · filed Oct 17, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WHEN I NOTICED FLAMES SHOOTING OUT UNDER THE HOOD.

NHTSA ID 10785011 · filed Oct 21, 2015

LEXUS ES 330, WHEN ACCELERATING, THERE IS A HESITATION. DEALER SAID IT WAS RELATED TO OCTANE OF GASOLINE, THAT I SHOULD INCREASE THE OCTANE TO 92. THIS DID NOT HELP. THEY LIE AT EVERY ANGLE... *TR

NHTSA ID 10331870 · filed May 23, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND WHEN THE DIGANOISED CODE CHECK IS PERFORMED "NO CODES APPEAR," BUT I DO HAVE A POWER STEERING LEAKAGE AND I HEAR THE POWER STEERING NOISE WHEN I AM TURNING AND FROM THE RECALL 11V53900 11/09/2011 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING ITS A HUGE PROBLEM. I CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY WHERE NO HELP! I CALLED FOR SERVICING AND THEY STATED ON MY VIN THERE IS NO RECALL BUT ON THE NHTSA THERE POPS UP THIS RECALL SO NO COOL. I AM GOING TO WAIT UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS AND SUE THE HELL OUT OF LEXUS FOR REFUSING TO SERVICE MY VEHICLE AND NEGLECTING THE ISSUES WHEN I CALLED AND ALL THE CALLS ARE RECORDED. TROUBLE & HORRIBLE SERVICE I AM NOT A SATISFIED CUSTOMER. I GUESS YOU NEED TO BE IN CERTAIN FINANCIAL BRACKET TO RECEIVE EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE.

NHTSA ID 11113561 · filed Jul 25, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LEXUS ES330. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT AND WAS DRIVEN HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING PUMP AND ALTERNATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NEEDED TO REPLACE HER KEY WITH ANOTHER KEY CHIP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID 10967246 · filed Mar 20, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

1. HEADLIGHTS: BEFORE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, I NOTICED THE BLINKING CAUTION LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD. SERVICE MANAGER SAID THE AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT WAS WORKING FINE AND TO IGNORE THE BLINKING CAUTION LIGHT. NOTHING COULD BE DONE. I LATER RESEARCHED AND FOUND THERE ARE LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS. 2. TRANSMISSION LAGS AT LOW SPEEDS. THIS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING THROUGH TRAFFIC CIRCLES AND GOING THROUGH BUSY INTERSECTIONS. SERVICE MANAGER SAID THIS IS NORMAL OPERATING AND TO USE A HIGHER OCTANE GAS. I AM RETURNING VEHICLE TO LEXUS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10633795 · filed Sep 16, 2014

2005 LEXUS ES 330 DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH THE HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE HEADLAMPS. THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS DO NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE ILLUMINATION, ESPECIALLY ON ROADS WITH NO STREET LIGHTS, REFLECTORS OR LANE MARKINGS. THERE IS A SHARP CUTOFF OF LIGHT ABOUT 40-50 FEET IN FRONT OF THE CAR BEYOND WHICH THERE IS LITTLE OR NO LIGHT CAST ON THE ROADWAY SURFACE. REFLECTIVE SIGNS CAN BE SEEN FARTHER AWAY BUT ONE CANNOT HELP BUT OVERDRIVE THE LIGHTS AT ANY SPEED ABOVE 20MPH BECAUSE NOTHING ON THE ROAD ITSELF IS ILLUMINATED. THE LOW BEAMS SEEM TO BE DELIBERATELY AIMED AT THE GROUND 40-50' AWAY. LIGHT IN THE 40-50' ZONE IN FRONT OF THE CAR IS ADEQUATE. BEYOND THAT IT IS NOT. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW IN JAN 2005 AND THE PROBLEM DID NOT ARISE UNTIL 2-3 YEARS LATER, OR AT LEAST THAT'S WHEN I FIRST NOTICED IT. THE DEALER CHECKED THE LIGHTS AND STATED THE HIGH INTENSITY LIGHTS COULD NOT BE ADJUSTED TO RAISE THE CUTOFF POINT(LIGHTS ARE SELF LEVELING) AND THAT THE LIGHTS WERE WORKING NORMALLY. THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM IF THERE IS ONCOMING TRAFFIC BECAUSE THEIR LIGHTS ILLUMINATE THE ROAD BETWEEN MY CAR AND THEIRS. HOWEVER ON A DARK STREET WITH NO ONCOMING CARS IT'S LIKE DRIVING INTO A POOL OF DARKNESS PAST THE 40-50 FOOT CUTOFF OF LIGHT IN FRONT OF THE CAR. I HAVE TO USE THE HIGH BEAMS WHEN ON A PITCH BLACK ROAD, BUT THAT'S NOT A GOOD SOLUTION. I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER CAR WITHOUT CHECKING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE LIGHTS ON A DARK ROAD. LEXUS NEEDS TO FIX THIS - IT IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. MILEAGE ON THE CAR IN NOW IN THE MID 40S. THIS CONDITION IS ONGOING, NOT INTERMITTENT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10361382 · filed Oct 20, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE DASHBOARD IS CRACKING AND LOOKS TO BE EXPANDING. THIS IS HAPPENING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SEAM AND IT STARTED ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO. I AM VERY CONCERN THIS MAY COMPROMISE THE AIRBAG AND SAFETY. I CALLED MY LOCAL LEXUS DEALERSHIP AND CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS AFTER HEARING ABOUT MANY OTHER MODELS BEING REPLACED BUT MY MODEL IS NOT ON THE LIST. ON CLUBLEXUS.COM, MANY USERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME THING BUT I AM NOT SURE IF THEY HAVE FILE A VEHICLE COMPLAINT YET. HERE IS THE LINK: HTTP://WWW.CLUBLEXUS.COM/FORUMS/ES300-AND-ES330/657687-ES330-SHRINKING-DASH-AIRBAG-COVER.HTML. *TR

NHTSA ID 10701267 · filed Mar 23, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LEXUS ES330. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, HE NOTICED CRACKS ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE DASHBOARD WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. *TR UPDATED 9/17/13*CN

NHTSA ID 10505968 · filed Apr 11, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AS CAR IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON BRAKES TO AVOID TWO TEENAGERS RUNNING ACROSS IN FRONT OF HER, I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND THE CAR ACCELERATED FROM 20-30. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID THE SEAT BELT ENGAGE AND LOCK TO PREVENT ME FROM SLAMMING INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. THE ABS BRAKES WERE SLAMMED AND IT FELT LIKE THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK LIKE THERE WAS AN AIR BUBBLE IN THE SYSTEM. I CRASHED INTO THE HYUNDAI. TOTALED MY CAR AND THE FRONT OF THE CAR FRAME WAS BENT. CALLED THE POLICE, BUT DID NOT TAKE A REPORT SINCE NO ONE WAS TAKEN BY AMBULANCE. WENT DO MY DOCTOR AND REPORTED THIS TO LEXUS-INCIDENT NUMBER 150922-00272 ON 9/22/15. LEXUS WILL INSPECT THE CAR ON 10/9/15...UPDATED 10/15/15 *BF ...UPDATED 12/03/15 *BF, UPDATED 4/9/18*JB *TR

NHTSA ID 10777818 · filed Sep 26, 2015

REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE IN THE SEAT CANNOT BE FASTENED WITHOUT HOLDING THE BUCKLE TO SNAP IN PLACE. TO KEEP THE SEAT BUCKLE FROM RECLINING BACK INTO THE REAR SEAT PASSENGERS HAS TO USE BOTH HAND TO FASTEN THE SEAT BELT.*AK WHEN PASSENGER'S SIT IN THE REAR SEATS THEY FIND IT DIFFICULT TO FASTEN THE SEAT BELT. THEY HAVE DIFFICULTY IN LOCKING THE BUCKLE. *BF

NHTSA ID 10117262 · filed Apr 25, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

NOKIAN 215/55 R17 98V XL TIRES PURCHASED JAN. '09 FOR 2005 LEXUS ES330 DO NOT HOLD AIR. FACTORY TIRES THEY REPLACED HELD AIR W/O PROBLEMS. TIRE DEALER, BORST TIRE CENTERS, 3361 SO. THOMPSON ST., SCHENECTADY, NY 12306, ATTEMPTED 3 TIMES TO CORRECT, BLAMING LOSS OF AIR ON CORROSION OF THE RIMS. ON 3RD ATTEMPT GROUND OFF THE "CORROSION" BUT LITTLE OR NO IMPROVEMENT RESULTED. MUST ADD AIR 2X WEEKLY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10303157 · filed Jan 29, 2010

2005 LEXUS ES 330'S TIRE BLEWOUT. *KB THE BLOWOUT OCCURRED ON THE RIGHT REAR TIRE. THE DRIVING CONDITIONS WERE GOOD AND THERE WERE NOT OBJECT IN THE ROAD TO CAUSED THE BLOWOUT. (TOYO TUBELESS STEEL BELTED RADIAL). *NM UPDATED. *JB

NHTSA ID 10165854 · filed Aug 14, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT ON WHEN SEATED

NHTSA ID 11210572 · filed May 29, 2019

DT: CALLER SAYS VEHICLE HAS SEVERAL PROBLEMS., BRAKES VIBRATED, AND SHE HAD TO PUMP THEM. ALSO, REAR SUSPENSION PROBLEMS, TRACTION CONTROL PROBLEMS, AND COOLING SYSTEM PROBLEMS IN THE ENGINE.. VEHICLE WAS AT DEALER FOR 4 DAYS THE FIRST TIME AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO GIVE HER ANY INFORMATION ON THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST. MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE CALLER WITH ANY INFORMATION BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER YET. CALLER IS WAITING FOR MANUFACTURER TO CALL HER BACK. ALSO, CALLER HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE LIGHTS INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND DASH LIGHTS. . *AK

NHTSA ID 10129315 · filed Jul 19, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LEXUS ES330. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER REAR WINDOW MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT EXPLAINED THAT THE WINDOW WOULD OPEN INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO CLOSE IT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ID 10495054 · filed Jan 29, 2013

2005 LEXUS ES 330 DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH THE HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE HEADLAMPS. THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS DO NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE ILLUMINATION, ESPECIALLY ON ROADS WITH NO STREET LIGHTS, REFLECTORS OR LANE MARKINGS. THERE IS A SHARP CUTOFF OF LIGHT ABOUT 40-50 FEET IN FRONT OF THE CAR BEYOND WHICH THERE IS LITTLE OR NO LIGHT CAST ON THE ROADWAY SURFACE. REFLECTIVE SIGNS CAN BE SEEN FARTHER AWAY BUT ONE CANNOT HELP BUT OVERDRIVE THE LIGHTS AT ANY SPEED ABOVE 20MPH BECAUSE NOTHING ON THE ROAD ITSELF IS ILLUMINATED. THE LOW BEAMS SEEM TO BE DELIBERATELY AIMED AT THE GROUND 40-50' AWAY. LIGHT IN THE 40-50' ZONE IN FRONT OF THE CAR IS ADEQUATE. BEYOND THAT IT IS NOT. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW IN JAN 2005 AND THE PROBLEM DID NOT ARISE UNTIL 2-3 YEARS LATER, OR AT LEAST THAT'S WHEN I FIRST NOTICED IT. THE DEALER CHECKED THE LIGHTS AND STATED THE HIGH INTENSITY LIGHTS COULD NOT BE ADJUSTED TO RAISE THE CUTOFF POINT(LIGHTS ARE SELF LEVELING) AND THAT THE LIGHTS WERE WORKING NORMALLY. THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM IF THERE IS ONCOMING TRAFFIC BECAUSE THEIR LIGHTS ILLUMINATE THE ROAD BETWEEN MY CAR AND THEIRS. HOWEVER ON A DARK STREET WITH NO ONCOMING CARS IT'S LIKE DRIVING INTO A POOL OF DARKNESS PAST THE 40-50 FOOT CUTOFF OF LIGHT IN FRONT OF THE CAR. I HAVE TO USE THE HIGH BEAMS WHEN ON A PITCH BLACK ROAD, BUT THAT'S NOT A GOOD SOLUTION. I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER CAR WITHOUT CHECKING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE LIGHTS ON A DARK ROAD. LEXUS NEEDS TO FIX THIS - IT IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. MILEAGE ON THE CAR IN NOW IN THE MID 40S. THIS CONDITION IS ONGOING, NOT INTERMITTENT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10361382 · filed Oct 20, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

NOKIAN 215/55 R17 98V XL TIRES PURCHASED JAN. '09 FOR 2005 LEXUS ES330 DO NOT HOLD AIR. FACTORY TIRES THEY REPLACED HELD AIR W/O PROBLEMS. TIRE DEALER, BORST TIRE CENTERS, 3361 SO. THOMPSON ST., SCHENECTADY, NY 12306, ATTEMPTED 3 TIMES TO CORRECT, BLAMING LOSS OF AIR ON CORROSION OF THE RIMS. ON 3RD ATTEMPT GROUND OFF THE "CORROSION" BUT LITTLE OR NO IMPROVEMENT RESULTED. MUST ADD AIR 2X WEEKLY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10303157 · filed Jan 29, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

DT: CALLER SAYS VEHICLE HAS SEVERAL PROBLEMS., BRAKES VIBRATED, AND SHE HAD TO PUMP THEM. ALSO, REAR SUSPENSION PROBLEMS, TRACTION CONTROL PROBLEMS, AND COOLING SYSTEM PROBLEMS IN THE ENGINE.. VEHICLE WAS AT DEALER FOR 4 DAYS THE FIRST TIME AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO GIVE HER ANY INFORMATION ON THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST. MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE CALLER WITH ANY INFORMATION BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT CONTACTED THE DEALER YET. CALLER IS WAITING FOR MANUFACTURER TO CALL HER BACK. ALSO, CALLER HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE LIGHTS INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND DASH LIGHTS. . *AK

NHTSA ID 10129315 · filed Jul 19, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .