Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Our database contains 41 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2010 Lexus ES, most frequently naming the airbags, body & structure and visibility categories. 49 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
When owners filed reports about this model year
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 2013 | 1 | 1 |
| Feb 2015 | 1 | 2 |
| Jul 2016 | 1 | 3 |
| Aug 2016 | 2 | 5 |
| Sep 2016 | 1 | 6 |
| Oct 2016 | 3 | 9 |
| Dec 2016 | 1 | 10 |
| Jan 2017 | 1 | 11 |
| Mar 2017 | 3 | 14 |
| May 2017 | 2 | 16 |
| Jun 2017 | 2 | 18 |
| Oct 2017 | 1 | 19 |
| Dec 2017 | 2 | 21 |
| Jan 2018 | 1 | 22 |
| May 2018 | 1 | 23 |
| Jul 2018 | 1 | 24 |
| Sep 2018 | 1 | 25 |
| Jan 2020 | 1 | 26 |
| Nov 2020 | 1 | 27 |
| Jan 2021 | 1 | 28 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 29 |
| Dec 2021 | 1 | 30 |
| May 2022 | 1 | 31 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 32 |
| Mar 2023 | 1 | 33 |
| Sep 2023 | 1 | 34 |
| Dec 2023 | 1 | 35 |
| Jun 2024 | 1 | 36 |
| May 2025 | 1 | 37 |
| Aug 2025 | 3 | 40 |
| Jul 2026 | 1 | 41 |
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
No recalls in our database for this model year
That does not guarantee a specific vehicle is unaffected — recalls are issued against VINs, and new campaigns are announced regularly. Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov.
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
on the front dashboard there is a lot of oil deposit which is from the dashboard material which is reflective and sticky, this oil deposit reflects on the windshield and is making visibility hard when driving in sunlight... i have reached out to the Lexus corporate and they have indicated that the recall is over (even though i never got the recall notice. This is happening to other drivers with the same model as well.
Good afternoon, The first thing that I need to say (which will become obvious when seeing the attachments) is that I made an “extremely foolish,” decision on March 13, 2025 when I decided to purchase this Lexus 2010 vehicle from Audi Orange Park. I was without a car and had a work trip coming up and along with other distractions I most definitely was not paying attention to the “swindling” that was happening right in front of my eyes. The transaction was VERY FAST and when signing the documents the gentleman had me sign on my phone and did allow me to use the IPAD that he was using so you can imagine how difficult it was for me to possibly see anything that I was signing. YES, I WAS AN IDIOT! Hindsight is 20/20. Everything was UNPROFESSIONAL and unfortunately, I let it happen to me. So other than putting all of this in writing to make it known of this fraudulent behavior I have to swallow my pride and admit that I was just STUPID that day. On August 23, 2025, I stopped by Arlington dealership to look at used Rav4 thinking that perhaps I could find out what would be needed to trade in eventually. It wasn’t until this time that I realized what the CARFAX stated, and it was the Arlington dealership that informed me of what appeared to be a ”roll back of the odometer.” After being in complete shock and in basically in tears of what the Audi Dealership had done and yes once again being made very much aware of my not so bright decision making. I looked at the car fax and the Audi dealership states it changed two tires before I purchased. After the purchase the tire pressure light was on so I went by Discount tire for them to put air in at which time they informed me that ALL 4 tires were AWFUL and really should not be driving on them. Had an appointment and had to leave. On 3/23/25 I went to Tire plus just thought I would make sure that the tires really were ALL bad. Yes, they said ALL were bad and that there was one that they could put it trunk for a possible
I have the full panoramic glass roof. The seal around the whole roof has rotted away. There is nothing wrong with the glass, but I believe the missing molding makes the glass less secure. Without the molding, rainwater is seeping into who knows what electrical components within the vehicle. Lexus will not replace the molding or the glass at their expense. This is a dangerous manufacture defect that should be repaired by Lexus.
Dear NHTSA Vehicle Safety Team, I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my 2010 Lexus ES350 (VIN: [XXX] ) concerning a dashboard melting issue. Several years ago, Lexus issued a recall for melting dashboards, including my vehicle. At that time, I did not request a replacement. However, after the recall period ended, my dashboard began to melt. The material becomes sticky, shiny, and unsafe under sunlight. During daytime driving, the melted dashboard reflects sunlight onto the windshield, making it difficult and dangerous to see the road clearly. I have contacted my local Lexus dealer and Lexus corporate headquarters, but both refused assistance, citing the expired recall period. Despite this, the defect continues to exist and presents a serious safety concern. I request that NHTSA record this issue as a safety defect and consider it for further investigation. Attached are photos of my dashboard for reference. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Purchased this car on [XXX] from Alpina Motors on Eastern Blvd in Maryland. In February took the car to Ron's Auto Repair, and he said that the brakes were metal on metal, so he replaced the Brakes and Rotors for $510. On [XXX] while driving on the Garden State Parkway with my [XXX] son the axle broke. Scaring me and my son because of losing control and not knowing what to do. Had to call my grandmother to get car towed and repaired at Scotts Auto in Carney's Point, NJ for $465. On 05/01/2025 I asked the dealer if he could he check my transmission fluid. He stated he couldn't because he didn't have a tool. On 05/02/2025 I took the car to Midas Auto Service on Eastern Ave in Balto. The tech stated this car needed Ignition Coil, Spark Plugs Brake pads and rotors for the front of the car. Bald tire in rear, other Axle, Engine & Transmission Mounts and Transmission filter and fluid. The technician at Midas stated that had the dealer inspected this car prior to selling, he would have known about the condition of the car. I paid Midas for the transmission filter and fluid. They suggested I return it to the dealer. When I did the dealer stated that he would replace other axle, replace Engine & trans. mount, rear brakes and rotors and 6 spark plugs for $1100. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I have been driving with a shiny sticky dashboard that reflects light directly into my eyes when I'm driving creating a dangerous driving condition. I was just made aware that there was a Lexus Customer Support Program ZLZ to replace this defective dashboard but I never received a recall notice. I have asked Lexus corporate and the dealership to help me resolve this dangerous defect but they said the program has expired and is no longer willing to help. I am a senior citizen and cannot afford to pay for this out of pocket or buy a new car. This defect is a widely known issue and Lexus has acknowledged that this is causing a dangerous condition while driving. I cannot understand why they would not resolve this matter regardless the program expired or not especially if owners did not received the notice. Please help. Lexus is unwilling to resolve this matter even though they know this defect is causing dangerous driving conditions which may lead to accidents.
No lamps on at all. Car was in a major accident and no airbags went off. Was hit almost head on by a ram pickup at approximately 45 miles an hour and then the truck went down the drivers side of the car Car was stopped at a red light at the time of the incident
The contact owns a 2010 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that he had noticed a sticky texture on the dashboard directly in the driver's view. The contact stated that while driving, the sticky texture reflected onto the windshield impairing his vision. The vehicle was taken to a local collision center. The mechanic confirmed that the dashboard was melting. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Some 2005 – 2026 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Some 2010 – 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard™. The wrinkles may trap water and cause the paint to stain from the trapped moisture, especially on horizontal surfaces such as the hood, roof, and trunk.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Some 2010 – 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard™. The wrinkles may trap water and cause the paint to stain from the trapped moisture, especially on horizontal surfaces such as the hood, roof, and trunk.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to all model and model year specific Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2024 | 9 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2023 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 65.8 |
| 2022 | 8 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2021 | 28 | 1 | 0 | 51.4 |
| 2020 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 56.8 |
| 2019 | 34 | 1 | 0 | 53.0 |
| 2018 | 5 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2017 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2016 | 9 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2015 | 5 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2014 | 4 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2013 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 49.1 |
| 2012 | 31 | 0 | 0 | 54.1 |
| 2011 | 46 | 0 | 0 | 46.4 |
| 2010Viewing | 41 | 0 | 0 | 44.0 |
| 2009 | 28 | 0 | 0 | 49.3 |
| 2008 | 68 | 0 | 1 | 50.0 |
| 2007 | 125 | 0 | 1 | 49.7 |
| 2006 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 29.7 |
| 2005 | 58 | 0 | 1 | 54.8 |
| 2004 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 43.6 |
| 2003 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 54.1 |
| 2002 | 27 | 0 | 0 | 54.2 |
| 2001 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2000 | 6 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1999 | 8 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1998 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1997 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1996 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1995 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1994 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.