Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full
Data refreshed
Complaints on fileComplaints 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.
46
+1 complaint in 30 days
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.
6
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
2
Reports on file since Oct 18, 2011
What this page shows
Our database holds 46 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 Lexus ES. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaints, most recent first
Showing 1–25 of 46 · page 1 of 2
Electrical
Filed Jul 26, 2026
I AM GETTING A PARASITIC ELECTRICAL DRAW OF 12% OVERNIGHT. ON A NEW INTERSTATE BATTERY. I HAVE CHECKED LIGHTING AND ALLSTATE MILEWISE MONITOR AND NEITHER APPEAR TO BE THE SOURCE. IS THERE A COMMON ISSUE ON A 2011 ES350?
NHTSA ID
11752883
Incident
Jul 6, 2026
Electrical
Filed Aug 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2011 Lexus ES 350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed fluid leaking from the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,912.
NHTSA ID
11681439
Incident
Aug 18, 2025
Mileage
137,912 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Dec 5, 2024
I purchased the car on Feb 9, 2014 at the above Lexus Dealership. $26,596. My dashboard is melting and it’s definitely a safety hazard. When materials used in the dashboard are prone to melting or degrading in extreme heat, potentially obstructing the driver's view and impacting visibility. At times I couldn't see and I almost had an accident when the sun reflected in my eyes. It’s a defect that Lexus is aware of because they offered to fix it under the Customer Support Program (Takata Economic Loss Class Action Settlement). Furthermore, by way of legal agreement, the ZLZ warranty enhancement coverage extends to my vehicle until January 8, 2026. However, I should not have to rely on this legal agreement to get Lexus to take care of this repair which has been determined as a defective product/material. I contacted Lexus HQ 716-941-2295 on November 21, 2024. Lexus said they would not be responsible. The law recognizes concepts of negligence and strict liability to hold sellers liable for defective goods even when no contract existed. Furthermore, regarding this dashboard defect, there is liability based on the breach of a warranty for the sale of this defective product. Regarding negligence and strict liability, the law has expanded the scope of warranty protections for consumers. This is true both of liability for express promises made by the sellers regarding the quality of products, and the protections the law presumes when sellers offer goods for sale. Lexus knows that when a seller makes a representation at the time of sale regarding the quality of the product, that product is said to be under warranty. Lexus should not continue to avoid responsibility using the excuse of time limitations on the warranty item. Lexus should authorize the repair.
NHTSA ID
11628978
Incident
Dec 5, 2024
Body & structureVisibility
Filed Nov 11, 2024
We purchased this vehicle in mid 2018. In October of 2018 Lexus issued a customer support process ZLZ which covered our vehicle for problems with the dashboard. At that time, we had no deterioration of our dashboard so we did not respond. The Lexus program expired in 2021. In the last two years, our dashboard has deteriorated quite substantially becoming sticky and more importantly, becoming very reflective. This condition is a serious safety issue for day and night driving as light reflects up on the windshield and obscures vision out of the windshield. We took the vehicle to Lexus San Diego in August of 2024 and they declined to address the repair as a defect and offered to replace the dashboard for approximately $3000. At that time I called the Lexus Corporate Dept and they said that it could fall under the support program again if they re-opened the program. The representative did not offer any timeline for that happening. I sent correspondence to Lexus Corporate in Oct of 2024 and finally heard back on 11/08/2024 that they would only offer a customer paid fix of approximately $2200.00. The dashboard is definitely defective (soon to be inoperable) and creates a very significant safety problem. I do not understand or agree with Lexus not addressing it properly.
NHTSA ID
11624496
Incident
Nov 8, 2024
Fuel system
Filed Aug 10, 2024
I started my vehicle and drove about 1/2 mile when the car started acting like it was running out of gas. I pulled over and got about 1gallon of gas in a gas can and put it in the vehicle. I turned the car back on and drove about 2 blocks when the vehicle started jumping like it was going to run out of gas again. The vehicle then shut down while I was driving it. I made it to the side of the road and put the vehicle in park and turned off the ignition with the push start button. I tried to start the vehicle again with the push start button and the vehicle would just try to start but just crank and not turn on. This ended up being a fault fuel pump. After some research I was able to find out Lexus had several thousand vehicles of the same year make and model recalled due to a faulty fuel pump that goes out while driving causing a dangerous driving condition which is exactly what occurred in my vehicle. I contacted Lexus and was told my vehicle was not included in the recall which I don’t understand due to the fact that my fuel pump went out while was driving. I am requesting this issue be investigated and the vehicle be added to the list of recalled vehicles with faulty fuel pumps
NHTSA ID
11607669
Incident
Jul 19, 2024
Airbags
Filed May 1, 2024
Crash reported1 injury reported
The contact owned a 2011 Lexus ES 350. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle crossed over into oncoming traffic, resulting in a head-on collision with the contact's vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact insurance provider. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact's wife was transported to an area hospital by EMT and treated for injuries to her right shoulder, left hip, left femur, and left foot, requiring surgery on her shoulder, hip, and femur. The contact also stated that it was required that a stint be placed in his wife's heart. The contact mentioned the injuries sustained resulted in over $1 million in medical treatment. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA ID
11586401
Incident
May 1, 2024
Airbags
Filed Apr 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light was flashing constantly. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Occupant Classification Sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the Occupant Classification Sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags). The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
NHTSA ID
11584675
Incident
Jun 29, 2023
Mileage
65,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Nov 21, 2023
I own a 2011 Lexus ES350. I understand there were several times in the past when repairs for a melting dashboard was fixed with no cost to the car owner. I don’t recall receiving information on this offer in a timely manner and now the offers have apparently expired. I think most customers were concerned about the cosmetic damage of the dashboard, but I have valid safety concerns. Sometimes when the sun is out, the line of vision is blurred due to the reflection of the melted dashboard. I want this to be repaired before I have an accident.
NHTSA ID
11556374
Incident
Jun 1, 2023
Airbags
Filed Nov 6, 2023
Crash reported1 injury reported
The contact owned a 2011 Lexus 350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, her vehicle collided with another vehicle that ran a red light at 50 MPH on the front passenger side door. The impact caused the vehicle to careen off the roadway and collide with a billboard support beam where it came to stop. No air bags were deployed. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact was transported to an area hospital by emergency services and treated for ocular facial pain, diplopia gaze, and a possible brain aneurysm, resulting in post-concussion syndrome. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 170,000.
NHTSA ID
11553879
Incident
Sep 3, 2023
Mileage
170,000 mi
BrakesSteeringSuspension
Filed Oct 10, 2022
The vehicle has severe rust and corrosion underneath affecting the suspension. The brakes and power steering needed repairs but the service would cause even more damage to the vehicle. The vehicle was confirmed by sterling mcall lexus of clear lake. 18160 Gulf Fwy, Houston, TX 77546. and also Firestone Center Pearland 2908 Broadway St, Pearland, TX 77581. This vehicle is unsafe to operate due to the corrosion. An accident may soon occur.
NHTSA ID
11488619
Incident
Sep 1, 2022
Interior & seats
Filed Sep 21, 2021
2011 LEXUS ES. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BROKEN DOOR HANDLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE WAS BROKEN, THE DRIVER'S SEAT COVER AND OUTER BOLSTER SECTIONS WERE DAMAGED, AND THE ROOF PAINT WAS PEELING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE.
NHTSA ID
11433846
Incident
Sep 21, 2021
Body & structure
Filed May 4, 2020
THE DASHBOARD IS MELTING WHICH RESULTS IN THE NOXIOUS CHEMICAL SMELL AND ADHESIVE COMPOUND THAT IS STICKY TO THE TOUCH.
NHTSA ID
11323268
Incident
Jan 1, 2020
Airbags
Filed Jul 23, 2018
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) WARNING LIGHT IS ILLUMINATING ON INSTRUMENT PANEL AND DOES NOT GO OUT WHEN CAR IS STARTED AND DRIVEN.
NHTSA ID
11113066
Incident
Jul 22, 2018
Mileage
53,400 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Jun 4, 2018
THE LEATHER ON BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS HAVE FAILED AND SPLIT, DETERIORATED AND THE LEATHER ON THE ARMREST BETWEEN SEATS HAVE DETERIORATED.
NHTSA ID
11099516
Incident
May 1, 2018
Mileage
100,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Dec 19, 2017
"TAKATA RECALL", AFTER CONTACTING LOCAL LEXUS DEALERSHIP I MADE AN APPOINTMENT ON 9/8/2017 TO HAVE REPAIRS MADE, I WAS TOLD NO REMEDY AVAILABLE PER THE LOCAL LEXUS DEALERSHIP (LEXUS OF BELLEVUE). IT IS NOW 12/19/2017 AND STILL NO REPAIRS OR REMEDY FROM LEXUS.
NHTSA ID
11055593
Incident
Sep 8, 2017
Airbags
Filed Nov 27, 2017
TAKATA RECALL; I HAVE MAJOR CONCERN RELEVANT TO NOT ONLY THE PASS/SIDE AIR BAG, BUT TO THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG ALSO. I REQUEST BOTH SIDES BE REPLACED, UNLESS YOU CAN PROVIDE DATA THAT WILL CONFIRM THERE IS NO ISSUE WITH DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG. DEALER/SEWELL ADVISED MY WORK WOULD BE DONE IN SEPT 17. THEY HAVE YET TO SET UP AN APPT FOR MY REPAIRS. PLS HELP. THANKS
NHTSA ID
11048783
Incident
Sep 7, 2017
Mileage
71,210 mi
Airbags
Filed Nov 5, 2017
TAKATA RECALL. WE RECEIVED NOTICE OF THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL IN ROUGHLY AUGUST OF 2016. IT SAID THAT A PASSENGER SHOULD NOT SIT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. MY WIFE AND I ARE RETIRED AND ALWAYS DRIVE TOGETHER. THIS RECALL MADE OUR LEXUS UNDRIVEABLE FOR THE PAST YEAR AND 3 MONTHS. THERE HAS BEEN NO RECOMPENSATION BY LEXUS.
NHTSA ID
11043464
Incident
Aug 1, 2016
Mileage
30,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Oct 8, 2017
MAY 23,2016 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBERGLG NHTSA RECALL NUMBER16V340 RECALL STATUSRECALL INCOMPLETE STILL THE LOCAL DEALER IS REFUSING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE TO USE MY CAR GOING TO WORK, CITY AND HIGHWAY FROM FRISCO TO MCKINNEY IN TEXAS.
NHTSA ID
11032237
Incident
May 23, 2016
Airbags
Filed Oct 1, 2017
"TAKATA RECALL" THE FIRST CONTACT WAS A LETTER NHTSA - TAKATA AIRBAG INFLATION EXPANSION SUMMARY OF PHASE (ZONE A - GOP (INTRIM G1P). THE SECOND CONTACT WAS A LETTER DATED MAY 23, 2016 STATING SAFETY RECALL GLG & GLH (INTRIM G2G & G2H) THE THIRD CONTACT WAS A LETTER WITH MY VIN: [XXX] AND NHTSA RECALL NO. 16V -340 . I WENT TO MY LEXUS DEALERSHIP SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 AND ASKED WHEN MY DEFECTIVE CAR WILL BE REPAIRED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE LADY THAT HANDLES CAR DEFECTS WAS IN A MEETING AND SHE WOULD CALL ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THE NEXT DAY THE LADY FROM LEXUS CAR DEFECTS CALLED ME BACK AND SAID THAT THEY WERE WORKING ON EARLIER YEAR MODELS AT PRESENT. SHE SAID THAT SHE DID NOT KNOW WHEN LEXUS WOULD BE WORKING ON THE 2011 AIRBAG DEFECTS. I FEEL THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS COMPLACENT AND SHOULD BE DOING MORE. WHY CAN'T THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TELL ANY AND ALL CAR MANUFACTURERS YOU HAVE A FEW MONTHS TO REPAIR DEFECTS OR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WILL START LIMITING THE AMOUNT OF NEW CARS THAT THEY CAN SELL IN THE U.S.A.? THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS THE STICK BUT REFUSES TO USE IT. OUR LIVES DON'T MATTER ONLY "MONEY" MATTERS! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ID
11030750
Incident
May 23, 2016
Airbags
Filed Sep 19, 2017
TAKATA RECALL I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE TWO YEARS AGO AS OF DECEMBER 2017. I HAVE AS OF YET HAD THIS AIRBAG REPLACED. WHEN I CALL THE DEALER; TOM WILLIAMS LEXUS THEY DO NOT RETURN PHONE CALLS. I NEED TO KNOW WHEN AND IF THEY WILL REPLACE THIS AIRBAG
NHTSA ID
11024178
Incident
Dec 1, 2015
Mileage
47,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Sep 8, 2017
I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR MY AIR BAG BUT RECEIVED A NOTICE THAT SAYS "TOYOTA'S RECORD INDICATE THAT YOU MAYBE A CLASS MEMBER" IS MY CAR RECALLED?
NHTSA ID
11022321
Incident
Dec 1, 2011
Airbags
Filed Sep 6, 2017
TAKATA RECALL WE RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE OVER 14 MONTHS AGO AND A REMEDY HAS NOT YET BEEN MADE AVAILABLE. THE RENTAL CAR OFFERED UNTIL THE REMEDY WAS AVAILABLE DID NOT MATCH THE TYPE AND STANDARD OF THE VEHICLE AFFECTED OR ITS SAFGETY EQUIPMENT -- NO PROBLEM WITH AIRBAG YET BUT WONDERING IF IT ONLY A MATTER OF TIME
NHTSA ID
11021763
Incident
Jul 19, 2016
Mileage
47,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Sep 4, 2017
TAKATA RECALL - IT HAS BEEN OVER A YEAR AND LEXUS HAS NOT COME UP WITH A SOLUTION, PUTTING ME AND MY FAMILY IN DANGER!
NHTSA ID
11021364
Incident
Sep 4, 2017
Mileage
55,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jun 27, 2017
NO ACTION TAKEN ON THE PART OF LEXUS REGARDING RECALL FOR UNSAFE AIRBAGS. RECALL WAS ISSUED IN MAY OF 2016; IT'S BEEN ONE YEAR.
NHTSA ID
11001821
Incident
May 23, 2016
Airbags
Filed Jun 20, 2017
TAKATA RECALL. WHEN DO THEY PROPOSE TO DO SOMETHING SINCE IT HAS BEEN OVER A YEAR SINCE I RECEIVED THE NOTICE. IT IS NICE THAT THEY SAY DON'T DRIVE WITH AN OCCUPANT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. HOWEVER, NOT EVERYONE HAS THE LUXURY OF DOING THIS. MAYBE LEXUS EXECUTIVES HAVE MULTIPLE VEHICLES SO THEY DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE PASSENGERS RIDE WITH THEM. IF THAT IS THEIR SOLUTION, THE CEO OF LEXUS CAN LEND ME ONE OF HIS CARS UNTIL THEY GET AROUND TO FIXING MINE.
NHTSA ID
11000219
Incident
May 23, 2016
Mileage
25,000 mi
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.
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