RoadVitals

2013 Lexus ES 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.
33
Latest Jul 9, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
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.
3

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Lexus ES, 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

  • Brakes1023.3%
  • Driver assistance716.3%
  • Fuel system49.3%
  • Visibility37.0%
  • Airbags37.0%
  • Body & structure24.7%
  • Exterior lighting24.7%
  • Other / unspecified12.3%
  • Powertrain (other)12.3%
  • Steering12.3%
  • Engine12.3%

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

Brakes

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

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Lexus of Sarasota Fl confirmed a Faulty brake actuators causing brake , skid control and ABS light to come on which created an immediate and extremely dangerous driving situation as I was on an interstate highway driving at 70 mph. It’s been confirmed that multiply Lexus models and years have had numerous brake actuator . Multiple failures have been documented yet ONLY a few were given recall status!!This is outrageous and an immediate review of this oversight needs to be addressed

NHTSA ID 11714970 · filed Feb 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2013 Lexus ES 300H. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The service ABS, Brakes, and hazard warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed; however, no cause for the failure was determined. An appointment with the dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID 11711407 · filed Jan 16, 2026
All 10 reports naming brakes

Electrical

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

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Lexus ES350. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale on Facebook Marketplace. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 127,000; however, a Carfax vehicle history reported the mileage at 199,000.

NHTSA ID 11749260 · filed Jul 9, 2026

I was driving down the highway coming up on a traffic jam put on the brakes and several warning. Lights came on the dash and my power brakes failed. I was barely able to stop the car without hitting someone. From that point forward the brakes did not work properly, the regenerative braking system did not function. also, the cruise control stopped functioning. I took the car to the Lexus dealer, they tested the car and stated it need a new brake booster brake assembly and that there was a safety warranty issue that was extended out 10 years and up to 150,000 miles and although my car only had 79,000 miles on it was three months past the warranty date and the refused. They reset the car brakes apparently and I was able to drive the car for several days while I spoke with Lexus, and then the car brakes failed again.

NHTSA ID 11555537 · filed Nov 16, 2023
All 8 reports naming electrical

Driver assistance

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

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Lexus of Sarasota Fl confirmed a Faulty brake actuators causing brake , skid control and ABS light to come on which created an immediate and extremely dangerous driving situation as I was on an interstate highway driving at 70 mph. It’s been confirmed that multiply Lexus models and years have had numerous brake actuator . Multiple failures have been documented yet ONLY a few were given recall status!!This is outrageous and an immediate review of this oversight needs to be addressed

NHTSA ID 11714970 · filed Feb 2, 2026

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 15V728000, Report Date: 11/3/ 2015, Vehicles Affected: 30,812 Consequence: A vehicle that unexpectedly brakes increases the risk of a crash. What To Do: Remedy parts for a permanent fix for this issue are not yet available. On 11/18, 2015, Toyota sent owners an interim notification and dealers will temporarily disable the PCS. When the improved PCS components are available for the permanent remedy, owners will be mailed a notification. These repairs will be performed free. Owners may contact Toyota 888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this campaign are F1V and F2E. Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing is recalling certain model year and 2013-2015 Lexus ES350 vehicles manufactured 6/18/2012 to 7/6/2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with Pre-Collision System (PCS) as optional. In these vehicles, the PCS may unexpectedly activate and apply brakes when the radar detects a steel joint or plate in the roadway as an object. To see if your specific vehicle is affected 1-800-255-3987 or nhtsa.gov NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID:19V005000, Report Date: 1/9/2019, Vehicles Affected: 1,299,448 Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. What To Do: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Toyoto.

NHTSA ID 11686822 · filed Sep 12, 2025

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ENGINE STALLS WHEN TURNING LEFT REDUCING POWER STEERING BOOST UNTIL DRIVER LIFTS FOOT FROM GAS PEDAL AND REPUSHES TO REGAIN POWER STEERING BOOST ON CITY STREETS AT LOW SPEED FROM STOPPED POSITION.

NHTSA ID 11388921 · filed Jan 19, 2021

I AM NOT SURE IT IT IS ENGINE OR FUEL BUT MY PROBLEM IS AS FOLLOWS: WHILE DRIVING AND WITH NO WARNING MY 2013 LEXUS ES 350 HESITATES TO THE POINT OF ALMOST STOPPING IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING ON LOCAL AND HIGHWAY ROADS. IT SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE AND I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. IN RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM I HAVE COME ACROSS TWO SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM. THIS IS A DANGEROUS ISSUE WHEN YOU LOSE ACCELERATION WHEN IT IS MOST NEEDED.

NHTSA ID 10985812 · filed May 15, 2017

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Roughly 6-12 months ago the dashboard on my Lexus started to melt and become sticky, creating a glare on my windshield and impeding my ability to see the road causing dangerous situations. Both daytime and nighttime driving have been affected by this defect. I’ve contacted the local dealership, but they confirmed that no recalls are available and that the only solution is for me to replace the entire dash.

NHTSA ID 11603755 · filed Jul 22, 2024

MY 2013 LEXUS ES 350 HAS A PANORAMA SUNROOF WHICH EXPLODED WHEN AN ATTENDED CLOSED THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. I ONLY HAD THE CAR EIGHT MONTHS AND HAVE LESS THAN 6,000 MILES. THE WEATHER THAT DAY WAS SUNNY AND 75 DEGREES.I SHUDDER TO THINK WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPEN IF MY 82 YEAR OLD MOM WAS IN THE CAR. WE HAD PLANS FOR THAT DAY TO TRAVEL OUT OF STATE THAT VERY DAY. THE SHATTER GLASS FELL INSIDE THE CAR. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY JUST THE MERE SOUND OF THE EXPLOSION COULD HAVE STARTLE ME AND I MAY HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR. THERE IS A GREAT POSSIBILITY OF EXPLODING ROOFS CAUSING INJURIES . THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10533049 · filed Aug 1, 2013

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

Airbags

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

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Lexus of Sarasota Fl confirmed a Faulty brake actuators causing brake , skid control and ABS light to come on which created an immediate and extremely dangerous driving situation as I was on an interstate highway driving at 70 mph. It’s been confirmed that multiply Lexus models and years have had numerous brake actuator . Multiple failures have been documented yet ONLY a few were given recall status!!This is outrageous and an immediate review of this oversight needs to be addressed

NHTSA ID 11714970 · filed Feb 2, 2026

I entered the VIN and found that my car airbag was an unrepaired recall.

NHTSA ID 11478900 · filed Aug 11, 2022

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Lexus recall 2010-2015 models because pain is peaking. My car is a 2913 es 350 and the paint is pealing but Lexus do not want to fix it. It is the same problem as the recall Lexus because paint is peaking. What can I do or what can you do

NHTSA ID 11685167 · filed Sep 4, 2025

THE LEXUS ES 350, WAS TURNING LEFT ONTO SIDE STREET WITHIN A SUB DIVISION, AND RAN UP THE CURB AND HIT A TREE WITH THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE DONE TO THE CAR, AND SO MUCH DAMAGED THAT THE CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED BY INSURANCE COMPANY. DRIVER UNSURE IF VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN OR JUST LOST CONTROL. THE GREATER ISSUE OR CONCERN WAS NOT WHAT CAUSED THE ACCIDENT, BUT THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AFTER THE IMPACT AND THE DRIVER BROKE THEIR NOSE AND HAS BEEN TREATED 3 TIMES IN ER SINCE CRASH. IN SPEAKING WITH REPAIR SHOP, THEY INFORMED ME THAT THERE ARE 2 AIR BAG SENSORS AT THE FRONT OF THE CAR, AND BOTH ARE NEAR THE HEADLIGHTS. HE WAS SURPRISED THAT GIVEN THE DAMAGE AND IMPACT OF THE COLLISION (TO RIGHT FRONT OF CAR BY HEADLIGHT, PICTURES ATTACHED), THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.

NHTSA ID 11296969 · filed Jan 3, 2020

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2013 Lexus ES 300H. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The service ABS, Brakes, and hazard warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed; however, no cause for the failure was determined. An appointment with the dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID 11711407 · filed Jan 16, 2026

THE LEXUS ES 350, WAS TURNING LEFT ONTO SIDE STREET WITHIN A SUB DIVISION, AND RAN UP THE CURB AND HIT A TREE WITH THE RIGHT FRONT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE DONE TO THE CAR, AND SO MUCH DAMAGED THAT THE CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED BY INSURANCE COMPANY. DRIVER UNSURE IF VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN OR JUST LOST CONTROL. THE GREATER ISSUE OR CONCERN WAS NOT WHAT CAUSED THE ACCIDENT, BUT THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AFTER THE IMPACT AND THE DRIVER BROKE THEIR NOSE AND HAS BEEN TREATED 3 TIMES IN ER SINCE CRASH. IN SPEAKING WITH REPAIR SHOP, THEY INFORMED ME THAT THERE ARE 2 AIR BAG SENSORS AT THE FRONT OF THE CAR, AND BOTH ARE NEAR THE HEADLIGHTS. HE WAS SURPRISED THAT GIVEN THE DAMAGE AND IMPACT OF THE COLLISION (TO RIGHT FRONT OF CAR BY HEADLIGHT, PICTURES ATTACHED), THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.

NHTSA ID 11296969 · filed Jan 3, 2020

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

RECENTLY ACQUIRED LISTED PRE-OWNED, CERTIFIED VEHICLE. BOUGHT WHEEL AND TIRE COVERAGE. HAND WASHED CAR AFTER 4-DAYS OF OWNERSHIP AND DISCOVERED BROKE WHEEL. DEALER SAYS THE STYLE WHEEL ON THE VEHICLE IS ROUTINELY REPAIRED BY THEM (NOT REPLACED.) DEALER REP (WESLEY PETERS, SEWELL LEXUS, DALLAS) WHEEL IS COMMONLY DAMAGED BY IMPROPER TORQUEING OF LUG NUTS. LEXUS DRIVERS I KNOW DO NOT KNOW THE TORQUE SPECS NOR DO THEY CARRY A TORQUE WRENCH. HAVE A FLAT? GOOD LUCK YOU DO NOT BREAK A WHEEL WHILE CHANGING FLAT! SEWELL LEXUS IS NOW REPAYING THE WHEEL NOT HONORING THE WHEEL AND TIRE COVERAGE AND REPLACING IT! WRITER HAS CONTACTED LEXUS NORTH AMERICA CONCERNING THE PROBLEM. DEALER REP PETERS ALSO STATED THE FIRM ROUTINELY REPAIR ALL STYLES OF LEXUS WHEELS AND WRITER SHOULD NOT BE CONCERNED. COULD THE NHTSA PLEASE LOOK INTO WHY LEXUS WHEELS SHOULD REQUIRE REPAIR BEFORE SOMEONE BOUNCES OF THE HIGHWAY WITH A BROKE WHEEL.

NHTSA ID 11186863 · filed Mar 14, 2019

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

Powertrain (other)

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

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WAS DRIVING IN WEST SACRAMENTO , WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE, CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM ALARMS WENT OFF.WITHIN 1 MINUTE , THE CAR WENT DEAD, NO POWER, NO STEERING. IF I WAS ON AN EXPRESS WAY , IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A GUARANTEED FATALITY FOR ME, MY FAMILY AND OTHER CARS INVOLVED. THE DEALERSHIP , LEXUS OF SACRAMENTO TOLD ME THE COMPUTER FAILED IN THE CAR. THE CAR HAS ONLY 55,000 MILES ON IT. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE QUALITY OF PARTS USED BY LEXUS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10947604 · filed Jan 25, 2017

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WAS DRIVING IN WEST SACRAMENTO , WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE, CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM ALARMS WENT OFF.WITHIN 1 MINUTE , THE CAR WENT DEAD, NO POWER, NO STEERING. IF I WAS ON AN EXPRESS WAY , IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A GUARANTEED FATALITY FOR ME, MY FAMILY AND OTHER CARS INVOLVED. THE DEALERSHIP , LEXUS OF SACRAMENTO TOLD ME THE COMPUTER FAILED IN THE CAR. THE CAR HAS ONLY 55,000 MILES ON IT. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE QUALITY OF PARTS USED BY LEXUS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10947604 · filed Jan 25, 2017

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

Engine

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

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WAS DRIVING IN WEST SACRAMENTO , WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE, CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM ALARMS WENT OFF.WITHIN 1 MINUTE , THE CAR WENT DEAD, NO POWER, NO STEERING. IF I WAS ON AN EXPRESS WAY , IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A GUARANTEED FATALITY FOR ME, MY FAMILY AND OTHER CARS INVOLVED. THE DEALERSHIP , LEXUS OF SACRAMENTO TOLD ME THE COMPUTER FAILED IN THE CAR. THE CAR HAS ONLY 55,000 MILES ON IT. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE QUALITY OF PARTS USED BY LEXUS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10947604 · filed Jan 25, 2017

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 .