Owners have filed 164 complaints
about the 2007 Lexus ES with NHTSA between 2009 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 17 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Lexus ES. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 94
18.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 21
12% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
1365.0%
Speedometer/Odometer
315.0%
Warnings
15.0%
Dashboard
15.0%
Glass, Side/Rear
15.0%
Power Window Devices AND Controls
15.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
45.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
11.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
811.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1824.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1419.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1317.8%
150,000+ miles
1520.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2009peak 6Jun 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2007 Lexus ES
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA07010Opened 8 Aug 2007Closed 11 Oct 2007VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
UNWANTED ACCELERATION, FLOOR MAT
THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR MAT WILL NOT INTERFERE WITH THE THROTTLE PEDAL IF PROPERLY SECURED USING THE RETAINING HOOKS PROVIDED BY TOYOTA.HOWEVER, IF THE ALL WEATHER MAT IS UNSECURED AND MOVES FORWARD FROM ITS INTENDED POSITION IT CAN ENTRAP THE THROTTLE PEDAL AT THE FULLY OPEN POSITION AFTER IT HAS BEEN DEPRESSED.THIS CAN HAPPEN REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT ANOTHER MAT (CARPET) IS UNDERNEATH.WHEN THIS OCCURS, SOME OPERATORS REACT BY APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL MULTIPLE TIMES, DEPLETING THE BRAKING SYSTEM'S (VACUUM BASED) POWER ASSIST.STOPPING THE VEHICLE WITH UNASSISTED BRAKING WHILE THE THROTTLE IS...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
San Diego, CACrash
AIR BAGS
I was driving and my car has a certain jerking motion to it, as I tried to break and accelerate the car wasn’t able to stop or move properly. As a result I rear ended the car in front of me. In addition to that my airbag wouldn’t go off after the accident so it seems like there was a malfunction. Lexus always assured me that all system ran well and that there was nothing wrong with the car. I made all necessary repairs they told me to make a despite my questions about the car being fully functional, they still didn’t warn me and told me that my car was fine every time I took it in or got work done on my car.
NHTSA complaint #11698965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CACrash
STEERING
I was driving and my car has a certain jerking motion to it, as I tried to break and accelerate the car wasn’t able to stop or move properly. As a result I rear ended the car in front of me. In addition to that my airbag wouldn’t go off after the accident so it seems like there was a malfunction. Lexus always assured me that all system ran well and that there was nothing wrong with the car. I made all necessary repairs they told me to make a despite my questions about the car being fully functional, they still didn’t warn me and told me that my car was fine every time I took it in or got work done on my car.
NHTSA complaint #11698965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving and my car has a certain jerking motion to it, as I tried to break and accelerate the car wasn’t able to stop or move properly. As a result I rear ended the car in front of me. In addition to that my airbag wouldn’t go off after the accident so it seems like there was a malfunction. Lexus always assured me that all system ran well and that there was nothing wrong with the car. I made all necessary repairs they told me to make a despite my questions about the car being fully functional, they still didn’t warn me and told me that my car was fine every time I took it in or got work done on my car.
NHTSA complaint #11698965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TXCrash
ENGINE
While entering into a parking spot the car suddenly surged, went over a curb, and crashed into a store front. The driver had her foot on the brake. We checked to see if the floor mat was against the accelerator and it was not. I have a photo of the mat.
NHTSA complaint #11693327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TXCrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While entering into a parking spot the car suddenly surged, went over a curb, and crashed into a store front. The driver had her foot on the brake. We checked to see if the floor mat was against the accelerator and it was not. I have a photo of the mat.
NHTSA complaint #11693327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Green Oaks, ILCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car suddenly accelerated while entering the home garage at a very low speed causing damage to house and car
NHTSA complaint #11650778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2007 Lexus ES 350. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 120,000. It was later discovered upon checking the Carfax report that the mileage was 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11746266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Hill, VA
STEERING
The power steering system is bad I have replaced it 3 times right now I’m scared to drive the car anywhere
NHTSA complaint #11743408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Hill, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
The power steering system is bad I have replaced it 3 times right now I’m scared to drive the car anywhere
NHTSA complaint #11743408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Hill, VA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The power steering system is bad I have replaced it 3 times right now I’m scared to drive the car anywhere
NHTSA complaint #11743408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2007 Lexus ES350. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. The contact stated that the mileage on the title was 0 at the time of the purchase; however, the mileage was 114,536. The Carfax report indicated that the mileage was 172,523.
NHTSA complaint #11730265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CACrash
AIR BAGS
I was driving and my car has a certain jerking motion to it, as I tried to break and accelerate the car wasn’t able to stop or move properly. As a result I rear ended the car in front of me. In addition to that my airbag wouldn’t go off after the accident so it seems like there was a malfunction. Lexus always assured me that all system ran well and that there was nothing wrong with the car. I made all necessary repairs they told me to make a despite my questions about the car being fully functional, they still didn’t warn me and told me that my car was fine every time I took it in or got work done on my car.
NHTSA complaint #11698965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CACrash
STEERING
I was driving and my car has a certain jerking motion to it, as I tried to break and accelerate the car wasn’t able to stop or move properly. As a result I rear ended the car in front of me. In addition to that my airbag wouldn’t go off after the accident so it seems like there was a malfunction. Lexus always assured me that all system ran well and that there was nothing wrong with the car. I made all necessary repairs they told me to make a despite my questions about the car being fully functional, they still didn’t warn me and told me that my car was fine every time I took it in or got work done on my car.
NHTSA complaint #11698965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving and my car has a certain jerking motion to it, as I tried to break and accelerate the car wasn’t able to stop or move properly. As a result I rear ended the car in front of me. In addition to that my airbag wouldn’t go off after the accident so it seems like there was a malfunction. Lexus always assured me that all system ran well and that there was nothing wrong with the car. I made all necessary repairs they told me to make a despite my questions about the car being fully functional, they still didn’t warn me and told me that my car was fine every time I took it in or got work done on my car.
NHTSA complaint #11698965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TXCrash
ENGINE
While entering into a parking spot the car suddenly surged, went over a curb, and crashed into a store front. The driver had her foot on the brake. We checked to see if the floor mat was against the accelerator and it was not. I have a photo of the mat.
NHTSA complaint #11693327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TXCrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While entering into a parking spot the car suddenly surged, went over a curb, and crashed into a store front. The driver had her foot on the brake. We checked to see if the floor mat was against the accelerator and it was not. I have a photo of the mat.
NHTSA complaint #11693327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2007 Lexus ES350. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 113,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was approximately 160,000. The contact stated that the dealer informed him that the prior owner had manipulated the odometer.
NHTSA complaint #11690276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hemet, CA
POWER TRAIN
WHEN IM DRIVING THE CAR SHUTS OFF.or your driving car loses power and then dose a hard jerk and then starts driving again.
NHTSA complaint #11680282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hemet, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN IM DRIVING THE CAR SHUTS OFF.or your driving car loses power and then dose a hard jerk and then starts driving again.
NHTSA complaint #11680282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hemet, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
WHEN IM DRIVING THE CAR SHUTS OFF.or your driving car loses power and then dose a hard jerk and then starts driving again.
NHTSA complaint #11680282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TX
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Dashboard and window seals are melting. Dashboard melting is causing a huge glare in windshield during the day. Window seals are melting onto my windows causing excessive scuffing on the windows affecting ability to see in my blind spots
NHTSA complaint #11675738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Green Oaks, ILCrash
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car suddenly accelerated while entering the home garage at a very low speed causing damage to house and car
NHTSA complaint #11650778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Berlin, CT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Both headlights turn off randomly and sometimes at the same time. Sometimes the brightness lowers. I have had both ballasts and bulbs changed and the problem persists. In my research, it appears that many 2007 Lexus ES 350 owners have had and still have this very dangerous problem. This problem has been ongoing for well over a year. The reason is UNKNOWN by me.
NHTSA complaint #11636986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Petersburg, VACrash
SEATS
Issue number one the dashboard the steering wheel and the clutch handle for automatic or manual melts it gets extremely hot and slippery it burns no matter if you cover your car or anything it melts and the glare from it is very dangerous when the Sun hits the windshield while driving it makes it look like a mirror form I'm not the only one who complains about this issue because why does the dashboard melts and create a dangerous flare with glare excuse the heating and cooling seats I believe also I'm not sure if it's causing condensation because it's connected to the AC which is also an issue no matter how much you get it fixed like I'm not sure if the blend door actuator gets stuck but a lot of people complain about that too because I'm not the only one with that issue 3 the gas pedal gets stuck no matter how many treatments and maintenance and services you get done with your car that's still dangerous because I was driving one day on the highway and my pedal got stuck while driving I keep my car in tip top shape have evidence and all. The light fixtures also is an issue I'm not sure if they're supposed to go down no matter how many lights and replacements you do they still become dim which is dangerous at night while driving in the woods or on dark paths 4 the fuel system they tell to use premium gas which is 91 but then the dealers take to use 87 which causes a stalling on the I believe transmission which is also another faulty issue cuz no matter how many times you replace everything is still very faulty I ran into a lot of people and Friends who have the same issue and again I'm a person who take care of my car and 5 last but not least all the windows and sunroof keep opening which I didn't know was that supposed to be a feature.
NHTSA complaint #11607287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Petersburg, VACrash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Issue number one the dashboard the steering wheel and the clutch handle for automatic or manual melts it gets extremely hot and slippery it burns no matter if you cover your car or anything it melts and the glare from it is very dangerous when the Sun hits the windshield while driving it makes it look like a mirror form I'm not the only one who complains about this issue because why does the dashboard melts and create a dangerous flare with glare excuse the heating and cooling seats I believe also I'm not sure if it's causing condensation because it's connected to the AC which is also an issue no matter how much you get it fixed like I'm not sure if the blend door actuator gets stuck but a lot of people complain about that too because I'm not the only one with that issue 3 the gas pedal gets stuck no matter how many treatments and maintenance and services you get done with your car that's still dangerous because I was driving one day on the highway and my pedal got stuck while driving I keep my car in tip top shape have evidence and all. The light fixtures also is an issue I'm not sure if they're supposed to go down no matter how many lights and replacements you do they still become dim which is dangerous at night while driving in the woods or on dark paths 4 the fuel system they tell to use premium gas which is 91 but then the dealers take to use 87 which causes a stalling on the I believe transmission which is also another faulty issue cuz no matter how many times you replace everything is still very faulty I ran into a lot of people and Friends who have the same issue and again I'm a person who take care of my car and 5 last but not least all the windows and sunroof keep opening which I didn't know was that supposed to be a feature.
NHTSA complaint #11607287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Petersburg, VACrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
Issue number one the dashboard the steering wheel and the clutch handle for automatic or manual melts it gets extremely hot and slippery it burns no matter if you cover your car or anything it melts and the glare from it is very dangerous when the Sun hits the windshield while driving it makes it look like a mirror form I'm not the only one who complains about this issue because why does the dashboard melts and create a dangerous flare with glare excuse the heating and cooling seats I believe also I'm not sure if it's causing condensation because it's connected to the AC which is also an issue no matter how much you get it fixed like I'm not sure if the blend door actuator gets stuck but a lot of people complain about that too because I'm not the only one with that issue 3 the gas pedal gets stuck no matter how many treatments and maintenance and services you get done with your car that's still dangerous because I was driving one day on the highway and my pedal got stuck while driving I keep my car in tip top shape have evidence and all. The light fixtures also is an issue I'm not sure if they're supposed to go down no matter how many lights and replacements you do they still become dim which is dangerous at night while driving in the woods or on dark paths 4 the fuel system they tell to use premium gas which is 91 but then the dealers take to use 87 which causes a stalling on the I believe transmission which is also another faulty issue cuz no matter how many times you replace everything is still very faulty I ran into a lot of people and Friends who have the same issue and again I'm a person who take care of my car and 5 last but not least all the windows and sunroof keep opening which I didn't know was that supposed to be a feature.
NHTSA complaint #11607287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port ST Lucie, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My dashboard is turning into a liquid. Florida heat has effected this vehical since purchase. Currently my visability is through windshield is serverly affected. Since a large portion of the dash is liquid under a black dashboard it is reflecting onto my windshield serverly limiting my viewing the road and traffic. This is a known problem needing an immediate solution. Thank you for any immediate action you take on this matter.
NHTSA complaint #11588345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port ST Lucie, FL
VISIBILITY/WIPER
My dashboard is turning into a liquid. Florida heat has effected this vehical since purchase. Currently my visability is through windshield is serverly affected. Since a large portion of the dash is liquid under a black dashboard it is reflecting onto my windshield serverly limiting my viewing the road and traffic. This is a known problem needing an immediate solution. Thank you for any immediate action you take on this matter.
NHTSA complaint #11588345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesPlacentia, CA
STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD
The contact owns a 2007 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that the dashboard had started to melt due to sun exposure and there was an abnormal burning plastic odor inside the vehicle. The contact also stated that there was a glare coming from the melting dashboard obstructing the contact's vision while driving. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer and the dealer were informed of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11574938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Belleville, IL
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The dashboard on my car is melting/shiny/sticky. I have tried many things to get it to stop reflecting on my windshield, but nothing helps. I contacted Lexus and this is an identified known concern for this vehicle and a bulletin has been issued, but the bulletin has expired. The reflection impairs visibility anytime the sun is out or lights at night reflect on the dashboard. I am concerned for my safety and my children’s safety in a vehicle that is known for reliability and longevity.
NHTSA complaint #11546575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Saint Lucie, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving and my car speed start going down and I saw engine and battery light came on so I pulled over and turned off the car and try to turn it back on but it's not turning on.
NHTSA complaint #11492005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.