FaultScore report
Owners have filed 29 complaints about the 2009 Lexus ES with NHTSA between 2011 and 2025. The largest single group is the airbags. Across this model's run it ranks 12 of 17 worst.
FaultScore 51/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Lexus ES.
How this is worked out29
Complaints
4
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
88,000 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
27%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
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.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Median failure at 25,000 miles
Median failure at 95,000 miles
2 crashes, 0 fires
Median failure at 70,000 miles
Median failure at 61,000 miles
Median failure at 27,000 miles
Median failure at 124,300 miles
Median failure at 105,000 miles
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Experienced unintended acceleration when pulling into a parking space. My vehicle went over the curb and into a ditch. The bushes and embankment of the ditch stopped the vehicle. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of a problem.
NHTSA complaint #11696331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On Monday, Oct. 27, 2025 at approximately 11:50 am, my vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. I was pulling into a parking spot and suddenly accelerated and jump the barrier into a ditch. Luckly there were bushes to stop me. I was standing on the brake. There were no prior indications there was an issue.
NHTSA complaint #11695936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
HAD CAR ACCIDENT JUNE 14,2019. HIT BY ANOTHER CAR. AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE
NHTSA complaint #11223187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TAKAT RECALL: HAD CAR ACCIDENT . HIT BY ANOTHER CAR WHILE TURNING; RAN OVER STREET SIGN AND HIT IRON FENCE INFRONT OF APARTMENT BUILDING. AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE. 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'
NHTSA complaint #11228232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Experienced unintended acceleration when pulling into a parking space. My vehicle went over the curb and into a ditch. The bushes and embankment of the ditch stopped the vehicle. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of a problem.
NHTSA complaint #11696331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On Monday, Oct. 27, 2025 at approximately 11:50 am, my vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. I was pulling into a parking spot and suddenly accelerated and jump the barrier into a ditch. Luckly there were bushes to stop me. I was standing on the brake. There were no prior indications there was an issue.
NHTSA complaint #11695936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2009 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently accelerated upon releasing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that recently upon entering the garage, the vehicle suddenly accelerated after releasing the brake pedal, almost causing the vehicle to crash into the residence. The struck other materials inside the garage, causing front-end damages to the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle had already been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V388000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
NHTSA complaint #11633738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD
The contact owns a 2009 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that the dashboard had become sticky and had started to melt. Over time, the contact stated that glare had started to reflect from the windshield onto the dashboard, obstructing visibility while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was acknowledged that the defect was a known failure. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed the contact that the Extended Warranty coverage had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
NHTSA complaint #11595070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dashboard is sticky, shiny, and melting from the heat. All lint, dust and cloth sticks to the sticky dashboard. Shiny dashboards can pose safety hazards that affect visibility with a glare bouncing off the windshield, and overall health issues since melted dashboards can emit harmful odors. Lexus is saying their Customer Support Program ZLZ expired in 2021. I never received any mail from them about this program even though they claim they mailed it to me in 2018. I have been having my vehicle serviced at Longo Lexus since 2009, with the last maintenance service done on 6/21/23, and the dealership just noted this problem sticky dashboard issue to me, after the Lexus customer support program expired. The server advisor at Longo told me they could replace my dashboard for $2,572, but don't understand why they didn't offer to replace it for free in 2018-2021, like they did my floor mats, which was also a safety hazard. This sticky and melting dashboard problem is a manufacturer defect and my dashboard needs to be replaced by Lexus at no cost to me regardless if my vehicle is out of warranty. Also, the expiration date for this Customer Support Program needs to be extended for all owners of Lexus vehicles with this problem, regardless of mileage.
NHTSA complaint #11529640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dashboard is melting from heat and needs to be replaced. Company refuses to replace saying recalls expired 2021. Never received any mail from them even though they said they mailed it to me. Be going to Price LeBlanc for service since 2013 never mentioned anything about it. Thanks
NHTSA complaint #11527438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
I was driving home from work & just before 5pm I hit a section of the side of the road that has deteriorated on SR 68 between Tecumseh high school & Lynnville, IN. It blew out the inner wall of my tire & I had to get it replaced. I have seen this happen to other drivers on this road as well. The road needs to be repaired before someone gets seriously injured. This incident caused me to replace all 4 of my tires prematurely. Please repair the road - there are at least 2 areas that need to be repaired
NHTSA complaint #11514877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
DASHBOARD ON 2009 LEXUS ES 350 HAS BEGUN TO MELT AND ON SUNNY DAYS THE REFLECTION ON THE WINDSHIELD POSES A SAFETY HAZARD AND REDUCES VISIBILITY. IN ADDITION THE MELTING PLASTIC IS VERY STICKY AND COULD BE HAZARDOUS FOR DRIVER NOT TO MENTION THE POISON EXPOSURE TO ITS VAPORS. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM ON 2007 AND 2008 MODELS. THE 2009 IS IDENTICAL IN DESIGN AND LEXUS SHOULD FIX THIS. I CONTACTED THEM AND THEY OFFERED TO PAY A SMALL PORTION OF THE $1700 REPAIR COSTS.
NHTSA complaint #11419061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
BROKEN ENGINE VALVE SPRING. ONLY ONE SO FAR THAT CAUSE THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE IN MOTION ON CITY STREET.
NHTSA complaint #11362118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE SEEMS TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN WHILE PRESSING BRAKE, EVEN MOVING FORWARD AFTER COMING TO COMPLETE STOP
NHTSA complaint #11288540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES
VEHICLE SEEMS TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN WHILE PRESSING BRAKE, EVEN MOVING FORWARD AFTER COMING TO COMPLETE STOP
NHTSA complaint #11288540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
HAD CAR ACCIDENT JUNE 14,2019. HIT BY ANOTHER CAR. AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE
NHTSA complaint #11223187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TAKAT RECALL: HAD CAR ACCIDENT . HIT BY ANOTHER CAR WHILE TURNING; RAN OVER STREET SIGN AND HIT IRON FENCE INFRONT OF APARTMENT BUILDING. AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE. 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'
NHTSA complaint #11228232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
I CALLED LEXUS OF ROCKVILLE CENTER LI NY TODAY REGARDING "URGENT SAFETY RECALL" NOTICE I RECEIVED. SADLY LEXUS DEALER TOLD ME THAT THE PARTS ARE ON BACKORDER UNTIL END OF MARCH... CAN'T EVEN MAKE APPOINTMENT TO HAVE LEXUS FIX THE PROBLEM "TAKATA FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG INFLATORS" FOR AN URGENT SAFETY RECALL - I HAVE HAD NO VEHICLE PROBLEMS YET...
NHTSA complaint #11079129 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL THE MANUFACTURER/DEALER HAS YET TO REPAIR/REPLACE THE FAULTY AIRBAGS. I HAVE BEEN IN A 'LOANER' VEHICLE FOR 10 MONTHS.
NHTSA complaint #11055730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL
NHTSA complaint #11035344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL I HAVE CONTACTED LEXUS DEALER AT 700 SERRAMONTE BLVD, COLMA CA 94014 SEVERAL TIMES REGARDING PASSENGER AIR BAG OF MY CAR BUT I AM BEING IGNORED AND ADVISED TO KEEP DRIVING AS IT IS. I AM WORRIED ABOUT MY FAMILY'S SAFETY BECAUSE IT IS OUR FAMILY CAR AND THEY TRAVEL WITH ME ALL THE TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10986070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
[XXX] LEXUS FAILED TO ACCOMMODATE WITH A LOANER VEHICLE AND JUST KEEPS TELLING ME "JUST BE PATIENT" EVERY TIME I CALL THEM TO DISCUSS MY VEHICLE AND THAT IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE GARAGE "NOT DRIVEN ALL THAT TIME" FOR OVER FOUR YEARS SINCE ME AND MY HUSBAND ARE FEARFUL FOR SAFETY OF OUR LIVES. THE DEALER HAS NOT ACCOMMODATED WITH ANY RECOURSE AND JUST SENDS LETTERS WITH BOLD RED PRINT THAT I AM CONSIDERED "ZONE B" AND WHEN I LOOK UP MY VIN IT SAYS "REMEDY SUSPENDED". INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10981180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL
NHTSA complaint #10945249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
LEXUS SENT A RECALL NOTICE ON MAY 23, 2016, ADVISING US NOT TO USE THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT DUE TO THE POTENTIAL DANGER FROM EXPLODING SHRAPNEL FROM THE TAKATA AIRBAG. IT IS NOW JANUARY 17, 2017, A FULL 8 MONTHS OF NOT BEING ABLE TO USE THE VEHICLE AS DESIGNED, WITH ABSOLUTELY NO INFORMATION PROVIDED, NO REPAIRS AND NO TARGET DATE FOR A FIX, WE ARE EFFECTIVELY UNABLE TO USE OF THE VEHICLE. REQUESTS FOR A LOANER VEHICLE AT SEVERAL DEALERS HAS BEEN DENIED, WITH ADVICE TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER, WHO THEN ADVISED US TO CALL DEALERS. THIS IS UNCONSCIONABLE BEHAVIOR AND IS POTENTIALLY WORSE THAN THE VOLKSWAGON DEBACLE. THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE HAS ESSENTIALLY DISAPPEARED AND IT CANNOT BE USED FOR BUSINESS OR PERSONAL FAMILY USE. TOYOTA MUST BE HELD LIABLE AND EITHER COMPENSATE OWNERS, PROVIDE A LOANER VEHICLE FOR THE DURATION OR PAY FOR RENTAL VEHICLES, PLUS A SUBSTANTIAL FINE FOR THE EXTREMELY EXCESSIVE DELAY.
NHTSA complaint #10944234 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL - SINCE THE RECALL NOTICE ADVISES NOT TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE WITH AN OCCUPANT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT I HAVE NOT USED THE PASSENGER SEAT SINCE I RECEIVED THE NOTICE OF RECALL. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY IT IS TAKING SO LONG TO GET A FIX. MY LEXUS DEALER TOLD ME IT WOULD PROBABLY BE OKAY TO USE THE PASSENGER SEAT SINCE IT WAS UNLIKELY THAT I WOULD HAVE A HEAD ON COLLISION THAT WOULD CAUSE THE BAG TO GO OFF. UNBELIEVABLE!! WE'VE ENDED UP WITH FOUR FIFTHS OF A CAR SINCE I HAVE TO RIDE IN THE BACK SEAT WHENEVER WE USE THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10934360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL LEXUS DOES NOT FEEL THE URGENCY OF DEVELOPING A RESPONSE TO THIS DEADLY SITUATION THEIR RESPONSE SEEMS TO BE THAT IT IS TAKATA'S PROBLEM WHAT CAN BE DONE TO MAKE MY CAR SAFE TO CARRY A PASSENGER?
NHTSA complaint #10929579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL
NHTSA complaint #10919961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL. LEXUS DOES NOT HAVE A REMEDY YET. UNTIL THEY DO I CAN NOT GET A STRAIGHT ANSWER TO MY QUESTION. IS THE AIR BAG ON IF NO ONE IS SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT? PLEASE GIVE ME THE ANSWER. THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #10891556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL. WE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE VIA MAIL LAST WEEK REGARDING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. NHTSA RECALL NO. 16V-340. IN THE "IMPORTANT UPDATE" INCLUDED WITH THE RECALL NOTICE WERE SEVERAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. QUESTION 8 "MY VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN THIS SAFETY RECALL BUT THE REMEDY IS NOT YET AVAILABLE. WILL LEXUS PROVIDE A LONER VEHICLE UNTIL THE REMEDY IS AVAILABLE". THE ANSWER PROVIDES THAT "[T]O MINIMIZE RISK, LEXUS RECOMMENDS THAT NO PASSENGERS SIT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. IF THIS RECOMMENDATION IS NOT FEASIBLE FOR THE CUSTOMER'S PERSONAL OR BUSINESS NEEDS, ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION MADE BE MADE AVAILABLE." SINCE RECEIVING THE RECALL NOTICE, I HAVE COMMUNICATED WITH OUR LOCAL DEALER, HERRIN-GEAR LEXUS TO ADVISE THAT THIS RECOMMENDATION IS NOT FEASIBLE AND FOR ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION. THE DEALER REFERRED ME TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER PROVIDED FOR THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT BEING ANSWERED AND ALL OTHER MEANS ATTEMPTED TO COMMUNICATE IN THIS REGARD HAVE NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL. REQUEST IS MADE FOR ASSISTANCE COMMUNICATING WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THAT YOUR AGENCY REQUIRE THAT THE RECALL OCCUR IMMEDIATELY AND WITHOUT DELAY OR ALTERNATIVELY THAT THE MANUFACTURER BE COMPELLED TO PROVIDE ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION.
NHTSA complaint #10885881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.