Owners have filed 47 complaints
about the 2010 Lexus ES with NHTSA between 2013 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 16 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 — 51
Against the median year of the Lexus ES. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 33
6.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 10
6% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
15.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
211.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
635.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
317.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
423.5%
150,000+ miles
15.9%
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.
Aug 2013peak 4Jul 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Glen Spey, NYCrash
AIR BAGS
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
NHTSA complaint #11561605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Diamond Bar, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
Incident on 10/13/2020 On Tuesday October 13th. 2020 I was driving my 2010 Lexus ES 350 in Diamond Bar, CA 91765. I got hit on my side by a speedy car (ran red light) He was driving at speed of 55 mph. I got multiple fractures (No air bags were deployed) and later on hospital admission due to life serious complications. Now I’m dealing with continuous pain, inability to back to normal life style and a must have joint replacement due to joint damage (bone and cartilage). I have police report/total loss report have details about car damage and countless medical care and hospital admission for the implication of the accident. I'm uploading some photos for my white Lexus to the extent lt. axle broke and even for the other car in the crash seen (dark gray Audi) to show his speed.
NHTSA complaint #11464937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
San Juan Capistrano, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11753566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pontevedra Beach, FL
WHEELS
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
NHTSA complaint #11683992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pontevedra Beach, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #11683992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Campbell Hall, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11682048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hatfield, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
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)
NHTSA complaint #11681051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middle River, MD
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
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)
NHTSA complaint #11661199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11596383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11596383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Spey, NYCrash
AIR BAGS
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
NHTSA complaint #11561605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesOceanside, NY
STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD
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.
NHTSA complaint #11545176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Easton, MD
STRUCTURE:BODY
The dashboard melted and shines. Having problems seeing during driving against sunlight, also the stickiness of the dashboard makes dirt stuck on the surface of the dashboard. The main issue is safety while driving because of sunlight reflection.
NHTSA complaint #11514676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Easton, MD
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The dashboard melted and shines. Having problems seeing during driving against sunlight, also the stickiness of the dashboard makes dirt stuck on the surface of the dashboard. The main issue is safety while driving because of sunlight reflection.
NHTSA complaint #11514676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,263 milesOcala, FL
STEERING
The contact owns a 2010 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was moving upward. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed that a steering wheel bracket had sheared off. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but informed the contact that they could not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 79,263.
NHTSA complaint #11492286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Diamond Bar, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
Incident on 10/13/2020 On Tuesday October 13th. 2020 I was driving my 2010 Lexus ES 350 in Diamond Bar, CA 91765. I got hit on my side by a speedy car (ran red light) He was driving at speed of 55 mph. I got multiple fractures (No air bags were deployed) and later on hospital admission due to life serious complications. Now I’m dealing with continuous pain, inability to back to normal life style and a must have joint replacement due to joint damage (bone and cartilage). I have police report/total loss report have details about car damage and countless medical care and hospital admission for the implication of the accident. I'm uploading some photos for my white Lexus to the extent lt. axle broke and even for the other car in the crash seen (dark gray Audi) to show his speed.
NHTSA complaint #11464937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, CO
SERVICE BRAKES
My brakes do not work as they should I have to pump them to stop, I have had them replaced and bled they will work for a day or two and then start to fail again, my pedal goes all the way to the ground and still doesn’t stop the vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11445699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nashville, TN
STRUCTURE:BODY
I AM HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY SIDE VIEW MIRRORS. THEY KEEP POPPINGLOOSE, SWINGING FREELY ON IT'S BASE.ONE TIME THE MIRROR POPPED LOOSE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. COULD NOT SEE TRAFFIC IN THE RIGHT LANE. COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #11419882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nashville, TN
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I AM HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY SIDE VIEW MIRRORS. THEY KEEP POPPINGLOOSE, SWINGING FREELY ON IT'S BASE.ONE TIME THE MIRROR POPPED LOOSE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. COULD NOT SEE TRAFFIC IN THE RIGHT LANE. COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #11419882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 161,000 milesDuuth, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I BEGAN TO NOTICE AFTER LONG DRIVES, A SMELL SIMILAR TO A CAR OVERHEATING. ONE NIGHT, WHILE WARMING THE CAR UP, THE ALTERNATOR LIGHT CAME ON (THE BATTERY SYMBOL). I FIGURED IT WAS PROBABLY MY BATTERY AND DECIDED TO CALL AN UBER. IN THE SHORT TIME THAT I WAITED FOR MY RIDE, THE CAR BEGAN TO SMOKE. THE NEXT MORNING I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND HE DISCOVERED THAT ENGINE OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE VALVE COVER GASKETS DOWN INTO THE ALTERNATOR CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUT.
NHTSA complaint #11389132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 147,800 milesLAS Vegas, NV
STRUCTURE:BODY
LOCATION: WHERE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR ATTACHES TO BODY OF VEHICLE. THE UPPER HINGE FROM THE DOOR THAT ATTACHES TO THE BODY, IS DETACHING FROM THE BODY OF THE CAR. THE MATERIAL THAT THE DOOR ATTACHES TO DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE METAL, IT APPEARS TO BE SOME SORT OF FIBERGLASS. I WILL BE SHOCKED IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY OTHER OWNERS COMPLAINING. IF YOU HAVE NOT, THE ONLY REASON I CAN GUESS IS THAT OTHER OWNERS HAVE NOT LOOKED AT THIS AREA WHERE THE DOOR ATTACHES TO THE BODY. MINE IS STILL WORKING, BUT IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE IT BECOMES A MAJOR PROBLEM. THE DOOR HAS ALREADY SHIFTED SOMEWHAT WHERE THE DOOR DOES NOT SHUT LIKE IT SHOULD.THIS PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.
NHTSA complaint #11375421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesHuntingdon Valley, PA
POWER TRAIN
AT 59000 MILES MY 2010 LEXUS EXPERIENCED ROUGH SHIFTING UP THROUGH THE GEARS AND DOWN THE GEARS UNTIL THE CAR COMES TO A FULL STOP. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LEXUS DEALER NEAR ME IN FLORIDA. THEY DIAGNOSED THE ROUGH SHIFTING AS A BAD TRANSMISSION THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALTHOUGH THE POWERTRAIN HAS A 7 YEAR 70,000 MILE WARRANTY FOR DEFECTS, THE FACTORY CUSTOMER SATISFACTION REPRESENTATIVE ONLY OFFERED TO OFFSET THE $7,000 COST OF TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT BY $3,000. I DO NOT THINK THAT I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY PORTION OF THE COST ASSOCIATED WITH THE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE IS 10 MODEL YEARS OLD IT HAS BEEN CAREFULLY DRIVEN LESS THAN 60,000 MILES. MOST OF THE MILES ARE HIGHWAY MILES AS THIS IS OUR SECOND CAR AND IS USED PRIMARILY FOR DRIVING TRIPS. IT IS GARAGED DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. HAS BEEN SERVICED ONLY BY A LEXUS DEALER SINCE NEW. IT IS MY CONCERN THAT LEXUS HAS PROVIDED ME WITH A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT THAT FAILED AFTER 59,000 MILES THROUGH NO FAULT ON MY BEHALF. BECAUSE THE CAR EXCEEDED THE YEARS OF THE WARRANTY SITTING IN A GARAGE NOT BEING USED SHOULD NOT BE THE DECIDING FACTOR. I REQUEST YOUR ASSISTANCE TO HAVE LEXUS CORRECT A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION THAT HAS NOT BEEN USED FOR THE 70,000 MILES THAT SHOULD BE THE CONTROLLING FACTOR NOT THE AMOUNT OF TIME THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY LIGHTLY USED AND CAREFULLY MAINTAINED
NHTSA complaint #11297005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesChesterfield, VA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL - TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR TAKATA RECALL WITH NO ISSUES WITH VEHICLE. PICKED IT UP AFTER "REPAIR" ONLY TO FIND AIRBAG LIGHT ON. MADE APPOINTMENT TO BRING VEHICLE BACK IN AND NOW BEING TOLD THAT THERE IS A PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR THAT HAS GONE BAD. THEY CLAIM THIS ISSUE DOES NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL!! AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE, I FIND COMPLAINT AFTER COMPLAINT CONCERNING THIS VERY ISSUE. THIS SENSOR SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN A RECALL AS THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT WITH THE SENSOR WITH SO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT. AND IT IS A HIGH DOLLAR FIX.
NHTSA complaint #11131673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
INSIDE DASHBOARD IS VERY STICKY AND LEXUS TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS AND WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #11114915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesSarasota, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MELTED DASHBOARD WHICH CREATES GLARE RIGHT IN MY LINE OF VISION. I HAVE NOTICED OTHER OLDER LEXUS MODELS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AS WELL AS OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #11092616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grenada, MS
AIR BAGS
MY TAKATA RECALL ON MY PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS RECALLED. I WAS SCARED TO DRIVE SINCE MY FORMER 2004 LEXUS AIRBAG WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. SO I DID NOT DRIVE IT FOR 3 YRS KNOWING MY HUSBAND COULD NOT RIDE IN THE FRONT SURE TO BEING HANDICAPPED, FROM A STROKE, HE COULD NOT GET INTO THE BACK SEATS. I OWNED A 2004 LEXUS WAS TOTALED IN 2010 AND NEITHER AIRBAG DEFLATED EITHER .
NHTSA complaint #11064058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 89,700 milesCountry Club Hills, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1.WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE, THE BACKUP SENSOR SOMETIMES STARTS BEEPING WHEN THERE IS NOTHING BEHIND THE VEHICLE. 2.DRIVING CAR ON DAN RYAN EXPRESSWAY. PRESSING LEFT SIDE BUTTONS ON STEERING WHEEL, ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE THE SOUND LEVEL, CHANNEL, OR RADIO MODE (FM1,FM2,AM, ETC.). INSTEAD, NOTHING MAY RESPOND, OR RIGHT SIDE BUTTONS RESPOND; I.E., CAR BEGAN DIALING A PHONE NUMBER (USING BLUETOOTH). TOOK CAR TO MY DEALERSHIP, ORLAND PARK LEXUS OF IL ON NOVEMBER 20, 2017. WAS ADVISED THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO BECAUSE NEITHER OF THESE PROBLEMS HAS OCCURRED IN THEIR PRESENCE. I HAD PREVIOUSLY PAID FOR AN ELECTRONICS TESTING CHECK UP JUST BEFORE MY 7 YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED (NOVEMBER 2017). I INDICATED THESE SAME TYPES OF CONCERNS. THEY HAD NOT KEPT OF RECORD OF THIS, STATING THEY DID NOT SEE ANY OF THE PROBLEMS THEN EITHER, SO THE CHECK-OUT SHEET (BASED ON MY INITIALLY EXPRESSED CONCERNS) WERE REFLECTED ANY WHERE IN THEIR RECORDS. INSTEAD, THEY TOOK OFF THE COST OF THE CAR REVIEW PRICE (WHEN THEY FIXED OTHER THINGS). THUS ERASING ANY RECORD OF MY EXPRESSING CONCERNS RELATED TO THESE ISSUES. THEY ALSO SAID IT MIGHT INDICATE A COMPUTER ISSUE, BUT AS THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WHEN SEEN AT THEIR SHOP, NO RECORD IS BEING KEPT. I ASKED WHAT THE PRICE MIGHT BE TO REPLACE THE COMPUTER. THEY INDICATED NOT KNOWING. I HAVE NO RECORDS TO 'UPLOAD'. I AM CONCERNED THAT IF I HAD PROBLEMS WHILE DRIVING, WHAT IF MY PHONE IS THE NEXT THING TO GO OUT? CHICAGO AREA STREETS ARE NOT THAT SAFE.
NHTSA complaint #11056742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.