2016 Lexus ES problems

SERVICE BRAKES

The brake actuator and/or brake booster pump assembly failed on my 2016 Lexus ES300h. This is a known issues for this vehicle's braking system and results in a sudden loss of power braking assistance. The failure requires increased pedal pressure and eventually brkaing failure, creating a significant safety hazard and increasing the risk of collision. The dashboard displays multiple warning lights, including Braking Power Low and Brake Override Malfunction. Lexus has acknowledged this defect through an extended warranty and consumer warranty program, but Lexus is alleging my vehicle (despite showing issues prior to 150,000 miles) is now over 150,000 miles and not eligible. I am reporting this because a critical safety component should not have a "timer" on it when it involves primary braking of the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11734232 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While driving at highway speeds on Interstate and without warning my standard size sunroof exploded. This event caused loud noise and shattered glass. I was not under overpass or around any other vehicles. This event caused immediate panic due to noise and not understanding what occurred until a visual inspection was conducted roadside. The vehicle has been inspected by dealership for repair resulting in $2800 repair utilizing insurance.

NHTSA complaint #11718814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

On 2/3/2026 i was sitting at a light and out of no where i heard a bang or what sounded like a explosion i get out of the car and my panoramic sunroof is completely shattered but it looked like it exploded from the inside out. My sunroof was closed the cover was shit and i have no idea what would have caused it. I asked the driver that was directly behind me at the light if they saw anything hit the car they said no nothing i dont understand how this happens and the dealership says they wont warranty it i dont know what to do

NHTSA complaint #11716143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

In April 2022, the timing cover seal on my 2016 Lexus ES 350 was replaced due to a leak. This was completed under warranty at approximately 84,785 miles. In February 2025, less than three years and roughly 56,000 miles later, I was informed by the same Lexus dealership during a routine service that the exact same issue—leaking from the timing cover—had reoccurred. There were no warning lights, engine performance issues, or visible signs of oil loss leading up to this. During my prior service appointment in December 2024, I was told the car was in excellent condition with no issues. I service my vehicle at every Lexus-recommended interval and maintain a full history of service records. The dealership has confirmed the new timing cover leak but has not been able to explain why the seal failed again. This is a major engine component that should not require a second repair within such a short time frame. I am now being asked to pay a significant portion of a nearly $5,000 repair despite a prior warranty fix, and despite having done nothing to cause or accelerate the failure. Lexus offered a partial goodwill credit, but no root cause has been identified. I am concerned that either poor workmanship or substandard parts contributed to the premature failure, and that it may happen again. Given the cost, critical nature of the part, and the lack of answers, this feels like more than just an isolated incident. I have complete service documentation and before-and-after video footage of the most recent repair. The vehicle is currently in my possession and available for inspection upon request. I purchased a Lexus because I believed in the brand’s commitment to long-term reliability and quality. That confidence has been shaken. I respectfully ask NHTSA to investigate this recurring failure and assess whether this is part of a larger issue.

NHTSA complaint #11652155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

In April 2022, the timing cover seal on my 2016 Lexus ES 350 was replaced due to a leak. This was completed under warranty at approximately 84,785 miles. In February 2025, less than three years and roughly 56,000 miles later, I was informed by the same Lexus dealership during a routine service that the exact same issue—leaking from the timing cover—had reoccurred. There were no warning lights, engine performance issues, or visible signs of oil loss leading up to this. During my prior service appointment in December 2024, I was told the car was in excellent condition with no issues. I service my vehicle at every Lexus-recommended interval and maintain a full history of service records. The dealership has confirmed the new timing cover leak but has not been able to explain why the seal failed again. This is a major engine component that should not require a second repair within such a short time frame. I am now being asked to pay a significant portion of a nearly $5,000 repair despite a prior warranty fix, and despite having done nothing to cause or accelerate the failure. Lexus offered a partial goodwill credit, but no root cause has been identified. I am concerned that either poor workmanship or substandard parts contributed to the premature failure, and that it may happen again. Given the cost, critical nature of the part, and the lack of answers, this feels like more than just an isolated incident. I have complete service documentation and before-and-after video footage of the most recent repair. The vehicle is currently in my possession and available for inspection upon request. I purchased a Lexus because I believed in the brand’s commitment to long-term reliability and quality. That confidence has been shaken. I respectfully ask NHTSA to investigate this recurring failure and assess whether this is part of a larger issue.

NHTSA complaint #11652155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

In April 2022, the timing cover seal on my 2016 Lexus ES 350 was replaced due to a leak. This was completed under warranty at approximately 84,785 miles. In February 2025, less than three years and roughly 56,000 miles later, I was informed by the same Lexus dealership during a routine service that the exact same issue—leaking from the timing cover—had reoccurred. There were no warning lights, engine performance issues, or visible signs of oil loss leading up to this. During my prior service appointment in December 2024, I was told the car was in excellent condition with no issues. I service my vehicle at every Lexus-recommended interval and maintain a full history of service records. The dealership has confirmed the new timing cover leak but has not been able to explain why the seal failed again. This is a major engine component that should not require a second repair within such a short time frame. I am now being asked to pay a significant portion of a nearly $5,000 repair despite a prior warranty fix, and despite having done nothing to cause or accelerate the failure. Lexus offered a partial goodwill credit, but no root cause has been identified. I am concerned that either poor workmanship or substandard parts contributed to the premature failure, and that it may happen again. Given the cost, critical nature of the part, and the lack of answers, this feels like more than just an isolated incident. I have complete service documentation and before-and-after video footage of the most recent repair. The vehicle is currently in my possession and available for inspection upon request. I purchased a Lexus because I believed in the brand’s commitment to long-term reliability and quality. That confidence has been shaken. I respectfully ask NHTSA to investigate this recurring failure and assess whether this is part of a larger issue.

NHTSA complaint #11652155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

TIRES

The contact owns a 2016 Lexus ES350 equipped with General Tires, Tire Line: ReliaTrek, Tire Size: 225/45/R18, DOT Number: VY4FWJ85. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact pulled over and called Roadside Assistance. The Roadside Assistance technician made the contact aware of a blowout of the driver's side rear tire. The contact was shown that the entire sidewall had detached from the tread. The spare tire was installed by Roadside Assistance. The contact stated that the tires had recently been purchased by the previous owner however, the contact was unsure of the failure mileage on the tires. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The failure was not diagnosed nor was the tire replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11611327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Pearl white paint peeling

NHTSA complaint #11596512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Front door locking mechanisms fail over time making it dangerous to open doors and leave it parked in public areas. Door lock actuators failed on both driver and passenger sides.

NHTSA complaint #11533014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.