49 of the
862 complaints filed about the Lexus ES
are about the braking system —
6% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2013.
Not sure if I have the right things checked. Starting about december 2022 i experienced the car "lunging" forward upon putting the car into drive, After having backed out of a parking space. It continued to do this off and on even through today. It seems to do it most after the car has been sitting for a good length of time.Perhaps overnight, or while i've been in a shopping mall 2-3 hours. I have four invoice tickets from the lexus dealer where I brought the car in specifically for this problem. They had someone to drive it with me in the car, and of course we were not able to duplicate it at that time. I left the car with them for 3 days on one occasion. And when I returned, they said they had driven it, and did not have the problem. The occurrence has become more and more often. When it started, it was like a few times a year.And now it is almost daily. My concern is that if I happen not to have my foot over the brake as I am coasting, after backing out of a parking space or my driveway heading down the street, and someone is in front of me that the "lunge", depending how close I might be on someone could cause me to ram into the back of their car. I also taken the car in on more than one occasion and have the invoices to support this to say that the car has a very rough Ride I call it "bumbling". Again, they did not feel it.However, two years ago, they said, oh, you just need new tires. I bought them. Less than year later, those tires were worn and they said, I needed new tires. I was able to get deal with the michelin company and only had to pay twenty five percent of what it costs For a new set of tires. So the bumbling is still going on.After purchasing new tires about a year ago. I conclude that there is something wrong with possibly The transmission that causes the lunging and the bumbling has something to do with the suspension. I am not a mechanic, and I have not had it looked at by another mechanic. I need some resolve for this.
NHTSA complaint #11754220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Pre-Collision System (PCS) activated twice in the last couple of weeks with absolutely no reason. Both times it activated with transmission in reverse and vehicle in process of backing up. But there was no vehicle or person within the vicinity. The sudden braking startled the driver and passengers giving concern about the viability of the vehicle operating in a safe manner for the rest of the trip. The problem has not been seen or inspected by the dealer or service personnel.
NHTSA complaint #11736701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
I was driving on a freeway. I had my adaptive cruise control turned on. The car in front of me slowed down. My adaptive cruise control did not slow me down so I applied the breaks. The breaks did not work. The breaks did not slow me down or stop me. My pre-collision system did not activate. I collided with the rear end of the car that was in front of me. I got displays on my car screen stating "Pre-Collision System Malfunction", "Breaking Power Low", and "Cruise Control Malfunction". The safety of ourselves and others definitely put the safety of ourselves and others at risk. We did not report this to the dealer. Our car was totaled. The vehicle components involved were not inspected to the best of our knowledge. The warning messages are described above. We do not know exactly when they appeared.
NHTSA complaint #11724316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 complaint #11714970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 complaint #11711407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brakes suddenly failed in the middle of driving causing a major safety hazard. There was no warning. Went to the dealership and was diagnosed “Brake - Fluid Accumulator: INSPECT AND FOUND CODE C1391, ABNORMAL LEAKS IN ACCUMULATOR, RECOMMEND TO REPLACE BRAKE BOOSTER, MASTER CYLINDER AND PUMP. The brake fluid accumulator is a part of the Anti-Lock Brake System. The accumulator stores brake fluid under pressure from the ABS Pump and can instantly provide fluid under pressure to the brakes.” It appears this issue is not an isolated incident and others with the same or similar year/model have had this issue. It is extremely dangerous that the brakes suddenly failed to function without warning. The brake pads and brake fluids were adequate and the vehicle was up-to-date on regular inspection and maintenance.
NHTSA complaint #11703456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The contact owns a 2023 Lexus ES 300. The contact stated that upon coasting into a parking space, the contact tapped the brake pedal; however, the vehicle independently accelerated. In an effort to avoid hitting the building, the contact steered the vehicle to the left, away from the building; as a result, the contact drove into some hedges. The contact's foot was on the brake pedal throughout the failure, and the vehicle eventually came to a stop. The contact stated that a "Parking Support Brake Malfunction, Visit your Dealer" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The air bags did not deploy, and no injuries were reported. The police were not called to the scene, and a police report was not filed. The building's hedges were destroyed, and paint marks were left on the side of the building as a result of the vehicle scraping the building. Despite the failure, the contact managed to regain control of the vehicle and drove home. The next day, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it remained in their possession; the vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11697669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While the vehicle was parked and no one was pressing the brake pedal, the ABS actuator pump continued to run and made a constant buzzing/whirring noise. This suggests that the actuator is cycling excessively to maintain brake pressure. I am concerned this could eventually lead to loss of ABS function or reduced brake assist, increasing the risk of an accident. No dashboard warning lights are currently illuminated, but the problem happens repeatedly and can be reproduced. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the dealer, but I am aware other Toyota/Lexus hybrid models have had similar brake actuator issues in the past.
NHTSA complaint #11690047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
As a dominos delivery driver, I am constantly braking in neighborhoods, on main roads, highways, parking lots, you name it. It’s important for me as a safe driver to be able to rely on my vehicle to perform properly. Recently, I’ve had multiple failures to stop as the code “c1391” has come up and has intermittently shut off proper control of my braking system. Upon reading of the faulty brake system causing this code and my vehicle listed (2013 Lexus es300h) as part of the list of vehicles affected, I knew I needed to write in as well to have my car fixed of this problem that is endangering myself and others on the road.
NHTSA complaint #11681600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
C1391 error code reported which is linked to Antilock brake system with leak in accumulator requiring replacement of brake booster pump, cylinder kit and other ABS parts cost running to $3550. My VIN number search on nhtsa.gov shows no such recalls for my vehicle as "0 unrepaired recalls". I never got recall notification regarding this issue but Lexus says I should have been notified.
NHTSA complaint #11643220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brakes malfunctioned almost resulted in a life threatening car accident. Car is at the Lexus dealership for repair. The have confirmed problem. Yes there were warning lights moments before needing the brakes and it not working whn pushed.
NHTSA complaint #11635965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owned a 2016 Lexus ES. The contact stated while at a stop sign, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to engage and the vehicle unintentionally accelerated which caused the front driver's side of the vehicle to crash into another vehicle. There was severe cosmetic damage however, no injuries was sustained. The air bags was deployed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was totaled. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.
NHTSA complaint #11634569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Lexus ES 350. The contact stated that while his father was driving at 35-37 MPH down a hill, he applied the brake pedal, but the brakes failed to respond. The contact continued to pump the brake pedal. The driver moved the gear shifter, attempting to slow down the vehicle. The driver crashed into a 2016 Mazda 3, which crashed into a 2017 Honda Civic. There was an unknown brake indicator light displayed. The passenger occupant sustained extreme chest and neck pain. The driver and passenger were provided medical attention. Additionally, the two occupants of the Mazda sustained leg and neck pain but no medical attention was provided. The unknown occupant (s) of the Honda sustained back, feet, neck, and head injuries, and medical attention was provided. The passenger occupant confirmed that the driver had pumped the brake pedal. The vehicle was towed to a lot. The air bags deployed. There was no reported fire. The contact tested the brakes and showed resistance. The contact had an independent mechanic test the vehicle, and the OBD reading showed no results. There was an indication of a low battery. A police report was filed. The police tested the vehicle and noted the brakes were functioning. The contact stated that a witness traveling behind the driver did not see any brake lights illuminate. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #11628965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving on the highway electronic brake boost suddenly failed, leading to brake malfunction. This is common malfunction of this model. This leads to potentially hazardous situation when in emergency or even regular traffic breaking car would not break as expected.
NHTSA complaint #11613251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was able to reproduce the issue. When accelerating from a stop, but not yet passing 7 mph (typically 3-5mph registering on the speedometer), then suddenly braking, the brakes do not immediately engage, but rather engage after several seconds have passed. The system/vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle did not stop (as the brakes weren't applied) causing a collision. I am able to reproduce the issue in the vehicle. No inspection has yet taken place. No warning lamps or other vehicle messages appeared prior to or following the braking failure and the resulting collision. This undocumented behavior was not noted prior to the failure resulting in a collision. Normal driving conditions would not expose the failure. Limited video is available upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11611602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Lexus ES. While the contact's wife was driving at unknown speeds, the messages stating "vehicle notification system, a malfunction in the vehicle notification system has been detected, contact dealer", and "notification system malfunction visit your dealer" were displayed. The contact stated that the steering wheel automatically maneuvered to the left side of the lane and the contact's wife avoided a crash, however, the failure recurred and the contact's wife crashed into the rear bumper of a vehicle with the front bumper of the contact's vehicle. The contact stated that while the wife was depressing the brake pedal, it failed to respond and the contact's wife crashed into the vehicle a second time. No police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
NHTSA complaint #11585513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.