90 of the
862 complaints filed about the Lexus ES
are about the other systems —
10% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2007.
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.
The “maintenance required” warning light came on. The Lexus dealer indicated that a tire rotation was required at a cost of approximately $100. We had the tires rotated at a tire store at a cost of zero ($.00). The Lexus dealer service department refused to turn off the “maintenance required” warning, safety light because that dealer did not perform the tire rotation. If there is something wrong with the car, we won’t receive that vital information until the warning light has been reset. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. Apparently, only a Lexus dealer’s service department can reset the warning safety light and there is an inspection fee charged for them to reset the warning safety light because the dealership didn’t perform the tire rotation. This policy was not disclosed to us when the vehicle was purchased. This was NOT the policy with regard to the Lexus vehicles we previously purchased. To me, this is extortion attributable to corporate greed and a disregard for consumer safety. This is the policy of each and every local Lexus dealership I have contacted.
NHTSA complaint #11753602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On or July 28, 2026, I experienced a safety incident involving the driver’s side power window on my 2021 Lexus ES. The vehicle was running, and I reached through the driver’s side window to retrieve an item being handed to me. Without me pressing or activating the window switch, the driver’s window unexpectedly quickly closed on my arm. It trapped my right forearm. I could not get my arm out for several minutes and attempted to open the window with both the switch and manually using all my force from my upper body to try to free my right arm. The associate also tried to push the window back open but it would not budge. I had also tried opened the driver’s door to see if that would cause the window to release. Nothing I could do would budge the window open for me to pull free and the force was very strong against my arm. I finally freed my arm and the window closed quickly on both hands at my knuckles before I could pull them out. Which I also had to struggle against with great force.That's how fast the window was going. I did think I was going to loose my hand. The incident resulted in injury to my right arm. Based on my understanding, the power window did not stop or reverse as I would have expected from the vehicle’s anti-pinch safety feature. This unexpected window movement created a risk of serious injury. I am concerned that this may indicate a defect in the power window system or its safety features. I am submitting this report so the incident can be documented and investigated to determine whether other vehicles may have the same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11753522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle: 2008 Lexus ES 350 Issue Description: The dashboard in my vehicle is melting and becoming sticky, causing a reflective glare on the windshield during daylight driving. This significantly impacts visibility and creates a potential safety hazard. The condition worsens with heat and sun exposure. The glare can be severe enough to interfere with safe driving, especially during morning and afternoon sunlight conditions. This issue has been widely reported among Lexus ES models from this generation. Lexus previously acknowledged the defect and offered a limited-time repair program, which has since expired. However, many vehicles are still experiencing the issue. Because this defect affects driver visibility, it should be considered a safety concern rather than a cosmetic issue. I am requesting that this issue be investigated and that appropriate action be taken to require the manufacturer to address the defect. Resulting Safety Concern: Reduced driver visibility due to dashboard glare
NHTSA complaint #11735115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was making a right hand turn inside the parking garage. Suddenly my car took off full throttle. I sped forward at full speed towards the line of cars on the left then straight ahead a good distance. I thought I was going to die. I was on Level 3, going in to have lab work done which I did have done. This incident happened maybe 30 minutes before they did the lab work so there should be a time stamp on when this occurred. Since it was inside the parking garage I feel confident it was recorded on their video surveillance.
NHTSA complaint #11727644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Car has been stalling, jerking and revving of the engine! Transmission service was done around 100,000 miles, about 30000 miles later, car was taken back to dealer and they were unable diagnose a problem. Issue got worse until it became undriveable. Car towed back to dealership only to be told I need a transmission on a pre owned certified car!
NHTSA complaint #11722630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Incident Description: The instrument panel (dashboard) and interior trim panels of my 2012 Lexus ES 350 have suffered a complete material failure, transforming from a solid surface into a viscous, melting adhesive. This is a known manufacturing defect documented under Lexus Customer Support Program ZLZ. This failure creates a critical safety risk because the degraded surface has become highly reflective, producing a blinding glare on the windshield that severely obstructs my visibility while driving. Furthermore, the material has liquefied directly over the passenger-side airbag deployment zone; I am concerned this sticky residue will interfere with the deployment timing or cause adhesive-coated debris to be projected at occupants during a collision. There were no electronic warning lamps prior to this structural failure; the symptoms began as a slight tackiness that rapidly accelerated into a melting state where the surface now attracts debris and cannot be cleaned. This condition was confirmed by [Insert Dealer Name] during an inspection, where service technicians acknowledged the symptoms were consistent with the ZLZ campaign. However, Lexus has refused to assist with the repair, citing an expired secondary coverage window. I believe a known manufacturing defect that compromises driver visibility and airbag integrity constitutes a safety hazard that must be addressed regardless of the vehicle's age. The vehicle and the defective components remain available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11721695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Paring brake has been bucking backwards and forward for most of 2026 and finally it failed facing downhill on Feb 4, 2026 and rolled downhill until it stopped after hitting a sign.
NHTSA complaint #11717319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
I HAVE A 2012 LEXUS ES350 PURCHASED USED FROM AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. I WAS NOT TOLD ABOUT THE MELTING DASHBOARD ISSUE WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR AND IT JUST STARTED HAPPENING. I CAN'T DRIVE THE CAR DUE TO THE SAFETY ISSUE AS THERE IS GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD IN SUNLIGHT THAT OBSCURES MY VIEW. THE LEXUS DEALER AND LEXUS CORPORATE SAY IT'S TOO BAD BECAUSE THE CASE IS CLOSED BUT I NEVER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION. THEY SAID RECALL NOTIFICATION PROBABLY WENT TO THE PREVIOUS OWNER. HOW IS THIS A SATISFACTORY RESOLUTION? THE CAR ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES ON IT AND IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #11691121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
There was a recall listed for my car in 2023, and now it is September 2025 and there is still no remedy available for the recall. Manufacturer Recall Number: 23LB03 NHTSA Recall Number: 23V865 Recall Status: Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary: The subject vehicles have Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors in the front passenger seat, that could have been improperly manufactured. Safety Risk: This would not allow the airbag system to properly classify the occupant’s weight, and the airbag may not deploy as designed in certain crashes, increasing the risk of injury..
NHTSA complaint #11690117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
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.
Driving down the interstate and out of the blue my sunroof exploded. It sounded like a gunshot and I was driving 80mph. I almost ran into another driver due to glass falling on me.
NHTSA complaint #11637350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
We purchased this vehicle in mid 2018. In October of 2018 Lexus issued a customer support process ZLZ which covered our vehicle for problems with the dashboard. At that time, we had no deterioration of our dashboard so we did not respond. The Lexus program expired in 2021. In the last two years, our dashboard has deteriorated quite substantially becoming sticky and more importantly, becoming very reflective. This condition is a serious safety issue for day and night driving as light reflects up on the windshield and obscures vision out of the windshield. We took the vehicle to Lexus San Diego in August of 2024 and they declined to address the repair as a defect and offered to replace the dashboard for approximately $3000. At that time I called the Lexus Corporate Dept and they said that it could fall under the support program again if they re-opened the program. The representative did not offer any timeline for that happening. I sent correspondence to Lexus Corporate in Oct of 2024 and finally heard back on 11/08/2024 that they would only offer a customer paid fix of approximately $2200.00. The dashboard is definitely defective (soon to be inoperable) and creates a very significant safety problem. I do not understand or agree with Lexus not addressing it properly.
NHTSA complaint #11624496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.