FaultScore

Lexus ES window and wiper problems

38 of the 862 complaints filed about the Lexus ES are about the glass, mirrors and wipers — 4% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2007.

38

Complaints

4%

Share of all complaints

0

Crashes

0

Fires

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers complaints by model year

2004 ES 1 2.6%

Median failure at 137,000 miles

2007 ES 19 50.0%

Median failure at 78,161 miles

2008 ES 4 10.5%
2009 ES 1 2.6%

Median failure at 61,000 miles

2010 ES 4 10.5%

Median failure at 100,000 miles

2011 ES 2 5.3%
2012 ES 3 7.9%
2013 ES 4 10.5%

Median failure at 5,800 miles

What owners said

2008 Lexus ES Tujunga, CA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

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.

2007 Lexus ES San Antonio, TX

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Dashboard and window seals are melting. Dashboard melting is causing a huge glare in windshield during the day. Window seals are melting onto my windows causing excessive scuffing on the windows affecting ability to see in my blind spots

NHTSA complaint #11675738 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Lexus ES Hampton, GA 1 injured

VISIBILITY/WIPER

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.

2011 Lexus ES San Diego, CA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

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.

2013 Lexus ES Fairhope, AL

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Roughly 6-12 months ago the dashboard on my Lexus started to melt and become sticky, creating a glare on my windshield and impeding my ability to see the road causing dangerous situations. Both daytime and nighttime driving have been affected by this defect. I’ve contacted the local dealership, but they confirmed that no recalls are available and that the only solution is for me to replace the entire dash.

NHTSA complaint #11603755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2010 Lexus ES 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.

2007 Lexus ES Port ST Lucie, FL

VISIBILITY/WIPER

My dashboard is turning into a liquid. Florida heat has effected this vehical since purchase. Currently my visability is through windshield is serverly affected. Since a large portion of the dash is liquid under a black dashboard it is reflecting onto my windshield serverly limiting my viewing the road and traffic. This is a known problem needing an immediate solution. Thank you for any immediate action you take on this matter.

NHTSA complaint #11588345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2012 Lexus ES El Cajon, CA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The dashboard is melting causing a glare that’s hard to see through on the windshield. I found a self service from Lexus that they recalled it themselves but it isn’t official thought the government. [XXX] ). I called Lexus and they said I had to call corporate, so I did. They still wouldn’t help me as it isn’t an official recall even though they extended the program to 2026. This is a major saftey concern. I could eventually hit someone because of the glare. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11583403 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Lexus ES Jonesboro, AR

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I own a 2011 Lexus ES350. I understand there were several times in the past when repairs for a melting dashboard was fixed with no cost to the car owner. I don’t recall receiving information on this offer in a timely manner and now the offers have apparently expired. I think most customers were concerned about the cosmetic damage of the dashboard, but I have valid safety concerns. Sometimes when the sun is out, the line of vision is blurred due to the reflection of the melted dashboard. I want this to be repaired before I have an accident.

NHTSA complaint #11556374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Lexus ES Belleville, IL

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The dashboard on my car is melting/shiny/sticky. I have tried many things to get it to stop reflecting on my windshield, but nothing helps. I contacted Lexus and this is an identified known concern for this vehicle and a bulletin has been issued, but the bulletin has expired. The reflection impairs visibility anytime the sun is out or lights at night reflect on the dashboard. I am concerned for my safety and my children’s safety in a vehicle that is known for reliability and longevity.

NHTSA complaint #11546575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2008 Lexus ES Clarksville, IN

VISIBILITY/WIPER

URGENT: MY DASH HAS MELTED ON MY-2008 LEXUS ES 350- I CANNOT SEE TO DRIVE, MY VISIBILTY IT TOTALLY OBSTRUCTED w MY 2008 LEXUS ES 350 WITH ACTUAL 35, 000 MILES, THAT I CANNOT DRIVE ((EVER)) IT SITS IN THE GARAGE. BECAUSE TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE MELTING DASH IT TOTALLY BLOCKS MY VIEW OF ANY ROAD, DUE TO SHINING REFLECTION OF MELTING DASH IS ALL YOU CAN SEE IN MY WINDSHIELD WHEN YOU GET IN THE CAR TO DRIVE-SO INSTEAD OF AN ACCIDENT FOR ME OR OTHERS ON ROAD UNTIL THIS DASH IS REPLACED IT CANNOT BE DRIVEN. BECAUSE THE SHINY-MELTING-STICKY DASH (((REFLECTS ONTO MY WINDSHIELD; OF THE 2008 LEXUS ES 350AND MAKES IT TOO DANGEROUS & IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE, TO DRIVE ANYWHERE & IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE ANYTHING WHEN DRIVING MY VIEW IS OBSTRUCTED ALL I CAN SEE IS (((A REFLECTION IN WINDSHIELD ONLY))) OF (((MY : SHINY MELTING DASH -2008 LEXUS ES 350-I CANNOT DRIVE W 35, 000 MILES THE DASH NEEDS REPLACED ASAP BEFORE AN ACCIDENT DID or ALMOST DID OCCUR. NO, I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON THIS CAR MELTING DASH -NEVER. THIS ISSUE IS ALL OVER THE INTERNET WITH OTHER TOYOTA AND LEXUS OWNERS HAVING THIS VERY SAME ISSUE. This car was built in Georgetown KY and was purchased BRAND NEW at Lexus of Louisville, KY. “I have never purchased another Lexus after this.” Thank you, original and only 1 OWNER of this Lexus ES-350

NHTSA complaint #11524285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2010 Lexus ES 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.

2012 Lexus ES Estero, FL

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Sticky dash board, tryed to clean it and it becomes shinny and reflects sunlight

NHTSA complaint #11493290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Lexus ES at 145,000 miles Brandon, FL

VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2007 Lexus ES350. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH the dashboard was sticky with a glare and shiny. The contact stated the material caused visibility issues. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was repaired before for TSB: L-SB-0011-15 however the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, was not of assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.

NHTSA complaint #11477406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2010 Lexus ES 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.

2007 Lexus ES SAN Luis Obispo, CA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

LEXUS ISSUED A TECH BULLETIN IN 2011 STATING THAT THERE WAS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE DASHBOARDS MELTING AND THE GLARE FROM THE SUN WAS BLINDING DRIVERS. TOLD DEALERS TO REPLACE THEM WHEN ASKED. EXTENDED THE CAMPAIGN THRU 5/2017, BUT DID NOT INFORM CUSTOMERS. CAMPAIGN EXPIRED WITH A LOT OF DEFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS DASHBOARDS STILL OUT THERE. THE SMELL IS ALSO MAKING PEOPLE SICK. LEXUS WILL NOT REPLACE MY DASHBOARD.

NHTSA complaint #11373051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Lexus ES Thomaston, GA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

MY CAR HAS A MELTING DASH THAT LEAVES A STICKY RESIDUE ON MY WINDSHIELD AFFECTING MY ABILITY TO SEE THE ROAD. IT ALSO CAUSES A GLARE WHEN DRIVING IN THE EARLY MORNING OR AT NIGHT WITH STREET LIGHTS.

NHTSA complaint #11361358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Lexus ES Dacula, GA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

TWO YEARS AGO I NOTICED MY DASHBOARD GETTING STICKY , AND NOW IT'S GETTING WORSE AND WORSE,BECAUSE WHEN THE SUN OR SHINE I CAN SEE WITH THE GLER..

NHTSA complaint #11354023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Lexus ES at 1 miles Norman, OK

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I AM HAVING ISSUES WITH VISIBILITY SINCE I HAVE A STICKY, CRACKED DASHBOARD, AND IT'S PEELING OFF BIT BY BIT. I HAVE CALLED LEXUS CORPORATE MULTIPLE TIMES AND THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING. I WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET OR BUY A COVER WHICH QUITE FRANKLY IT LOOKS UGLY ON A LUXURY SEDAN. WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR I THOUGHT IT WAS A COSMETIC ISSUE, BUT IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE ESPECIALLY ON HOT WEATHER LIKE THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA. IT IS REALLY CONCERNING AS I ALMOST HIT A PEDESTRIAN WHEN THE SUN WAS GLARING OVER MY FRONT WINDSHIELD. I AM ACTUALLY TERRIFIED OF LEAVING MY HOME ON SUNNY DAYS AS I MIGHT GET IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THE GLARE. FEW YEARS AGO, LEXUS OFFERED TO REPLACE UNDER WARRANTY, BUT IT WASN'T A RECALL AND THE OWNER DIDN'T HAVE IT FIXED. BACK THEN THE CAR HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FROM THE DEALER (ESKRIDGE LEXUS OKC). THE GRACE PERIOD FOR THE REPLACEMENT IS OVER.THE CAR HAS BEEN WELL TAKEN CARE OF AND GOOD SERVICE RECORD. I HAVE NO PROOF OF WHAT I'M GOING TO SAY NEXT, BUT I FEAR THAT SINCE THE DASHBOARD IS STICKY AND CRACKED AND PEELING OFF, THE AIRBAGS MIGHT NOT PROPERLY DEPLOY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA complaint #11318515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Lexus ES Chalfont, PA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I HAVE LEXUS ES350. ITS EXPENSIVE LUXURY CAR. BUT ITS DASHBOARD IS MELTING ON THE TOP NOW. VERY UNCOMMON BEHAVIOR OF THIS KIND OF CAR. THIS WOULDN'T HAPPENED EVEN IF IN CHEAP CAR. I WENT TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY CONFIRM THAT IT IS MELTING. IT'S A DASHBOARD, ONE OF THE MAIN PART OF THE CAR. ISSUE IS IN THE SUN, MELTED PART IS REFLECTING ON THE WINDSHIELD AND ITS VERY BRIGHT. IT BECOMES SAFETY ISSUE TO DRIVE THIS CAR IN THE SUN. IT GIVES HEADACHE AND NOT PROPER VISIBILITY TO DRIVE. DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO FIX THIS ISSUE AS THIS CAR IS MORE THAN 10 YEARS OLD. THIS KIND OF ISSUE SHOULD NOT HAPPENED IN THE CAR LIKE LEXUS. PLEASE SEE ATTACHED PICTURES, IT GIVES SOME IDEA LIKE HOW IT LOOKS LIKE IN WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING. PICTURE DO NOT COVER ALL REFLECTIONS THOUGH.

NHTSA complaint #11258307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Lexus ES problems