Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Lexus ES - part 1

I have purchased two Lexus Es350s--a 2007 and a 2017. Both cars have been serviced at Lexus of atlanta and both have had transmission failure. On August 28, 2025, after my car passed emissions and had just been serviced a month prior at the dealership, my car abruptly jumped and stalled, and the "traction control" message popped up. This was extremely scary as I was driving in atlanta traffic. I immediately had it towed to Lexus of atlanta. I received a call from my service advisor with whom I have worked for many years and he said it is my transmission and quoted me $10,000+. He also had zero empathy, could not tell me why my car all of the sudden "died" and Essentially said, "these things happen and it is what it is. " those were actually his exact words. No one can explain why the transmission failed when I have had the car serviced routinely by the dealership from where the car was purchased. I just had the car serviced in July. I had no indication that the car was malfunctioning. I am unsure if the transmissions need to be recalled but this is a serious safety concern.

See all problems of the 2017 Lexus ES 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2016 Lexus ES 🔎.

Driving car experienced a loud thump. Lost all engine power. Pulled to side of road. Had a hybrid system unavailable warning. Called a tow. Checked oil level to find it below the low mark. Car left a huge puddle of oil when loaded. Got to dealership. They found a hole in the engine block. Engine seized. Looms like it was the rod for the first cylinder. This issue sounds like what was the 2020 model years recall. My car had 128k on it all maintenance was completed on time, at the dealership. I regularly check oil level, and it was within normal range.

See all problems of the 2019 Lexus ES 🔎.

Vvti oil line ruptured this was part of a limited service campaign by Lexus and I believe my vehicle's VIN was incorrectly excluded.

See all problems of the 2008 Lexus ES 🔎.

Unknown.

See all problems of the 2003 Lexus ES 🔎.

The vehicle stalls when I try to take off causing me to pull into traffic slower.

I was driving and my car speed start going down and I saw engine and battery light came on so I pulled over and turned off the car and try to turn it back on but it's not turning on.

See all problems of the 2007 Lexus ES 🔎.

During a trip on the highway the accelerator was to low and take harder to accelerate the car. When we arrived home close to parking end the car suddenly accelerated while I was using the brakes pedal. I was lucky to stop on time. Thanks for your attention.

See all problems of the 2002 Lexus ES 🔎.

The first incident occurred sometime in late June/early July. . . Indicator lights mentioned below came on and I cleaned off sensors and indicator lamps disappeared on this occurrence. On July 13 2022, I was driving on a busy local road when the following malfunction indicators were displayed: brake system warning, 'check' engine malfunction indicator lamp, electric power steering system warning, parking support brake system, and pre-collision system. As these indicators were displayed, simultaneously the vehicle decelerated to an almost complete stop on the road (though I was pressing gas pedal to floor) and then to a complete stop as I was able to blessedly pull over to a gas station without getting hit (the car sounded like putt, putt as it shut down). The vehicle would not start even though I cleaned off the sensors this time. . . I sat for about 15-30 minutes and the vehicle restarted and resume normal operations until I was able to get home safely. This happened again on 15 July 2022 while I was driving on I-75n, a truly busy interstate, I was switching lanes to get to the far right lane when all of a sudden, the aforementioned indicator lamps displayed and the vehicle decelerated to a complete stop as I was able to pull over onto the shoulder of the highway. . . I believe since I had a family member following me, that definitely kept an accident from occurring along with the oversight of the good lord. While we sat and waited for tow services, I tried wiping the sensors to no avail. . . Yet, upon 30 minutes of waiting, the vehicle restarted and resumed normal operations. I drove vehicle to an auto shop in which they did a vehicle diagnostics check and couldn't find anything wrong. . . They even drove vehicle to see if problem would reoccur but to no avail.

This is a second report of unexpected, unanticipated extremly high acceleration while braking. I reported this experience in November 2019, NHTSA complaint number 11279155. At that time, the car was moving and I was braking on an uphill curve. On October 10, 2021, at approx 12:30 p. M. The unexpected, unanticipated extremely high acceleration occurred as I was starting my car in a pittsburgh area restaurant parking lot. The car requires that my foot be on the brake while starting. The car was in park when I depressed the start button. Immediately the car started with extremely high revolutions to the point the loud engine noise frightened several individuals standing 15-20 feet on an adjacent sidewalk. The tachometer was in or close to the redzone. I immediately shut the engine down. At no time did I have my foot on the accelerator and neither the floor mat nor any other item was touching the accelerator.

While at a stop sign or light, I have experienced on at least five separate occasions where I press the accelerator and the vehicle does not move. I took it in to the Lexus dealer last year and have set up another appointment again next Monday September 27. There response is that they will put it on their diagnostic machine.

Smoke started coming out of hood when returning home. Opened hood to check engine and choked on smoke. After engine cooled, found vvt-I tube is leaking at lower end of rubber hose. Engine oil had accumulated around engine compartment aft, a bit foward of vvt-I tube, and to passenger side. Searched internet and saw that lsc-90k oil line "campaign" has the exact same part that is part of campaign that failed on my engine, but my VIN is not part of campaign.

The front timing cover seal on my car was resealed at 105,124 miles @ a cost of $2,804. 52 plus tax on November 2014. The car was 8 years old. I am now being told that the timing cover needs to be resealed/replaced again. The car had 160,830 miles when I took it in for service on 5/3/2021. By the way, the service adviser wrote the wrong mileage. He mistakenly wrote 168,036 miles as the odometer reading. When I asked what is causing this issue he had no answer. I contacted Lexus customer service to inquire into what causes the seal to need replacement every 7 or so years. Case # 210506001409 was assigned. The customer service called today and informed me that the service manager at crown Lexus in ontario informed her the sealer shrinks overtime. However, she could not provide a reason for the shrinkage. I need to know what causes this so I can decide whether to continue putting money into this car. This does seem right to me. I think it is a manufacturing defect. I simply need to know why they continue to use sealers that they know will shrink. The new cost to repair this car is approximately $3500. The customer service person did not know the name of the sealer that was being used. She could only refer me to the service manager at the dealer and I do not feel comfortable talking to him about this because he gave her no real explanation other than it shrinks. Other customers are having the same problem with their cars. If I have contacted the wrong office please direct to me to someone who can help. By the way, I asked for a written response and was told she could not provide one.

I tried to start my car out of no where it wouldn't start no warning or anything I checked the starter that wasn't it I'm not sure off it's the engine or an electrical problem.

Tl- the contact's mom owned a 2002 Lexus Es300. The contact stated that while driving at 3 mph, the vehicle began to emit a thick white, yellowish smoke from the driver side headlight without warning. As the contact attempted to pull the vehicle over,the vehicle began to lose power as a bystander altered the contact that the vehicle was on fire. The contact immediately exited the vehicle and the authorities were called to the scene. The fire department arrived at the scene and was able to extinguish the fire. A police and fire report was filed at the scene. Due to the fire, the vehicle was destroyed and was towed to an independent mechanic. No injuries were suffered as a result of the fire. The manufacturer nor the dealer have yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 173,000. Jo.

Broken engine valve spring. Only one so far that cause the problem. Vehicle in motion on city street.

See all problems of the 2009 Lexus ES 🔎.

I leased a 2019 Lexus Es300h in March of 2019. About 1 year later, the vehicle started having serious mechanical issues related to the power of the vehicle and put my life in danger on 3 different occasions. The vehicle has a serious problem with losing power. The very first time that this problem occurred, I was in the left only lane attempting to make a left turn. When it was safe to do so and there was enough distance between me and the nearest vehicle driving in the opposite direction, I pressed on the accelerator to make a left turn and my vehicle suddenly lost almost complete power. I had the accelerator pressed all the way to the floor and the vehicle was barely moving like 3-5 miles per hour. Me and the other vehicle that was coming kind of fast in the opposite direction almost got into a head on collision. I would have very easily and safely, without even rushing, cleared the intersection and completed the left turn had this not happened. After collecting myself from the terrifying experience I just went through and having my life flash before my eyes, pulled over and called Lexus roadside. They came and towed the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer kept the vehicle for some time, but was not able to duplicate the problem and told me that there is nothing with the vehicle. Regardless of how much I insisted that they do further tests, they refused and told me that the mechanic he driven it home at night and back in the morning and could not duplicate the issue and that if I didn't come to pick up the vehicle, they would park it on the street where it would be subject to tow. After picking it up and literally after about 20 minutes of driving it, almost the same thing happened while I was on the freeway on my way home. The vehicle lost power again and I almost got into an accident. A similar incident occurred the third time. Took the vehicle to service 3 times. Brand engagement has not done a single thing. Lemon law department denied the case. Been paying.

On thur Nov 6, 2009, at approx 6:00 pm. , I was driving on a wet country lane in wexford, PA. Driving slowly, less than 15 mph on an up hill curve, I applied my brakes and shortly afterward the engine unexpectedly and unintentionally accelerated causing my car to swerve to the left and into shrubbery adjacent to the lane. My foot was not on the accelerator and the floor mat was anchored. Auto damage is minor limited to left front bumper, Est at $1,000-$1,500 damage.

Since I bought the car in oct 2019, this happens everytime I am on local roads (speed <50mph), when I slowdown per the traffic flow, or taking turn (left or right) after yielding, the car hesitates to accelerate as if the gas pedal died on me and then I push the pedal further down only to get the car downshift drastically and revving up to almost always about the hit the car in front (if any) of me. In the few times I am on highway, when I need to speed up to change the lane the car accelerates unpredictably making the driving a scary experience.

On the night of August 20, 2019, at 9:45, I parked my Lexus Es 300 and went inside the local acme. Acme is approx miles from home. I entered the store and heard over the intercom all shoppers had 12 min before closing. I quickly shopped, and upon exiting the store, my car had a significant fire, and the fire company that was across the street had to respond and put it out. My car had no power, and it mysteriously caught fire. I was given the directive to have it towed immediately by the police and fire CO who was on the scene. I quickly grabbed any salvageable personals and had to get a ride home by the police officer. The following day August 21, 2019, aaa towed the vehicle to my home. I had to attach the battery cable to have power for windows and locks along with the trunk. I gathered all my belongings and removed the wire. I called the fire marshall for a report, and he said he couldn't give me a report. It was compromised by being towed. Compromised for towing when I was told or rather demanded to remove the vehicle of the property immediately. I googled the words Lexus and fire and noticed by a few posts my issue was not an isolated incident. Therefore, I contacted Lexus, who had me tow my vehicle to the local dealer. The car sat and is still sitting for almost three weeks before an inspector looked at it on September 10. 2019. I went to check the only car after and took a video of what I saw. I waited the 30 days for a reply if they'd assume responsibility. I got my letter on the 31st day and they can not identify how the fire started and assume no liability. How does a car mysteriously catch fire parked? because this issue isn't isolated, is there any recourse action against Lexus for damages? I have videos and photos of the damage after the fire and after the inspection.

Electrical systems is fried, draining every battery I buy ( about a total of 15 or more bought) I've changed the starter and alternator multiple times as well. If I turn the a/c on the lights dim and the car slows down dangerously before completely shutting down! my car is a risk on the road so I haven't been able to drive it since finding out, yet, I still have to pay insurance every month on it.

See all problems of the 2000 Lexus ES 🔎.

At the top of our driveway just outside the garage door, my wife put our 07' Lexus Es350 in gear and seconds later the vehicle began to accelerate wildly. She was unable to slow the car's wild acceleration down the driveway and caught part of a retaining wall on the property which flipped the vehicle on it's side. I was inside the house at the time but heard the car's engine rev just before the crash. The accident appears to have initiated by some extremely dangerous mechanical failure that allowed the engine to rev uncontrollably . Our insurance company will soon be towing the Lexus to their facility. I notified a claims agent that the accident should be brought to the attention of NHTSA however, the agent was not aware of how to coordinate the effort so I am proceeding forward myself ASAP. The car is obviously totaled and I'm not sure what insurance will do with the vehicle.

Transmission had issues with flare at speeds of 30-40 mph on a cold start and brought it to Lexus and they updated my ecu with the software. After getting the car back they had a jerking/hesitation between 1st and 2nd gear. This happens every time when when at a stop and slowly accelerating. Lexus recommended a new transmission, but I did some research and lots of owners had this issue for the early 2007 models of the Es350. Apparently Lexus is a ware of the issue but has done nothing about it.

I bought this car from all auto sales. The same day, less than an hour later I attempted to drive the car home and it broke down in front of a red light. The salesman reassured me that nothing was wrong with it. I tried to start it back up and it wouldn't start so I had to push it to the side of the road, while pregnant and two kids present. It was sold to me "as is" and I have no temp tags and I'm expected to pay a bi weekly car note. I had to payout of pocket for a tow truck and at this point I just want my money back it's only been two days and I'm already experiencing problems out of this vehicle. Please help.

Was driving in west sacramento , when the check engine, check hybrid system alarms went off. Within 1 minute , the car went dead, no power, no steering. If I was on an express way , it would have been a guaranteed fatality for me, my family and other cars involved. The dealership , Lexus of sacramento told me the computer failed in the car. The car has only 55000 miles on it. I am concerned about the quality of parts used by Lexus.

See all problems of the 2013 Lexus ES 🔎.

I had a car accident approximately one month ago due to sudden unintended acceleration and loss of steering in a 2004 Lexus Es330. I am the only owner of the car and I had it serviced regularly over the past 13 years. The night of my accident I lost complete control of my car as I attempted to merge on to the local lanes of an interstate highway in northern, NJ. The car accelerated to the left and crossed sped across 8 lanes of the highway, including over a median before it spun around and jerked to a stop in the left lane of the west bound lanes facing east. I was hit head on by another driver. I was not injured, but the car was a total loss. Both of my parents also currently drive Lexus vehicles, and both models were noted to have similar issues. Furthermore, my mother recently received a letter indicating her car was being recalled due to the passenger air bag issues, the letter stated while Toyota would offer what they considered to be a suitable fix at no charge. The letter further explained that they did not currently possess the parts needed for the repairs and would be in touch in the future, no indication of the expected time frame was provided. Between my accident and knowing both of my parents are currently driving vehicles that are unsafe to drive, by Toyota's own admissions, I have been and continue to experience significant distress. I am aware of the significant fines and suits settled against Toyota in the past, but they continue to seem unfazed despite their cars putting all of our lives at risk daily. I am also incredibly disgusted by their history of victim blaming and would love to do whatever I can to bring attention to this issue. I feel it is only fair that Toyota accept responsibility for their seemingly never ending list of wrongdoing and take immediate steps to correct ongoing issues.

See all problems of the 2004 Lexus ES 🔎.

Over the last couple of years, at least 7 times, I have had my car stay running while I am at a restaurant or when I return home. I park outside and at least 3 times over the last 6 years neighbors have called and said did you know that your car engine was running. About three weeks ago, in early August, I was at a restaurant in clinton, new york where the car was running on the street several blocks away for the whole time we were in the restaurant. Each time I thought I'd put my foot on the brake and pushed in the button to shut off the car. I am so glad that you are investigating this. If I had an interior garage where I parked at my home, I could have killed people with the build up of the carbon monoxide. I can't see why Toyota can't have a blinking light when the car is on or have the car automatically cut off after a few minutes. One other thing, is that my car, which I love, runs so quietly, that it is almost impossible to hear the engine when it is idling. Thank you so much for investigating this serious issue.

Tl-the contact owns a 2005 Lexus Es320. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph the vehicle experienced an unintended acceleration. The contact braking system would not respond. The contact then had to shift to neutral and came to a complete stop. A number of warning indicators were illuminated at the time of failure. The vehicle would not start again, so it was towed to an independent mechanic. The diagnosis was that the engine had to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 148,800. Bp.

See all problems of the 2006 Lexus ES 🔎.

I accelerated from a stop light after it turned green. About 25 feet thru the light I heard the car behind me blowing their horn constantly. I looked in my rear view mirror to see what was going in. Then I thought I notice light smoke comng from my tailpipe. I applied my right turn blinker and pulled to the curve. As soon as I parked, I could see orange colored fire around the front of my car and along the side of my driver/passenger doors. I felt that me and my passenger wouldn't be able to exit the car without be burnt, but I knew we needed to get out immediately. I tried to calmly get my passenger to exit which we did mainly because she hadn't seen the flames. We were able to exit and I immediately call 911 and proceeded to clearing people from near my car. The fire dept and police arrived about 10-15 minutes later. The fire department extinguished the car then left. A police officer stayed until the tow CO arrived. The car was towed away and I was given a ride ti my residence.

I smelled what I thought was transmission fluid or anti-freeze. The next day my wife smelled gas and some friends called my cell to tell me gas was running out from under the car. I could not find a leak under the car. I lifted the hood and found gas running down the side of the engine. After taking the Lexus cover off the engine, I found gas shooting straight up into the air. It was coming from a vacuum line that had popped off. I re-attached the line and started the engine. The line popped off and gas again shot straight into the air. I replaced the vacuum line. It stayed on but the gas ran through a nearby switch and onto the engine. It took me a while to figure out the gas should not be going through the vacuum line. The fuel pressure regulator had mal functioned and allowed the gas to go through the vacuum side of the regulator. While driving the regulator had allowed over 10 gallons of gas to pour directly over my engine. It bothers me how easy it would have been for the car, my wife and me to go up in flames. I would hate to have someone die because I failed to warn people of this defect. I do have the defective part.

See all problems of the 1996 Lexus ES 🔎.

I was reversing and trying to turn when my car Lexus Es 300 suddenly picked up high speed acceleration by it self and went forward and hit a fence in front. The vehicle picked up unintentional high speed (full throttle). It was beyond my control. My body went forward and backward violently. For few days I have experienced muscle stiffness, pain and poor night sleep.

I was in stop and go traffic. Bumper to bumper. The car in front moved forward and I pressed the gas pedal 2 seconds and went back to the brake. The engine started to rev up out of control. I pressed on the brake as hard as possible and managed to slow the car but not stop it. I put it in park but the engine continued to roar. It finally went back to normal. Lexus checked the car but said they found nothing wrong. This model had been recalled for the same problem. Clearly the car may be dangerous. Lexus denies all responsibility. The inspector left a thumb drive in the car but I can't read it. I would be glad to send it to you.

At approximately 6:30pm, while making a right hand turn into a friends driveway, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on it's own, and the brakes would not work. The vehicle continued to the right as if locked in to the right hand position, hit a tree and finally came to a stop by hitting high concrete steps. The vehicle was towed to the dealership, and later to the body shop as the vehicle was not drivable. During the interim, the vehicle was inspected by Toyota. Post investigation, the letter recently received from Toyota states "during the limited test drive accelerating and braking tests were conducted and the vehicle performed with no abnormalities found". The vehicle was not drivable per the mechanic at the dealership and the mechanic at the body shop, due to the significant damage and fluid leakage. This letter from Toyota's investigation is incongruent with the facts as I know them. As of this date, June 3, 2012, the vehicle is still being worked on.

See all problems of the 2011 Lexus ES 🔎.

I was backing into a parking space at my town's transfer station. As I came to a stop, I began to shift into park with my foot on the break, the car suddenly accelerated out of my control. The vehicle smashed into a three foot concrete wall coming to a stop. The car suffered extensive back end damage. I was taken by ambulance to a local hospital for xrays of my neck and spine. Thankfully I am not injured. This vehicle was not under my control. It was as if it had a mind of it's own. I am a clear headed, forty eight year old female. I have a perfect driving record. This was the result of something out of my control. I believe this 2002 Lexus Es 300 is a dangerous car. I have only had the vehicle for two years. It was purchased as a second car for my husband. The car does not have floor mats nor did I confuse the accelerator and brake.

1. The vehicle hesitates with initial acceleration (slow or quick acceleration). 2. The automatic transmission also hesitates. I suspect that ounce the acceleration problem is fixed that the transmission problem would be fixed. 3. I have gone to the Lexus dealer to update the computer with a new chip to help resolve the problems with no success. 4. I have discovered on the internet that hundreds of Lexus owners have the same complaint. In some cases the dealers have the audacity to suggest thats the way the car was designed! why isn't Lexus listening to all the complaints? thanks.