Most common 2016 Lexus ES Hybrid problems
Share of the 7 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus ES Hybrid complaints by model year
Best ES Hybrid years: 2020, 2023, 2024. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2016 Lexus ES Hybrid:
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
What 2016 Lexus ES Hybrid owners say
Brakes
The vehicle started experiencing the vaccum leak in the master brake cylinder/actuator/booster where the booster pump would run continually every 15 seconds causing the danger to brake failure. Dealer was contacted but refused to help. Eventhough toyota prius hybrids and newer and some other toyota that share the same design brake booster and master cylinder has been recalled previously. It is common failing component but dealer does not provide any assistance leaving vehicle owners pay thousands to replace abs brake components and bleed the system. Need your help!
I attempted emergency braking on elevated highway during snowy conditions. Speed was approximately 40-45 MPH. Pressed firmly on brake pedal and nothing. Nothing. Began pumping on brakes and still nothing. Steered car away from braking vehicles in front of me and veered car into median wall to avoid rear end collision. . Severe damage to car, but no air bag deployment and avoided hitting any other cars. I've had ABS on multiple Toyota and Lexus vehicles in the past, I have never experienced anything like this. There was no braking. I have pictures of the car, but the damage was due to hitting the interior highway wall. This is a certified Lexus vehicle that I purchased just over one year ago (12/31/19). I just had my second six month check up covered by Lexus under warranty. Mileage is approximately 36K miles.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Lexus ES Hybrid a good car?
Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 ES Hybrid rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the ES Hybrid at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Lexus ES Hybrid?
The brakes — 4 complaints, 57% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the air bags (1) and electrical system (1).
How many recalls does the 2016 Lexus ES Hybrid have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2016 Lexus ES Hybrid. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus ES Hybrid?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020, 2023 and 2024. See the full Lexus ES Hybrid years comparison.
At what mileage do 2016 Lexus ES Hybrid problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 18,000 miles; 83% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.