Most common 2009 Lexus ES problems
Share of the 28 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus ES complaints by model year
Best ES years: 2015, 2016, 2018. Years to avoid: 2021, 2019, 2011, 2020, 2010. Compare all years →
What 2009 Lexus ES owners say
Air bags
Takat recall: had car accident . Hit by another car while turning; ran over street sign and hit iron fence infront of apartment building. Air bags did not inflate. 'parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 U.S.c. 552(b)(6).'
Lexus sent a recall notice on May 23, 2016, advising us not to use the passenger side seat due to the potential danger from exploding shrapnel from the Takata airbag. It is now January 17, 2017, a full 8 months of not being able to use the vehicle as designed, with absolutely no information provided, no repairs and no target date for a fix, we are effectively unable to use of the vehicle. Requests for a loaner vehicle at several dealers has been denied, with advice to contact the manufacturer, who then advised us to call dealers. This is unconscionable behavior and is potentially worse than the volkswagon debacle. The value of the vehicle has essentially disappeared and it cannot be used for business or personal family use. …
Speed control & acceleration
The contact owns a 2009 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently accelerated upon releasing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that recently upon entering the garage, the vehicle suddenly accelerated after releasing the brake pedal, almost causing the vehicle to crash into the residence. The struck other materials inside the garage, causing front-end damages to the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle had already been repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V388000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Lexus es350. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly accelerated from 65 MPH to 80 MPH without warning. The contact had to pump the accelerator pedal several times before it would release. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was advised that there were no problems found within the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA recall campaign id number: 09V388000 (vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal) but did not confirm if the vehicle had been repaired under the recall. The failure mileage was unavailable. Updated 12/16/11 updated 12/22/11
2009 Lexus ES engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 27 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Lexus ES a good car?
Based on 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 ES rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the ES 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 2009 Lexus ES?
The air bags — 14 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the speed control & acceleration (3) and body & structure (2).
How many recalls does the 2009 Lexus ES have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2009 Lexus ES. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus ES?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2015, 2016 and 2018. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2021, 2019, 2011, 2020 and 2010. See the full Lexus ES years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Lexus ES problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 88,000 miles; 29% 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.