2010 Lexus ES Problems & Complaints

Use caution1.9× as many complaints as a typical year of the ES at the same age

Owners have filed 41 complaints about the 2010 Lexus ES with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 1.9× as many as a typical ES model year at the same age — above average, so look closely at the problem areas below before you buy. The most reported problem area is the air bags (20 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles).

41complaints
0recalls
2crashes
0fires
1injuries
0deaths

Most common 2010 Lexus ES problems

  • Air bags~70,000 miles
    2049%
  • Other / not specified~145,000 miles
    615%
  • Body & structure~148,000 miles
    615%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof~100,000 miles
    410%
  • Electrical system~161,000 miles
    25%
  • Steering~79,000 miles
    25%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~59,000 miles
    25%
  • Suspension~48,000 miles
    12%
  • Seats
    12%
  • Stability & traction control~90,000 miles
    12%
  • Brakes
    12%
  • Wheels & tires
    12%

Share of the 41 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Lexus ES complaints by model year

’99’00’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’15’16’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25862723165812125682841463134595341828111095
Owner complaints per model year, Lexus ES. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best ES years: 2015, 2016, 2018. Years to avoid: 2021, 2019, 2011, 2020, 2010. Compare all years →

What 2010 Lexus ES owners say

Air bags all 20 →

Incident on 10/13/2020 On Tuesday October 13th. 2020 I was driving my 2010 Lexus ES 350 in Diamond Bar, CA 91765. I got hit on my side by a speedy car (ran red light) He was driving at speed of 55 mph. I got multiple fractures (No air bags were deployed) and later on hospital admission due to life serious complications. Now I'm dealing with continuous pain, inability to back to normal life style and a must have joint replacement due to joint damage (bone and cartilage). I have police report/total loss report have details about car damage and countless medical care and hospital admission for the implication of the accident. I'm uploading some photos for my white Lexus to the extent lt. axle broke and even for the other car in the crash seen (dark gray Audi) to show his speed.

Oct 2020 · crash · 1 injury

No lamps on at all. Car was in a major accident and no airbags went off. Was hit almost head on by a ram pickup at approximately 45 miles an hour and then the truck went down the drivers side of the car Car was stopped at a red light at the time of the incident

Dec 2023 · crash

Body & structure

The contact owns a 2010 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that he had noticed a sticky texture on the dashboard directly in the driver's view. The contact stated that while driving, the sticky texture reflected onto the windshield impairing his vision. The vehicle was taken to a local collision center. The mechanic confirmed that the dashboard was melting. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Interior panels › Dashboard · 50,000 miles · Apr 2023

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.

Body · Feb 2023

Windows, wipers & sunroof

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. …

Jun 2017

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.

Feb 2023

2010 Lexus ES engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.5L 6-cyl6-speed automaticFWD19 / 27 / 22

EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2010 Lexus ES a good car?

Based on 41 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 ES rates use caution: 1.9× as many complaints as a typical year of the ES at the same age. It is one of the ES years we suggest avoiding. 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 2010 Lexus ES?

The air bags — 20 complaints, 49% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the body & structure (6) and windows, wipers & sunroof (4).

How many recalls does the 2010 Lexus ES have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2010 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 2010 Lexus ES problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 13% 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.