2016 Lexus ES Problems & Complaints

Better than average61% fewer complaints than a typical year of the ES at the same age

Owners have filed 9 complaints about the 2016 Lexus ES with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 61% fewer than a typical ES model year at the same age, making the 2016 one of the better ES years. The most reported problem area is the brakes (2 complaints, typically around 131,000 miles).

9complaints
0recalls
2crashes
0fires
1injuries
0deaths

Most common 2016 Lexus ES problems

  • Other / not specified
    556%
  • Brakes~131,000 miles
    222%
  • Wheels & tires~100,000 miles
    111%
  • Engine & cooling
    111%
  • Transmission & drivetrain
    111%
  • Air bags
    111%
  • Suspension
    111%
  • Steering
    111%

Share of the 9 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 →

2016 Lexus ES engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.5L 4-cyl hybridCVTFWD40 / 39 / 40
3.5L 6-cyl6-speed automaticFWD21 / 31 / 24

EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Lexus ES a good car?

Based on 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 ES rates better than average: 61% fewer complaints than a typical year of the ES at the same age. It is one of the best ES years by this measure. 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?

The brakes — 2 complaints, 22% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the wheels & tires (1) and engine & cooling (1).

How many recalls does the 2016 Lexus ES have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2016 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 2016 Lexus ES problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 131,000 miles; 0% 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.