Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 20% | — |
| 2022 | 1 | 9% | — |
| 2020 | 1 | 6% | — |
| 2019 | 9 | 26% | 1,000 miles |
| 2018 | 1 | 20% | — |
| 2016 | 1 | 11% | — |
| 2013 | 1 | 3% | 56,000 miles |
| 2011 | 2 | 4% | — |
| 2009 | 1 | 4% | 105,000 miles |
| 2008 | 4 | 6% | 33,000 miles |
| 2007 | 11 | 9% | 147,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 8% | 149,000 miles |
| 2005 | 2 | 3% | 55,000 miles |
| 2004 | 2 | 13% | 135,000 miles |
| 2003 | 3 | 13% | 135,000 miles |
| 2002 | 10 | 37% | 136,000 miles |
| 2000 | 1 | 17% | 245,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
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.
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.
While entering into a parking spot the car suddenly surged, went over a curb, and crashed into a store front. The driver had her foot on the brake. We checked to see if the floor mat was against the accelerator and it was not. I have a photo of the mat.
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. …
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.
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
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Lexus ES years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (11), 2002 (10) and 2019 (9) model years. Engine complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Lexus ES engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Lexus ES model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Lexus ES engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 117,000 miles; 21% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (2 mentions), followed by the exhaust system › emission control (1).
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.