Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 64 | −17% | — | Acceleration | Average |
| 2005 | 141 | 4.5× | 2 | Acceleration | Avoid |
| 2004 | 21 | −96% | 1 | Airbag | Good |
* Complaints compared with the median ES330 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Lexus ES330 problems
Latest Lexus ES330 recalls
Engine and engine cooling
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004 avalon vehicles; 2004 and 2005 camry, camry solara, highlander, and sienna vehicles, 2006 highlander hybrid; 2004 and 2005 Lexus es330 and rx330; and 2006 Lexus rx400h vehicles manufactured from June 1, 2004 through March 31, 2005, equipped with the 1mz-fe or 3mz-fe engine.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will check the crankshaft pulley to identify whether it was produced by the U.S. Supplier. If so, the dealer will replace the pulley with a new one at no charge.
Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a front passenger power seat, when installing certain rear-facing infant child seat bases onto the seat with an excessively high seatbelt tension, it May be possible to unseat a component called the buckle status switch from the seat belt buckle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front passenger seatbelt buckle status switch. This safety improvement campaign (ssc 40m) began on December 20, 2004. Owners should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987..
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Lexus ES330 should you avoid?
2005 — this year has the most complaints relative to other ES330 years at the same age, led by speed control & acceleration problems in the 2005.
What is the best year for the Lexus ES330?
2004 has the fewest complaints compared with other ES330 years at the same age, followed by 2006. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Lexus ES330 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the speed control & acceleration (76), transmission & drivetrain (53) and air bags (46). Acceleration complaints peak in the 2005 model year.
How many recalls has the Lexus ES330 had?
2 recalls across 2004–2006. The model year with the most is 2005.
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.