2018 Lexus ES350 Problems & Complaints

Better than average91% fewer complaints than a typical year of the ES350 at the same age

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2018 Lexus ES350 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 91% fewer than a typical ES350 model year at the same age, making the 2018 one of the better ES350 years. The most reported problem area is the speed control & acceleration (2 complaints, typically around 66,000 miles). 2 recalls cover this model year.

5complaints
2recalls
1crashes
0fires
1injuries
0deaths

Most common 2018 Lexus ES350 problems

  • Speed control & acceleration~66,000 miles
    240%
  • Other / not specified~13,000 miles
    240%
  • Engine & cooling~9,000 miles
    120%
  • Body & structure~13,000 miles
    120%
  • Brakes~13,000 miles
    120%

Share of the 5 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Lexus ES350 complaints by model year

’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’214652551451371538923161621225555
Owner complaints per model year, Lexus ES350. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best ES350 years: 2018, 2014, 2015. Years to avoid: 2007, 2008, 2011, 2009, 2010. Compare all years →

2018 Lexus ES350 recalls (2)

Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump

NHTSA recall 20V-682 · Nov 4, 2020 · 1,525,742 vehicles

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017…

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021.

Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump

NHTSA recall 20V-012 · Jan 13, 2020 · 1,830,752 vehicles

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on…

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987.

2018 Lexus ES350 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
3.5L 6-cyl6-speed automaticFWD21 / 30 / 24

EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Lexus ES350 a good car?

Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 ES350 rates better than average: 91% fewer complaints than a typical year of the ES350 at the same age. It is one of the best ES350 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 2018 Lexus ES350?

The speed control & acceleration — 2 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (1) and body & structure (1).

How many recalls does the 2018 Lexus ES350 have?

There are 2 recalls for the 2018 Lexus ES350, the most recent from November 4, 2020 (fuel pump). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Lexus ES350?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2014 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2007, 2008, 2011, 2009 and 2010. See the full Lexus ES350 years comparison.

At what mileage do 2018 Lexus ES350 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 10,000 miles; 80% 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.