Discover the Best and Worst Lexus ES 350 Years to Avoid

When considering purchasing a Lexus ES 350, it’s essential to research which model years to avoid. Some Lexus ES 350 models have faced issues that could impact your satisfaction and car’s performance.

To make an informed decision, let’s discuss the Lexus ES 350 years that are known to have more prevalent issues.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of which ES 350 years you should steer clear of during your car search.

Years to Avoid

In this section, we will discuss the Lexus ES 350 model years that are best to avoid due to various issues and problems.

These model years include 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2015.

2007 Lexus ES 350 Issues

For the 2007 Lexus ES 350, you may face some common problems such as excessive oil consumption, melting dashboard, and transmission issues.

These problems not only impact your driving experience but might also lead to expensive repairs.

2008 Lexus ES 350 Issues

The 2008 Lexus ES 350 also has some issues to watch out for. Potential problems with this model year include excessive oil consumption, melting dashboard, and transmission problems, similar to the 2007 model year.

Additionally, this year saw issues with the braking system, adding another concern to the list.

2011 Lexus ES 350 Issues

In the 2011 Lexus ES 350, be aware of problems related to the steering and suspension system. These issues can affect your vehicle’s handling and make it less safe to drive.

Furthermore, keep in mind that this model year has been reported to have some instances of unintended acceleration, posing significant risks.

2013 Lexus ES 350 Issues

For the 2013 Lexus ES 350, you might encounter issues with the air conditioning system. These problems can lead to poor cooling performance and discomfort during hot weather.

This model year is also prone to experiencing paint peeling issues, affecting the overall appearance of your vehicle.

2014 Lexus ES 350 Issues

The 2014 Lexus ES 350 has some notable problems as well. Some of the potential issues you may face include problems with the infotainment system, such as connectivity issues and general software glitches.

In addition, this model year has reported instances of premature tire wear, leading to a need for frequent tire replacement.

2015 Lexus ES 350 Issues

Lastly, the 2015 Lexus ES 350 has reported problems with its braking system. This issue can lead to reduced braking performance and pose safety risks while driving.

Like the 2014 model year, the 2015 ES 350 is also known to have infotainment system issues, causing potential annoyances during your drive.

RELATED: Check out this detailed Lexus ES vs IS comparison of these beautiful luxury sedans!

Common Problems and Complaints

Engine Problems:

Your Lexus ES 350 may encounter some engine issues, such as oil leaks and head gasket cracks.

These can sometimes cause oil and coolant to mix up and damage the engine internally. However, the 3.5-liter V6 engine in your car is generally reliable, and drivers have reported it easily lasting over 200,000 miles.

Transmission Issues:

Sometimes, you may experience grinding or other unusual sounds from your vehicle’s transmission. These issues might indicate that there’s a problem with the transmission components themselves or could be related to a lack of transmission fluid.

Melting Dashboard:

Believe it or not, the 2007 Lexus ES 350 occasionally faced a bizarre issue where the dashboard could actively melt when exposed to heat. This led to 2007 being one of the model years to avoid.

Battery Problems:

Your vehicle might have issues related to a weakened or drained battery. This could result in a lack of power, difficulty starting the engine, or other electrical problems. Make sure to maintain and replace your battery as needed to ensure a smooth driving experience.

Oil Leak:

Oil leaks have been a common complaint in many 2007-2016 ES 350 models. These leaks might cause your engine to lose oil more rapidly than normal, potentially leading to other problems if left unaddressed.

Grinding and Burning Smells:

You could notice some grinding noises or a burning smell from your Lexus ES 350, possibly indicating an issue with the brakes, transmission, or engine components. It is crucial to get your car checked by a professional in these cases to avoid potential damage.

Recalls and Safety Risks

When considering a Lexus ES 350, it’s crucial to be aware of any recalls and safety risks. In particular, you should avoid the 2007, 2008, and 2009 model years due to engine and transmission issues.

Before making a decision, review the NHTSA report for your chosen year to identify any significant issues. Explore alternatives if you find concerning recalls or safety risks.

Always prioritize your safety and satisfaction when selecting a vehicle. Remember, your peace of mind is essential.

Reliability and Performance

Your Lexus ES 350 is known for its quality and reliability. With a V6, 3.5-liter engine, you can expect solid performance.

However, some years like 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2013 should be avoided due to issues like blown head gaskets. Make sure to research before buying, so your Lexus remains a friendly companion on the road.

Comfort and Interior

Your Lexus ES 350 provides a high level of comfort with its spacious, luxurious cabin. Alongside interior accessories, it features a user-friendly multimedia system that adds convenience.

However, some years have issues with windows and the windshield, leading to distracting road noise. Additionally, beware of the infotainment blackout, as it has been reported in certain years.

Nevertheless, Lexus ES 350’s interior remains a cozy and inviting environment for you and your passengers.

Consumer Reports and Satisfaction

According to CoPilot, certain Lexus ES 350 years are better to avoid based on consumer satisfaction and parts performance.

When you’re shopping for a Lexus ES 350, you should focus on the most reliable years.

As a friendly guide, I won’t make any exaggerated or false claims; just consider checking Consumer Reports to understand better the satisfaction ratings for each year.

Remember, keep an eye on these entities:

• Consumer reports
• Consumer satisfaction
• Most reliable Lexus ES year

Ensure you make an informed decision for your next Lexus ES 350 purchase!

Alternatives and Best Model Years

The newer models, especially the 2021 Lexus ES 350 and 2022 Lexus ES 350, come highly recommended due to their improved performance, features, and overall satisfaction.

2021 

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 model boasts a sleek design, powerful performance, and various amenities that elevate your driving experience.

It is a newer model that has received positive feedback from both experts and owners alike. The redesigned features provide you with an enjoyable and comfortable ride.

2022

The 2022 Lexus ES 350 is another excellent choice if you’re in the market for a luxury car. This model has a smooth, quiet ride and impressive fuel economy for a medium-sized V6 engine.

One of the key advantages of the 2022 model is that it doesn’t require premium gasoline, saving you money at the pump.

Rivals

When considering alternatives to the Lexus ES 350, you can explore other luxury sedans such as Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, or Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

These luxury cars offer a combination of performance, comfort, and style that you might prefer over Lexus ES 350 models you wish to avoid.

Maintenance and Repair

Your Lexus ES 350 enjoys a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking it fourth among luxury midsize cars.

To maintain your car’s performance, stick to scheduled maintenance tasks. Some common Lexus ES 350 problems include:

• Possible parts performance decline over time
• Occasional repairs at 0.6 times per year on average

Keep an eye out for these issues, and remember that regular maintenance helps ensure your Lexus ES 350 stays reliable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a recommended year range for buying a used Lexus ES 350?

Yes, there is. We suggest considering the 2010-2012 model years as they have been reported to have excellent reliability. These years have received the CR Recommended badge and perfect reliability scores, making them ideal choices in the used car market.

Which Lexus ES 350 generations should be avoided?

It’s recommended to avoid purchasing the Lexus ES 350 from the years 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2013. These models have been known to have various issues such as melting dashboards and overall lower reliability compared to other years.

What are the most reliable years for Lexus ES 350?

The 2010-2012 Lexus ES models are the most reliable, with a perfect reliability score of 5.0 out of 5.0. These years have fewer reported issues and have proven to be dependable options in the luxury sedan category.

Based on reliability, which model year of Lexus ES 350 should I choose?

If reliability is your top priority, you should consider choosing a Lexus ES 350 from the 2010-2012 model years. These cars have an excellent track record for dependability and few reported problems, making them a wise choice for a used luxury sedan.