Lexus ES Common Problems

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Owners report issues with the 2019 Lexus ES related to the fuel/propulsion system, particularly involving a defective fuel pump. Complaints frequently mention that the vehicle hesitates or fails to accelerate after stopping, sometimes requiring the engine to be turned off and restarted. This issue is noted to occur during city driving and can lead to stalling, which poses a risk of crashes, especially when merging or crossing intersections. Several owners express frustration with the lack of available parts to address the recall, and some describe safety concerns, particularly at high speeds on highways. These issues are reported to occur relatively early in the vehicle's life, with incidents noted as early as mid-2020.

ENGINE

Owners report issues with the 2019 Lexus ES's engine, including stalling and complete engine failure. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle stalling during acceleration or while at a stop, causing potential delays in entering traffic. One owner describes a severe incident where the engine lost all power due to a hole in the engine block, resulting in a seized engine at 128,000 miles. Safety implications include the risk of stalling in traffic, which may affect the driver's ability to maneuver safely. Buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly at higher mileages, as they may indicate potential reliability concerns.

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2019 Lexus ES frequently report issues with airbag non-deployment during crashes. In three out of four complaints, airbags fail to deploy in collisions, including a T-bone accident and incidents involving unintended acceleration and brake failure. These incidents resulted in a total of five injuries. Complaints also describe failures in vehicle systems such as electrical warning sensors and parking brake assist, with failure mileages noted at approximately 3,636 and 18,400 miles. These reports suggest potential safety implications due to airbag and system malfunctions during critical situations.

Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 5 injury reports

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners report several issues related to the braking system of the 2019 Lexus ES. Two complaints involve crashes: one describes unintended braking on the highway leading to a loss of control and collision with the median, while another describes a failure to stop at an intersection, resulting in a rear-end collision. A third complaint mentions automatic braking engaging without warning while reversing and a separate issue of vibration and noise when braking at higher speeds, which was diagnosed as needing rotor resurfacing. These problems have been noted at low mileages, with one case occurring at approximately 2,000 miles. The safety implications include loss of control and collision risks, which potential buyers should consider.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

POWER TRAIN

Owners report experiencing power train issues with the 2019 Lexus ES, particularly involving sudden loss of power or hesitation during acceleration. Complaints frequently mention situations where the vehicle fails to accelerate as expected, often described as feeling like the car is in neutral despite being in gear. These issues typically arise during low-speed maneuvers such as turning or slowing down, and can occur on both local roads and highways. Some incidents have occurred within the first year of ownership, and owners note the lack of error messages or diagnostic codes when these events happen. Safety implications are significant, with reports of near-collisions due to unexpected power loss, highlighting potential risks for prospective buyers.

FUEL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2019 Lexus ES350 report issues related to recall repairs for the fuel system, specifically concerning the unavailability of necessary parts. Complaints frequently mention that despite receiving recall notifications, parts for the repairs are not available at dealerships, leaving vehicles unrepaired. Some owners indicate that the manufacturer has taken an extended period to provide the parts, with one owner noting that their vehicle has been deemed unsafe to drive and remains unused in their garage since March 2020. No failures, crashes, or other safety incidents are reported in these complaints, but the inability to perform recall repairs may be a consideration for potential buyers regarding vehicle maintenance and safety.

LANE DEPARTURE

Owners report issues with the lane departure and blind spot monitoring systems in the 2024 Lexus ES. Complaints frequently mention the blind spot indicator failing to activate consistently, with some owners observing variability in the distance at which the warning light engages. One owner notes that the indicator sometimes activates too late, after a vehicle has already passed their bumper. Another owner describes the side mirrors not displaying warning lights for vehicles in the blind spot or when turn signals are engaged, suggesting potential sensor malfunctions. These issues are noted without specific mileage or timeline, and while no crashes are reported, the inconsistent performance of these systems may pose a safety risk.

AIR BAGS

Owners report issues with the driver's side airbag cover on the 2024 Lexus ES, specifically noting that the cover is either open or detached. Complaints frequently mention that this occurs at low mileages, with one owner citing approximately 3,072 miles. The symptoms described include the airbag cover being visibly open or detached without apparent external cause. There are no reports of crashes, fires, or loss of control associated with this issue. Buyers should be aware that multiple owners describe this airbag cover concern, which may require inspection or repair.