Model year record
2016 Lexus ES recalls & problems
The 2016 Lexus ES has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 9 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is unknown or other (5 complaints).
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 2016 Lexus ES.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Fuel economy
ES 300h Hybrid
| City / highway | 40 / 39 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AV-S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $1,700/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown or other | 5 | — |
| Service brakes | 2 | — |
| Tires | 1 | — |
| Engine | 1 | — |
| Power train | 1 | — |
| Air bags | 1 | — |
| Suspension | 1 | — |
| Steering | 1 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Air bagsCrash1 injury
On May 13, 2026, while traveling at approximately 31 mph under normal driving conditions, a critical right-front suspension or steering component suddenly suffered a catastrophic structural failure on its own. This spontaneous mechanical failure caused the vehicle to immediately and violently veer to the right, rendering the steering ineffective and resulting in an unavoidable collision with two parked vehicles. The vehicle has been determined to be a total loss. Furthermore, during the crash event, the front passenger-side seat-mounted side airbag and side curtain airbags deployed despite the front passenger seat being completely unoccupied. Conversely, the driver's front steering wheel…
- Service brakes
The brake actuator and/or brake booster pump assembly failed on my 2016 Lexus ES300h. This is a known issues for this vehicle's braking system and results in a sudden loss of power braking assistance. The failure requires increased pedal pressure and eventually brkaing failure, creating a significant safety hazard and increasing the risk of collision. The dashboard displays multiple warning lights, including Braking Power Low and Brake Override Malfunction. Lexus has acknowledged this defect through an extended warranty and consumer warranty program, but Lexus is alleging my vehicle (despite showing issues prior to 150,000 miles) is now over 150,000 miles and not eligible. I am reporting…
- Unknown or other
While driving at highway speeds on Interstate and without warning my standard size sunroof exploded. This event caused loud noise and shattered glass. I was not under overpass or around any other vehicles. This event caused immediate panic due to noise and not understanding what occurred until a visual inspection was conducted roadside. The vehicle has been inspected by dealership for repair resulting in $2800 repair utilizing insurance.
- Unknown or other
On 2/3/2026 i was sitting at a light and out of no where i heard a bang or what sounded like a explosion i get out of the car and my panoramic sunroof is completely shattered but it looked like it exploded from the inside out. My sunroof was closed the cover was shit and i have no idea what would have caused it. I asked the driver that was directly behind me at the light if they saw anything hit the car they said no nothing i dont understand how this happens and the dealership says they wont warranty it i dont know what to do
- Engine
In April 2022, the timing cover seal on my 2016 Lexus ES 350 was replaced due to a leak. This was completed under warranty at approximately 84,785 miles. In February 2025, less than three years and roughly 56,000 miles later, I was informed by the same Lexus dealership during a routine service that the exact same issueâleaking from the timing coverâhad reoccurred. There were no warning lights, engine performance issues, or visible signs of oil loss leading up to this. During my prior service appointment in December 2024, I was told the car was in excellent condition with no issues. I service my vehicle at every Lexus-recommended interval and maintain a full history of service records.…
- Service brakesCrash
The contact owned a 2016 Lexus ES. The contact stated while at a stop sign, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to engage and the vehicle unintentionally accelerated which caused the front driver's side of the vehicle to crash into another vehicle. There was severe cosmetic damage however, no injuries was sustained. The air bags was deployed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was totaled. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.Â
- Tires
The contact owns a 2016 Lexus ES350 equipped with General Tires, Tire Line: ReliaTrek, Tire Size: 225/45/R18, DOT Number: VY4FWJ85. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact pulled over and called Roadside Assistance. The Roadside Assistance technician made the contact aware of a blowout of the driver's side rear tire. The contact was shown that the entire sidewall had detached from the tread. The spare tire was installed by Roadside Assistance. The contact stated that the tires had recently been purchased by the previous owner however, the contact was unsure of the failure mileage on the tires. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a…
- Unknown or other
Pearl white paint peeling
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.