2005 Lexus ES
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 8 |
| 2000 | 6 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 27 |
| 2003 | 23 |
| 2004 | 16 |
| 2005 | 58 |
| 2006 | 12 |
| 2007 | 125 |
| 2008 | 68 |
| 2009 | 28 |
| 2010 | 40 |
| 2011 | 45 |
| 2012 | 30 |
| 2013 | 32 |
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 34 |
| 2020 | 17 |
| 2021 | 27 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
34% of complaints: power train — 20 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
MY NEW 2005 LEXUS ES330 HAS A MAJOR TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. IT HESITATES WHEN NEEDING TO ACCELERATE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060121
22% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND TRAVELING AT A LOW SPEED, THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD AND HIT THE CAR THAT WAS 6 FEET IN FRONT OF ME. THE SOUND OF THE ENGINE WAS THAT OF A SPONTANEOUS ACCELERATION JUST LIKE THE INCIDENT WE HAD ON APRIL 30, 2013.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130714
TODAY MY CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET IT TO STOP BY BRAKING. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20060709
14% of complaints: air bags — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WE HAD AN ACCIDENT WHERE A SECOND CAR MISSED A STOP SIGN. THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF MY CAR, BUT THE AIR BAGS ON MY CAR LEXUS ES 330 YEAR 2005 DID NOT DEPLOY WHICH THEY SHOULD HAVE. ARE THE AIRBAGS DEFECTIVE ON THIS CAR?*JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20050826
MY PASSENGER AIRBAG COMPARTMENT ON FRONT DASH HAS BEEN SLOWLY BEEN LIFTING AND SEPARATING THOUGH THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. IS THE AIRBAG GOING TO IMPLODE ONE DAY ON A PASSENGER WITHOUT US KNOWING?
NHTSA ODI report, 20190909
9% of complaints: steering — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
FORMAL COMPLAINT: CONSUMER FRAUD & SAFETY VIOLATION Dealership: Germain Toyota West (Columbus, OH) Case Reference: #[XXX] âTo the Consumer Protection Division: âI am filing a formal complaint regarding Theft by Deception, Gross Negligence, and...
NHTSA ODI report, 20251213
[XXX] : âfor parts it's $375. I'll drop the labor down to $80 for $455 totalâ¦âYou: âWell I already have the sway bar links but yes that's fine bro. [XXX] : âGot it let me see if I can change the order real quick.
NHTSA ODI report, 20251208
7% of complaints: suspension — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
[XXX] : âfor parts it's $375. I'll drop the labor down to $80 for $455 totalâ¦âYou: âWell I already have the sway bar links but yes that's fine bro. [XXX] : âGot it let me see if I can change the order real quick.
NHTSA ODI report, 20251208
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Lexus ES — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (8 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 Lexus ES reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Lexus ES is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Lexus ES?
The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Lexus ES have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.