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
- 60
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Power train
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
42% of complaints
Complaints per year
2005: 60 complaints
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 | 60 |
| 2006 | 12 |
| 2007 | 125 |
| 2008 | 68 |
| 2009 | 28 |
| 2010 | 41 |
| 2011 | 46 |
| 2012 | 31 |
| 2013 | 34 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 34 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 28 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 5 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
42% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
My new 2005 Lexus ES330 has a major transmission problem. It hesitates when needing to accelerate.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-01-21
Just bought car today. Had new tires installed and they told me they put the car in park but ir started rolling. Had to restart in neutral and put in park again. When I left went to auto parts store and parked and turned vehicle off.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-06-25
Vehicle speed control
25% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show 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, 2013-07-14
Also filed under Exterior lighting and structure
Today my car accelerated on its own and I was not able to get it to stop by braking.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-07-09
Air bags
17% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.
Show 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?
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-08-26
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, 2019-09-09
Steering
10% · 6 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I have a better picture⦠ODI = 11773574 Please consider expanding the recall â¦
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-29
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, 2025-12-13
[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, 2025-12-08
Also filed under Suspension
Suspension
7% · 4 reportsSafety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2005Complaint volume 60 complaints filed for this model year.
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I
2005-08-05Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-05 Vehicle speed control
Buy-smart checklist
2005 Lexus ES — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 25 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 10 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 Lexus ES have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.