2006 Lexus ES
Only 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
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
Only 12 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
7 of 12 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
THE AIRBAG COVER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR IS STARTING TO CRACK AND LIFT,SEEMS LIKE PRESSURE IS CAUSING THE LIFT. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT'S BECAUSE THE DASHBOARD IS OLD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190809
CRACKING AROUND THE AIRBAG LINING. THIS LOOKS LIKE A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190806
THE AIRBAG COVER WHERE IT IS ATTACHED TO THE DASHBOARD HAS SEPARATED. THE SEPARATION BEGAN ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO AND THE GAP CONTINUES TO WIDEN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171105
1 of 12 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
TRANSMISSION WAS HESITANT AND SUDDENLY RELEASE CREATING A SUDDEN ACCELERATION RUSH WHEN GAS PEDAL WAS APPLIED AT 10 TO 15 MPH. THIS HAPPEN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN DOWNSHIFT GEAR MODE AND WAS ASKED TO ACCELERATE UPSHIFT GEAR SUDDENLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150513
1 of 12 total reports mentions: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LEXUS ES. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND THE BRAKING SYSTEM WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150625
1 of 12 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW DOES NOT OPEN. NEITHER THE DRIVER'S NOR THE DOOR SWITCH WILL OPEN THE WINDOW. WHEN PUSHED THERE IS A CLICK BUT THE WINDOW DOESN'T OPEN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151021
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2006 Lexus ES — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (1 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2006 Lexus ES reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Lexus ES?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 58% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2006 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.