2009 Lexus ES
Only 28 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 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 28
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2009: 28 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
Only 28 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
14 of 28 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
Had car accident June 14,2019. Hit by another car. Air bags did not inflate
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-06-28
Takat recall: had car accident . Hit by another car while turning; ran over street sign and hit iron fence infront of apartment building. Air bags did not inflate.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-06-28
Takata recall the manufacturer/dealer has yet to repair/replace the faulty airbags. I have been in a 'loaner' vehicle for 10 months.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-20
Vehicle speed control
3 of 28 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly accelerated from 65 MPH to 80 MPH without warning. The contact had to pump the accelerator pedal several times before it would release.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-11-16
Electrical system
2 of 28 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
Experienced unintended acceleration when pulling into a parking space. My vehicle went over the curb and into a ditch. The bushes and embankment of the ditch stopped the vehicle. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of a problem.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-10-29
On Monday, Oct. 27, 2025 at approximately 11:50 am, my vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. I was pulling into a parking spot and suddenly accelerated and jump the barrier into a ditch. Luckly there were bushes to stop me.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-10-27
Structure
2 of 28 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing dashboard and body.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2009 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that the dashboard had become sticky and had started to melt.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-06-18
Visibility/wiper
1 of 28 total reports mentions: visibility/wiper.
Show complaint excerpts
The dashboard is melting and has become shiny. The shine renders the driver blind to traffic by reflecting the sun. The shine also reflects against the windshield and reflects back.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-07-19
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
2009 Lexus ES — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 14 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2009 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 2009 Lexus ES?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2009 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.