2011 Lexus ES
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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
- 46
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
None on file
None on file
61% of complaints
Complaints per year
2011: 46 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.
Air bags
61% · 28 reportsMost commonly citing occupant classification.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owned a 2011 Lexus ES 350. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle crossed over into oncoming traffic, resulting in a head-on collision with the contact's vehicle. The air bags did not deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-05-01
The contact owned a 2011 Lexus 350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, her vehicle collided with another vehicle that ran a red light at 50 MPH on the front passenger side door.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-06
"Takata recall", after contacting local Lexus dealership I made an appointment on 9/8/2017 to have repairs made, I was told no remedy available per the local Lexus dealership (Lexus of bellevue).
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-19
Structure
13% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing body and dashboard.
Show complaint excerpts
At approximately 6:30PM, while making a right hand turn into a friends driveway, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on it's own, and the brakes would not work.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-04
Also filed under Electrical system
Electrical system
11% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a owns a 2011 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that the driver exited the vehicle and forgot to shut the ignition off. The vehicle was equipped with a push to start and stop feature.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-10
I am getting a parasitic electrical draw of 12% overnight. On a new interstate battery. I have checked lighting and allstate milewise monitor and neither appear to be the source. Is there a common issue on a 2011 ES350?
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-26
Vehicle speed control
7% · 3 reportsShow complaint excerpts
At about 2:00 pm on dec 26, 2011, while parking in a public covered garage, I turned into the parking space, positioned my car, and was about to turn off the engine when the car lurched forward, hitting the concrete wall in front of me.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-12-31
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
Service brakes
7% · 3 reportsSafety 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
2011 Lexus ES — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 28 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2011 Lexus ES reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Lexus ES is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2011 Lexus ES?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 61% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2011 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.