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 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
60% of complaints: air bags — 27 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20240501
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, 20231106
"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, 20171219
11% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20120604
7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20111231
7% of complaints: service brakes — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH7% of complaints: electrical system — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20120604
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, 20120510
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2011 Lexus ES — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (3 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 60% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Lexus ES have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.