2013 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
- 34
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Service brakes
None on file
None on file
32% of complaints
Complaints per year
2013: 34 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.
Service brakes
32% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
I was parking my car on a commercial complex. I am pressing on the brake as the car slows down. When I further pressed on the brake, the car instead of taking a complete stop, accelerated. It hit the building in front of me.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-04-06
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Brake Master Cylinder need to be replaced due to internal malfunction. If not replaced, the master cylinder may fail and I could face a safety issue in the form of brake pedal or brake failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-01
I was driving down the highway coming up on a traffic jam put on the brakes and several warning. Lights came on the dash and my power brakes failed. I was barely able to stop the car without hitting someone.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-16
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Electrical system
24% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing speedometer/odometer.
Show complaint excerpts
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Lexus ES350. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale on Facebook Marketplace.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-09
Vehicle speed control
15% · 5 reportsFuel/propulsion system
12% · 4 reportsAir bags
9% · 3 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The Lexus ES 350, was turning left onto side street within a sub division, and ran up the curb and hit a tree with the right front side of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-01-03
Also filed under Exterior lighting and structure
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
2013 Lexus ES — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 5 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2013 Lexus ES reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Lexus ES is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Lexus ES?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2013 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.