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 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 | 41 |
| 2011 | 46 |
| 2012 | 31 |
| 2013 | 33 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2019 | 34 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 28 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
30% of complaints: service brakes — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20170406
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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, 20231116
Also filed under VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
24% of complaints: electrical system — 8 distinct reports on file, most 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, 20260709
15% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY12% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 4 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: air bags — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20200103
Also filed under EXTERIOR LIGHTING and STRUCTURE
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2013 Lexus ES — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (5 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2013 Lexus ES have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.