2005 Lexus ES330
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
- Complaints
- 141
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Vehicle speed control
Campaigns on file for 2005
Opened by NHTSA
36% of complaints
Complaints per year
2005: 141 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 21 |
| 2005 | 141 |
| 2006 | 64 |
| 2010 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Vehicle speed control
36% · 51 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
On December 5TH, 2012 around 1:50 pm in the afternoon, I drove the car to pick up our nephew from school. While I was slowing down and looking for a parking place suddenly the car sped up and accelerated!
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-31
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
(1) car was nearly new, only 100 miles, no abnormal behavior up to that point.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-10-25
Also filed under Power train
Power train
30% · 43 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and floor shift.
Air bags
13% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing occupant classification.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving up the street at approximately 25MPH, in a 2005 Lexus ES330, when a 74 year old lady pulled out of her driveway right in front of me. Needless to say, we were involved in a wreck.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-19
Passenger airbag on the dashboard is opening, and my car has never been involved in an impact.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-17
Service brakes
9% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Engine and engine cooling
6% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing engine.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2004-12-20Seat belts04V595000 On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a front passenger power seat, when installing certain rear-facing infant child seat bases onto the seat with an excessively high seatbelt tension, it may…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front passenger seatbelt buckle status switch. This safety improvement campaign (Ssc 40M) began on December 20, 2004. Owners should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or…
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I
2005-08-05Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-05 Vehicle speed control
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2011-12-31Engine and engine cooling11V539000 Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004 avalon vehicles; 2004 and 2005 camry, camry solara, highlander, and sienna vehicles, 2006 highlander hybrid; 2004 and 2005 Lexus ES330 and RX330; and 2006…
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will check the crankshaft pulley to identify whether it was produced by the U.S. Supplier. If so, the dealer will replace the pulley with a new one at no…
Buy-smart checklist
2005 Lexus ES330 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 51 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 43 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 18 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V595000 · Seat belts
- Recall 11V539000 · Engine and engine cooling
FAQ
- Is the 2005 Lexus ES330 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 2005 Lexus ES330?
- The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 Lexus ES330 have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.