2019 Lexus ES 350 Problems & Owner Complaints

Fuel/Propulsion System 12 1 crash

“ACCIDENT DESCRIPTION: TRAVELING SOUTH ON I-95 JUST PAST THE 895 SPLIT. I WAS TRAVELING IN THE MIDDLE LANE WITH A SPEED OF 60-65 MPH. THE CAR STARTED TO DRIFT LEFT QUICKLY. THERE WAS NO VIBRATION WARNING THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL INDICATING LANE DEPARTURE. I WAS RAPIDLY MOVING TOWARD THE CONCRETE BASE OF THE MORAVIA ROAD OVERPASS. THE STEERING WAS TIGHT. I ATTEMPT TO BRAKE AND STEER RIGHT BUT NOTHING SEEMED TO WORK. THE AUTOBRAKE WAS ON BUT DID NOT APPLY AND I HIT THE CONCRETE BASE OF THE WALL ON THE LEFT FRONT CORNER OF THE LEXUS. I DID SEVERAL 360'S AND LANDED AGAINST THE JERSEY WALL…”
NHTSA complaint #11398718, 2021 · crash

“Vehicle hesitates when gas pedal pressed; creating hazard to cross intersections, merging into traffic. In order to have car respond, hard press on gas pedal required, which creates another dangerous situation of unexpected leap! While no recalls are shown, 2 reports [XXX] are shown on NHTSA recall site. Owners of this vehicle report same problem for all model years, and indicate dealers cannot fix/do not fix. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11675800, 2023

“The vehicle stalls when I try to take off causing me to pull into traffic slower”
NHTSA complaint #11512648, 2023

Engine 8 1 crash

“ACCIDENT DESCRIPTION: TRAVELING SOUTH ON I-95 JUST PAST THE 895 SPLIT. I WAS TRAVELING IN THE MIDDLE LANE WITH A SPEED OF 60-65 MPH. THE CAR STARTED TO DRIFT LEFT QUICKLY. THERE WAS NO VIBRATION WARNING THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL INDICATING LANE DEPARTURE. I WAS RAPIDLY MOVING TOWARD THE CONCRETE BASE OF THE MORAVIA ROAD OVERPASS. THE STEERING WAS TIGHT. I ATTEMPT TO BRAKE AND STEER RIGHT BUT NOTHING SEEMED TO WORK. THE AUTOBRAKE WAS ON BUT DID NOT APPLY AND I HIT THE CONCRETE BASE OF THE WALL ON THE LEFT FRONT CORNER OF THE LEXUS. I DID SEVERAL 360'S AND LANDED AGAINST THE JERSEY WALL…”
NHTSA complaint #11398718, 2021 · crash

“Driving car experienced a loud thump. Lost all engine power. Pulled to side of road. Had a hybrid system unavailable warning. Called a tow. Checked oil level to find it below the low mark. Car left a huge puddle of oil when loaded. Got to dealership. They found a hole in the engine block. Engine seized. Looms like it was the rod for the first cylinder. This issue sounds like what was the 2020 model years recall. My car had 128k on it all maintenance was completed on time, at the dealership. I regularly check oil level, and it was within normal range.”
NHTSA complaint #11646961, 2025

“The vehicle stalls when I try to take off causing me to pull into traffic slower”
NHTSA complaint #11512648, 2023

Air Bags 4 3 crash 5 injury

“none of the air bags deployed when my car was T-Bone at the driver door when the other car ran the red light. The other car air bags deployed and appears to be total loss My lexus EX300h has been repair but is available for inspection”
NHTSA complaint #11524227, 2022 · crash · 4 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 LEXUS ES. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF A BUILDING. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO COAST FORWARD DESPITE PUMPING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE SIDE OF THE BUILDING. AFTERWARDS, THE CONTACT QUICKLY SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO PARK AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED BRUISES ON TO THE CHEST. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11258618, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact's wife owns a 2019 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that while attempting to park in between two vehicles with his foot on the brake pedal, the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. The vehicle jumped the parking barrier and hit stanchion which caused the vehicle to stop. The airbags did not deploy and the vehicle's electrical warning sensors also failed to operate as needed. No injuries were reported at the scene. Both fire and police reported immediately to the scene and a police report was filed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer and the contact w…”
NHTSA complaint #11424038, 2021 · crash

Electrical System 4 1 crash

“The contact's wife owns a 2019 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that while attempting to park in between two vehicles with his foot on the brake pedal, the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. The vehicle jumped the parking barrier and hit stanchion which caused the vehicle to stop. The airbags did not deploy and the vehicle's electrical warning sensors also failed to operate as needed. No injuries were reported at the scene. Both fire and police reported immediately to the scene and a police report was filed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer and the contact w…”
NHTSA complaint #11424038, 2021 · crash

“The DCM malfunctioning, its the SOS button in the car that call Lexus personnel in case of emergency. Its stuck in a loop and keeps calling the call center every 3 minutes or so. I've had to tell them it's not me and they report the malfunction and it call the next representative and same thing. It called the call center 15 times as I was driving (extremally distracting and almost ran a red) before getting to the dealership. I've seen the same complaint on a Lexus forum to a person in Florida.”
NHTSA complaint #11561627, 2023

“The first incident occurred sometime in late June/early July...indicator lights mentioned below came on and I cleaned off sensors and indicator lamps disappeared on this occurrence. On July 13 2022, I was driving on a busy local road when the following malfunction indicators were displayed: brake system warning, 'check' engine malfunction indicator lamp, electric power steering system warning, parking support brake system, and pre-collision system. As these indicators were displayed, simultaneously the vehicle decelerated to an almost complete stop on the road (though I was pressing gas peda…”
NHTSA complaint #11475224, 2022

Service Brakes 4 3 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 LEXUS ES. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF A BUILDING. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO COAST FORWARD DESPITE PUMPING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE FROM THE SIDE OF THE BUILDING. AFTERWARDS, THE CONTACT QUICKLY SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO PARK AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED BRUISES ON TO THE CHEST. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11258618, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Which component or system experienced a failure or malfunction, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Pre-collagen system and emergency braking system failed. These components are available for inspection upon request at the dealership where the car has been undergoing manufacturer inspection since June 8th, 2023. How was safety compromised for you or others? While driving on the highway, the vehicle experienced Unintended Braking, causing it to swerve and spin across three lanes before crashing into the median, putting both my safety and the safety of others at risk. Has the…”
NHTSA complaint #11536140, 2023 · crash

“I was attempting to stop at an intersection. I pressed the brake pedal and an error message came up on the info screen and the car failed to stop. I ended up crashing into the rear of the vehicle in front of me.”
NHTSA complaint #11484664, 2022 · crash

Fuel System 3

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 LEXUS ES350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO OURISMAN LEXUS OF ROCKVILLE (15501 FREDERICK RD, ROCKVILLE, MD 20855) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11389408, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 LEXUS ES350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED LEXUS OF MAPLEWOOD (3000 US-61, MAPLEWOOD, MN 55109; 651-415-2423) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.”
NHTSA complaint #11351807, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 LEXUS ES350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *DT DEALER HAS ADVISED THE CONSUMER, VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND HAS BEEN IN THE GARAG…”
NHTSA complaint #11325135, 2020

Power Train 3

“I leased a 2019 Lexus ES300H in March of 2019. About 1 year later, the vehicle started having serious mechanical issues related to the power of the vehicle and put my life in danger on 3 different occasions. The vehicle has a serious problem with losing power. The very first time that this problem occurred, I was in the left only lane attempting to make a left turn. When it was safe to do so and there was enough distance between me and the nearest vehicle driving in the opposite direction, I pressed on the accelerator to make a left turn and my vehicle suddenly lost almost complete power. I ha…”
NHTSA complaint #11451094, 2020

“DURING THE MONTH OF AUGUST, 2020, ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHILE THE CAR WAS IN GEAR (REVERSE OR DRIVE), WHEN PUTTING MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR WOULD NOT "GO". IT WAS AS IF THE CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL BUT IT WAS NOT. THE FIRST TIME I WAS TURNING AROUND IN A NEIGHBOR'S DRIVEWAY AND WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT AND PUT MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR, IT REVVED LIKE I WAS IN NEUTRAL BUT THE R WAS ON THE DASH AND THE GEAR SHIFT WAS IN R. I THEN PUT IT IN DRIVE AND THE SAME THING. THE ONLY WAY I GOT THE CAR TO GO WAS TO PUT IT IN PARK, TURN THE CAR OFF & THEN TURN IT BACK ON. THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11352893, 2020

“SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN OCT 2019, THIS HAPPENS EVERYTIME I AM ON LOCAL ROADS (SPEED <50MPH), WHEN I SLOWDOWN PER THE TRAFFIC FLOW, OR TAKING TURN (LEFT OR RIGHT) AFTER YIELDING, THE CAR HESITATES TO ACCELERATE AS IF THE GAS PEDAL DIED ON ME AND THEN I PUSH THE PEDAL FURTHER DOWN ONLY TO GET THE CAR DOWNSHIFT DRASTICALLY AND REVVING UP TO ALMOST ALWAYS ABOUT THE HIT THE CAR IN FRONT (IF ANY) OF ME. IN THE FEW TIMES I AM ON HIGHWAY, WHEN I NEED TO SPEED UP TO CHANGE THE LANE THE CAR ACCELERATES UNPREDICTABLY MAKING THE DRIVING A SCARY EXPERIENCE.”
NHTSA complaint #11377378, 2019

Unknown Or Other 3 1 injury

“I WAS ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY SUNROOF BLEW UP.”
NHTSA complaint #11208885, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

“I PURCHASED LEXUS ES350 IN JULY 2019 AND LEARNED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD SAFETY RECALLS 20V012000, 20V682000 IDENTIFIED AS EARLY AS JANUARY 2020, HIGH RISK FUEL PUMP RELATED ISSUES WHERE A LOW-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP INSIDE THE FUEL TANK MAY FAIL INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD OF A CRASH AND LIFE THREATENING. LEXUS HAS BEEN TOO COMPLACENT AND TILL DATE, STILL HASN'T COME UP WITH A REMEDY. WHEN I REACHED OUT TO THE DEALER FOR A REPLACEMENT OR A REPURCHASE FOR SAFETY SAKE THEY REFUSE TO ASSIST IN ANY CAPACITY. NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE PUSHING LEXUS RECALL THIS VEHICLE. I DO NOT WANT TO PUT MY FAMILY IN DANGER D…”
NHTSA complaint #11397149, 2020

“THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A LOW-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WHICH MAY STOP OPERATING. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES MAY BE DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, AND THE ENGINE MAY RUN ROUGH. THIS MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE STALL, AND THE VEHICLE MAY BE UNABLE TO BE RESTARTED.”
NHTSA complaint #11301891, 2020

Vehicle Speed Control 3 1 crash

“The contact's wife owns a 2019 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that while attempting to park in between two vehicles with his foot on the brake pedal, the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. The vehicle jumped the parking barrier and hit stanchion which caused the vehicle to stop. The airbags did not deploy and the vehicle's electrical warning sensors also failed to operate as needed. No injuries were reported at the scene. Both fire and police reported immediately to the scene and a police report was filed. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer and the contact w…”
NHTSA complaint #11424038, 2021 · crash

“The first incident occurred sometime in late June/early July...indicator lights mentioned below came on and I cleaned off sensors and indicator lamps disappeared on this occurrence. On July 13 2022, I was driving on a busy local road when the following malfunction indicators were displayed: brake system warning, 'check' engine malfunction indicator lamp, electric power steering system warning, parking support brake system, and pre-collision system. As these indicators were displayed, simultaneously the vehicle decelerated to an almost complete stop on the road (though I was pressing gas peda…”
NHTSA complaint #11475224, 2022

“SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN OCT 2019, THIS HAPPENS EVERYTIME I AM ON LOCAL ROADS (SPEED <50MPH), WHEN I SLOWDOWN PER THE TRAFFIC FLOW, OR TAKING TURN (LEFT OR RIGHT) AFTER YIELDING, THE CAR HESITATES TO ACCELERATE AS IF THE GAS PEDAL DIED ON ME AND THEN I PUSH THE PEDAL FURTHER DOWN ONLY TO GET THE CAR DOWNSHIFT DRASTICALLY AND REVVING UP TO ALMOST ALWAYS ABOUT THE HIT THE CAR IN FRONT (IF ANY) OF ME. IN THE FEW TIMES I AM ON HIGHWAY, WHEN I NEED TO SPEED UP TO CHANGE THE LANE THE CAR ACCELERATES UNPREDICTABLY MAKING THE DRIVING A SCARY EXPERIENCE.”
NHTSA complaint #11377378, 2019

Forward Collision Avoidance 2 1 crash

“Which component or system experienced a failure or malfunction, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Pre-collagen system and emergency braking system failed. These components are available for inspection upon request at the dealership where the car has been undergoing manufacturer inspection since June 8th, 2023. How was safety compromised for you or others? While driving on the highway, the vehicle experienced Unintended Braking, causing it to swerve and spin across three lanes before crashing into the median, putting both my safety and the safety of others at risk. Has the…”
NHTSA complaint #11536140, 2023 · crash

“The contact owns a 2019 Lexus ES 350. The contact stated that on three occasions while reversing into a parking space, the brakes engaged along with the automatic braking system without warning. While driving 55 mph while applying the brake pedal the vehicle vibrated and made an abnormal bumping noise. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where diagnosed the rotors needed to be shaved down and resurfaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was provided with a loaner vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000. The contact stated the fai…”
NHTSA complaint #11436392, 2021

Structure 2 1 crash

“ACCIDENT DESCRIPTION: TRAVELING SOUTH ON I-95 JUST PAST THE 895 SPLIT. I WAS TRAVELING IN THE MIDDLE LANE WITH A SPEED OF 60-65 MPH. THE CAR STARTED TO DRIFT LEFT QUICKLY. THERE WAS NO VIBRATION WARNING THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL INDICATING LANE DEPARTURE. I WAS RAPIDLY MOVING TOWARD THE CONCRETE BASE OF THE MORAVIA ROAD OVERPASS. THE STEERING WAS TIGHT. I ATTEMPT TO BRAKE AND STEER RIGHT BUT NOTHING SEEMED TO WORK. THE AUTOBRAKE WAS ON BUT DID NOT APPLY AND I HIT THE CONCRETE BASE OF THE WALL ON THE LEFT FRONT CORNER OF THE LEXUS. I DID SEVERAL 360'S AND LANDED AGAINST THE JERSEY WALL…”
NHTSA complaint #11398718, 2021 · crash

Exterior Lighting 1

“I bought a 2019 Lexus ES350 F Sport in October 2023 with 41,000 miles. Almost a year later to the day I went to a touchless car wash and now have excessive condensation in both headlights. Lexus shows these lights at $2500 a piece, plus labor to install. With modest investigating for a remedy I see I’m not alone in this predicament. Due to high cost of replacement I believe this warrants looking into whether it should be a recall or at least a safety bulletin as moisture in an electric environment will quickly become a major issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11618299, 2024

Lane Departure 1

“RIGHT SIDE BSM INDICATOR COMES ON UNPROMPTED AND STAYS ON FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, SOMETIMES UNTIL I RESTART THE CAR. I PRESENTED THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A WARRANTY REPAIR OF THE DEFECT AND THEY STATED NOT A WARRANTY ISSUE STATING 'THE SENSOR MUST BE MISALIGNED DUE TO ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE. EVEN BRUSHING YOUR LEG AGAINST THE BUMPER CAN DISLODGE IT.' MY CAR HAS HAD NO DAMAGE TO THE REAR BUMPER.”
NHTSA complaint #11388706, 2021

Steering 1

“2019 LEXUS ES 350. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD LEAKING POWER STEERING HOSE AND A DRY CANISTER. *AS THE CONSUMER STATED THE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE HAD CUPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.*JS”
NHTSA complaint #11269690, 2019

Tires 1

“2019 LEXUS ES 350. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD LEAKING POWER STEERING HOSE AND A DRY CANISTER. *AS THE CONSUMER STATED THE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE HAD CUPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.*JS”
NHTSA complaint #11269690, 2019