2005 Lexus ES: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 58 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (41% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
58
owner complaints
0
fire reports
13,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No fire reportsNo recall campaignsWeak spot: power train (41%)Problems reported early (median 13,000 mi)
Common problems
Computed from 58 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)41% · 23 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)16% · 9 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)16% · 9 complaints
Exterior Lighting (headlights, taillights)5% · 3 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)4% · 2 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)4% · 2 complaints
“Authorized dealership service department (Toyota West/Germain Automotive Group) performed structural repairs and released a vehicle back to me as safe. I operated this vehicle on public highways with my child. Upon subsequent inspection, the same dealership declared the vehicle a 'Total Loss' due to structural frame damage caused by their own technician. The dealership knowingly allowed a structurally compromised, unsafe vehicle to be driven off their lot without disclosing the safety risks.”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2025
“Severe vibration from 30-70mph when acceleration, outboard boot split/slinging grease on left/right sides. CV axle has alot of movement. Right and Left axle shaft needs removed and replaced.”Owner report · Wheels · Nov 2021
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 lexus es350. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact was concerned that the transmission was defective. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2020
Show 7 more owner reports
“Just bought car today. Had new tires installed and they told me they put the car in park but ir started rolling. Had to restart in neutral and put in park again. When I left went to auto parts store and parked and turned vehicle off. As I was getting out realized car was rolling. I put foot on brake and car restarted without putting in neutral. Shifted to drive and back to park and it stopped this time.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2019
“My passenger airbag compartment on front dash has been slowly been lifting and separating though the car has never been in an accident. Is the airbag going to implode one day on a passenger without us knowing? It is looking scary but I see there is no recall.”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2016
“The front passenger airbag cover is bulging and has separated along the seam nearest the windshield due to shrinkage of the dash. This may impact the deployment of the airbag and cause injury.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2016
“My vehicle accelerates periodically resulting in close-call accidents. There is no warning sign of when this is going to happen. I reported this to the dealership (heyward allen toyota) where I brought the used vehicle in 2008. One of the salesmen drove with me around the dealership and decided there was nothing wrong with the car. I learned 24-hours after the purchase that this vehicle was in an accident prior to me purchasing it which was not revealed. I am concerned that I am putting my life as well as others in danger. *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Mar 2014
“Driving south on florida turnpike, car suddenly accelerated --unable to steer it or slow it down--had to get off highway to avoid collision --turned wheel to right and slid across swale into thicket of trees want to get a used lexus to replace this be but am afraid of safety issues now. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2013
“Dashboard is melting and making the glare difficult to drive. Has been like this for some time. Just now finding out other people have problems with this. It has large bumps on the melting dashboard. Started doing this around may, 2012.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · May 2012
“Transmission hesitates and jerks at all times putting the driver in unsafe situations. There appears to be a endless list of complaints regarding this and lexus not taking any action to correct it on their own. I just received a recall notice for a pulley problem that may cause a belt to come off but their is no recall issued for a dangerous transmission issue, seriously?? I hope someone forces them to take action soon since they don't appear to be concerned with customer safety or loyalty. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2011
When filing, owners marked a crash in 13 of these complaints and injuries in 11 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
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Is the 2005 Lexus ES reliable?
NHTSA has 58 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 Lexus ES. The most complained-about area is power train (41% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 Lexus ES problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 13,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.