2009 Lexus ES: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 28 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
28
owner complaints
0
fire reports
-
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Among the quietest ES years (#12 of 13 by complaints, age-adjusted)No fire reportsNo recall campaigns
Common problems
Computed from 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Limited data: only 28 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)14 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)2 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)2 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)2 complaints
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)1 complaint
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)1 complaint
“Experienced unintended acceleration when pulling into a parking space. My vehicle went over the curb and into a ditch. The bushes and embankment of the ditch stopped the vehicle. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of a problem.”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2025
“On Monday, Oct. 27, 2025 at approximately 11:50 am, my vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. I was pulling into a parking spot and suddenly accelerated and jump the barrier into a ditch. Luckly there were bushes to stop me. I was standing on the brake. There were no prior indications there was an issue.”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2025
“The contact owns a 2009 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that the dashboard had become sticky and had started to melt. Over time, the contact stated that glare had started to reflect from the windshield onto the dashboard, obstructing visibility while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was acknowledged that the defect was a known failure. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed the contact that the Extended Warranty coverage had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2024
Show 7 more owner reports
“Dashboard is melting from heat and needs to be replaced. Company refuses to replace saying recalls expired 2021. Never received any mail from them even though they said they mailed it to me. Be going to Price LeBlanc for service since 2013 never mentioned anything about it. Thanks”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2023
“I was driving home from work & just before 5pm I hit a section of the side of the road that has deteriorated on SR 68 between Tecumseh high school & Lynnville, IN. It blew out the inner wall of my tire & I had to get it replaced. I have seen this happen to other drivers on this road as well. The road needs to be repaired before someone gets seriously injured. This incident caused me to replace all 4 of my tires prematurely. Please repair the road - there are at least 2 areas that need to be repaired”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2023
“Dashboard on 2009 lexus es 350 has begun to melt and on sunny days the reflection on the windshield poses a safety hazard and reduces visibility. In addition the melting plastic is very sticky and could be hazardous for driver not to mention the poison exposure to its vapors. There was a recall for this problem on 2007 and 2008 models. The 2009 is identical in design and lexus should fix this. I contacted them and they offered to pay a small portion of the $1700 repair costs.”Owner report · Structure · May 2020
“Takat recall: had car accident . Hit by another car while turning; ran over street sign and hit iron fence infront of apartment building. Air bags did not inflate. 'parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'*jb”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2019
“I called lexus of rockville center li ny today regarding "urgent safety recall" notice I received. Sadly lexus dealer told me that the parts are on backorder until end of march... Can't even make appointment to have lexus fix the problem "takata front passenger airbag inflators" for an urgent safety recall - I have had no vehicle problems yet...”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2018
“Takata recall the manufacturer/dealer has yet to repair/replace the faulty airbags. I have been in a 'loaner' vehicle for 10 months.”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2017
“Takata recall I have contacted lexus dealer at 700 serramonte blvd, colma ca 94014 several times regarding passenger air bag of my car but I am being ignored and advised to keep driving as it is. I am worried about my family's safety because it is our family car and they travel with me all the times.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2009 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Engines3.5L
Cylinders6
FuelGasoline
Drive type4x2
Body stylesSedan/Saloon
How other years compare
Check your exact ES by VIN
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Is the 2009 Lexus ES reliable?
NHTSA has 28 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2009 Lexus ES. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.