2011 Lexus ES: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 46 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (63% of complaints); the 2009 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I am getting a parasitic electrical draw of 12% overnight. On a new interstate battery. I have checked lighting and allstate milewise monitor and neither appear to be the source. Is there a common issue on a 2011 es350?”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2026
“The contact owns a 2011 Lexus ES 350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed fluid leaking from the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,912.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2025
“I own a 2011 Lexus ES350. I understand there were several times in the past when repairs for a melting dashboard was fixed with no cost to the car owner. I don't recall receiving information on this offer in a timely manner and now the offers have apparently expired. I think most customers were concerned about the cosmetic damage of the dashboard, but I have valid safety concerns. Sometimes when the sun is out, the line of vision is blurred due to the reflection of the melted dashboard. I want this to be repaired before I have an accident.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Jun 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“The vehicle has severe rust and corrosion underneath affecting the suspension. The brakes and power steering needed repairs but the service would cause even more damage to the vehicle. The vehicle was confirmed by sterling mcall lexus of clear lake. 18160 Gulf Fwy, Houston, TX 77546. and also Firestone Center Pearland 2908 Broadway St, Pearland, TX 77581. This vehicle is unsafe to operate due to the corrosion. An accident may soon occur.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2022
“2011 lexus es. Consumer writes in regards to broken door handle. The consumer stated the outside door handle was broken, the driver's seat cover and outer bolster sections were damaged, and the roof paint was peeling. The manufacturer was notified, but did not offer any assistance.”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Sep 2021
“Supplemental restraint system (srs) warning light is illuminating on instrument panel and does not go out when car is started and driven.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2018
“The leather on both driver and passenger seats have failed and split, deteriorated and the leather on the armrest between seats have deteriorated.”Owner report · Seats · May 2018
“"takata recall", after contacting local lexus dealership I made an appointment on 9/8/2017 to have repairs made, I was told no remedy available per the local lexus dealership (lexus of bellevue). It is now 12/19/2017 and still no repairs or remedy from lexus.”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2017
“Takata recall; I have major concern relevant to not only the pass/side air bag, but to the driver side air bag also. I request both sides be replaced, unless you can provide data that will confirm there is no issue with drivers side air bag. Dealer/sewell advised my work would be done in sept 17. They have yet to set up an appt for my repairs. Pls help. Thanks”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2017
“Takata recall - it has been over a year and lexus has not come up with a solution, putting me and my family in danger!”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2011 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact ES by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2011 Lexus ES reliable?
NHTSA has 46 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 Lexus ES. The most complained-about area is air bags (63% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2011 Lexus ES problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 47,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.