2013 Lexus ES: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 33 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes (28% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days
0
recalls
33
owner complaints
0
fire reports
47,650
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: service brakes (28%)
Common problems
Computed from 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Service Brakes (brakes)28% · 8 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)24% · 7 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)10% · 3 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System (fuel pump, tank, lines)7% · 2 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)7% · 2 complaints
Visibility (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)7% · 2 complaints
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Lexus ES350. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale on Facebook Marketplace. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 127,000; however, a Carfax vehicle history reported the mileage at 199,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2026
“Lexus of Sarasota Fl confirmed a Faulty brake actuators causing brake , skid control and ABS light to come on which created an immediate and extremely dangerous driving situation as I was on an interstate highway driving at 70 mph. It's been confirmed that multiply Lexus models and years have had numerous brake actuator . Multiple failures have been documented yet ONLY a few were given recall status!!This is outrageous and an immediate review of this oversight needs to be addressed”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2026
“The contact owns a 2013 Lexus ES 300H. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The service ABS, Brakes, and hazard warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed; however, no cause for the failure was determined. An appointment with the dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jan 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“As a dominos delivery driver, I am constantly braking in neighborhoods, on main roads, highways, parking lots, you name it. It's important for me as a safe driver to be able to rely on my vehicle to perform properly. Recently, I've had multiple failures to stop as the code "c1391" has come up and has intermittently shut off proper control of my braking system. Upon reading of the faulty brake system causing this code and my vehicle listed (2013 Lexus es300h) as part of the list of vehicles affected, I knew I needed to write in as well to have my car fixed of this problem that is endangering myself and others on the road.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2025
“Lexus recall 2010-2015 models because pain is peaking. My car is a 2913 es 350 and the paint is pealing but Lexus do not want to fix it. It is the same problem as the recall Lexus because paint is peaking. What can I do or what can you do”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2025
“Brakes malfunctioned almost resulted in a life threatening car accident. Car is at the Lexus dealership for repair. The have confirmed problem. Yes there were warning lights moments before needing the brakes and it not working whn pushed.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2024
“While driving on the highway electronic brake boost suddenly failed, leading to brake malfunction. This is common malfunction of this model. This leads to potentially hazardous situation when in emergency or even regular traffic breaking car would not break as expected.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2024
“2013 Lexus Es300h driving on [XXX] , I felt the brake didn't work during the street. It's hard to push the brake, and I almost hit the car in front. OMG, I was very scared. I saw an ABS brake light, and I tried to turn into a parking lot and find the nearest Pepboys in Birmingham, Alabama to inspect the system. I was informed of a problem with the Brake Booster Assembly. I'm sorry I can't afford to pay the labor, service and parts at this time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2024
“Roughly 6-12 months ago the dashboard on my Lexus started to melt and become sticky, creating a glare on my windshield and impeding my ability to see the road causing dangerous situations. Both daytime and nighttime driving have been affected by this defect. I've contacted the local dealership, but they confirmed that no recalls are available and that the only solution is for me to replace the entire dash.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2023
“Hood latch and cable malfunction in that the hood wouldn't close and warning light and buzzer continuously beeped. Woburn Toyota in Woburn, MA said it was due to overuse and not a defect and not a safety issue! Not so. Hood not opened more than other vehicles I have had without such a problem. Other Lexus owners have posted similar complaints, too.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2022
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2013 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Engines2.5L · 3.5L
Cylinders4
FuelGasoline
Drive type4x2
Body stylesSedan/Saloon
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 2013 Lexus ES reliable?
NHTSA has 33 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2013 Lexus ES. The most complained-about area is service brakes (28% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2013 Lexus ES problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 47,650 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.