Here Are The Lexus ES 350 Years To Avoid

Published 20 Feb 2024 in Avoid

Lexus ES 350 by Alexander Migl — CC-BY-SA-4.0

The Lexus ES 350, at first glance, looks like a hybrid between an expensive town car and a sportier sedan. These cars are sleek and beautiful but a little bulky, solid-looking instead of fast-looking. Of course, these are luxury cars, so don’t discount their speed on the road.

Even as a luxury vehicle, though, some Lexus ES 350 years to avoid, and other model years stand out as better and more effective models than the rest. We’ll take a closer look at the model years you should avoid in this article, including the most common problems with those models.

We’ll also talk a little about the reliable Lexus ES 350 model years and the great options for buying a used vehicle.

Lexus ES 350 Years You Should Avoid

First, let’s take a quick look at the Lexus ES 350 years to avoid. These years aren’t necessarily bad cars, but they are the models that don’t tend to perform well in terms of consumer satisfaction or parts performance.

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Here’s a quick list of the years to avoid:

2007
2008
2011
2013
2014
2015

This is a relatively slim list of years to avoid, and if we’re being honest, we were pretty generous with which models made the list. Many of these models wouldn’t be considered a year to avoid if we were talking about a different model brand. There aren’t many problems with this particular vehicle, so there aren’t as many Lexus ES 350 years to avoid as with some other cars.

That said, 2007 was a bad year for Lexus, and this vehicle suffered from many of the same problems as other vehicles in 2007.

Like the other Lexus models from around that time, but in 2009 and 2010, most of the problems were completely resolved. However, unlike some other Lexus models, the ES 350 did see a surge in consumer complaints and parts failures in 2013 that lasted for a couple of years.

None of the problems with the Lexus ES 350 are hugely common, but they are worth considering if you’re in the market for this vehicle.

THE MOST RELIABLE YEARS FOR THE LEXUS ES

To help you find the most reliable Lexus ES year, we’ll walk you through its more recent generations and determine which models are worth the investment and otherwise. Let’s get to it.

Common Lexus ES 350 Problems

Here are some of the most common Lexus ES 350 problems, especially with the problem years and specifically 2007. However, while these are the most common issues, that doesn’t necessarily mean that these problems are common.

Let’s take a closer look.

Melting Dashboard

Like other Lexus models from 2007, this model has some issues with the interior plastics, specifically the dashboard. One of the biggest problems with the 2007 Lexus ES 350, and one of the main reasons 2007 is one of the Lexus ES 2007 years to avoid, is that the plastic on the dash can actively melt in the sun.

That’s a problem for a few reasons. For one thing, a melted dashboard is a cosmetic problem. It can also interfere with the function of anything installed in the dash, including dashboard airbags and cabin electronics in your vehicle.

It can also be an issue because melting plastics can release dangerous VOCs that might cause other problems.

GPS Failures

GPS failures are another common complaint with the Lexus ES 350, but thankfully this issue is less of a problem than the melting dashboard. The GPS had a few issues in the early releases, but more recent models have less of a problem with the system.

Oil Leaks

The Lexus ES 350 also has some reports of excessive or sudden oil leaks, especially in the earlier models. More recent models don’t seem to have as many problems, but unfortunately, oil leaks and oil consumption are only some of the issues with the ES 350’s engine.

Miscellaneous Engine Problems

The Lexus ES 350 model years to avoid also has various other engine issues, including gasket and seal problems, ticking and knocking sounds, and other signs that something is wrong with the engine internally.

These problems range in causes and severity, some not making a big difference to consumers, while others require immediate and costly repairs.

Thankfully, like the other problems with the Lexus ES 350, releases after 2009 have these problems at much lower rates than the first two years.

Windows Opening On Their Own

This last common problem is an issue, but it’s a little less of a problem than some of the other things we’ve discussed. The windows and moonroof on the Lexus ES 350, particularly in the early years, sometimes opened on their own.

Most of the time, the windows and moonroof can still be closed even after opening accidentally. However, this can be a safety risk depending on outdoor temperatures, driving conditions, and how startled drivers are when the windows open on their own.

Defective Evaporator Core

A good, working AC system is critical for a comfortable riding experience. Unfortunately, the Lexus ES 350 has a problematic air conditioning system, specifically with its evaporator core. The 2007-2009 model years were reportedly vulnerable to decreased cooling performance because of a defective evaporator core or coil. This leads to a loss of cooling, which can be very uncomfortable during the hotter months.

According to experts, the evaporator core or coil tends to fail due to manufacturing issues or normal wear and tear. The core is susceptible to cracks, leading to a decreased cooling performance.

Blown Cylinder Head

The cylinder head ensures a smooth operation by constantly lubricating the cylinder. Unfortunately, owners of the 2007 Lexus ES 350 have struggled with blown head gaskets that usually result in illuminating the check engine and vehicle stability control lights.

Some of the reported symptoms of a blown cylinder head include:

White smoke coming out of the exhaust
Overheating engine
Coolant loss or leaks
Bubbling in the radiator

Unfortunately, replacing or repairing the cylinder head can be very expensive. The replacement cost ranges from $2,800 to $3500, including labor charges.

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Reliable Lexus ES 350 Model Years

Here’s a quick list of some of the most reliable Lexus ES 350 model years:

2012
2017
2018
2019

That might look like a relatively small list, but remember that we included many more models in the unreliable list than we usually would because the Lexus ES 350 is a luxury vehicle. All 4 of these model years have meager rates of problems and complaints.

However, the 2019 model may not have been on the market long enough for problems to emerge. But, since the 2017 and 2018 models are still consistently performing well, we’re relatively willing to trust that the 2019 model will do the same.

Which Lexus ES 350 Models Are Good Used Vehicles?

Right now, one of the best models of Lexus ES 350 to buy used is 2012. It’s been on the market long enough that more used vehicles are being resold, but they tend to have high-performance ratings, and users have followed maintenance recommendations well.

That makes these vehicles a great option to buy used, though any of the four we listed as reliable vehicles are good used options.

Ultimately, as long as you avoid the 2007 and 2008 models, almost any Lexus ES 350 model can be a good used vehicle, even if we included that model in the Lexus ES 350 years to avoid.

FAQs: Lexus ES Years to Avoid

Q: Which Lexus ES 350 years should I avoid?

A: As stated in this guide, you should steer clear of the 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2015 model years. These years have been identified as not performing well in terms of consumer satisfaction and parts performance.

Q: What common problems do these Lexus ES 350 years experience?

A: Common issues for these years include melting dashboards, GPS failures, excessive or sudden oil leaks, various engine problems (gasket and seal issues, ticking and knocking sounds), and windows or moonroof opening on their own. The 2007-2009 models also had problems with a defective evaporator core affecting the AC system and blown cylinder head gaskets.

Q: What specific issue made 2007 a bad year for the Lexus ES 350?

A: The 2007 model year is particularly notorious for its dashboard melting under sun exposure, which can lead to cosmetic issues, interfere with dashboard functionalities, and potentially release harmful VOCs.

Q: Can I still consider a Lexus ES 350 from the years to avoid?

A: While avoiding these specific years is recommended due to known issues, not all vehicles from these years will experience problems. If you’re considering one, ensure a thorough pre-purchase inspection and check for any repair or recall history to make an informed decision.

Are Lexus ES 350s typically reliable?

The Lexus ES 350 is generally considered a very reliable luxury sedan. Most model years have proven to be dependable, long-lasting vehicles. However, a few ES 350 model years seem to have more issues than others. Overall, the ES 350 has lived up to Lexus’ reputation for building cars that hold up well over time.

How much does a used Lexus ES 350 typically cost?

Used Lexus 350s are popular (buyers like the Lexus name), which keeps resale values high. According to data from CoPilot Price Pulse, a 2010 ES 350 currently commands an average selling price of $12,948, a 29% premium over normal market conditions. Demand is even stronger for newer models. A 2020 ES 350, for example, typically fetches $37,319, a 22% increase over normal-time prices. The ES 350’s reputation for reliability and strong value retention make them highly desirable.

Is the Lexus ES 350 a good car to purchase?

Yes, the Lexus ES 350 can be an excellent premium sedan. Overall it delivers lasting quality, a comfortable ride, and a strong reputation for dependability. However, to ensure a more positive ownership experience, buyers should concentrate on the most reliable years of the Lexus ES 350.

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