LEXUS ES · model year

2010 LEXUS ES

46 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash reports for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2010LEXUSES carries 46 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injury, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2010 ES is air bags with 20 filings, followed by unknown or other (5) and structure:body (5). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.

NHTSA currently has 3 investigation files overlapping the 2010 ES. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

46
Complaints
2
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

46 filings

Crashes Reported

2 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS20
UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
STRUCTURE:BODY5
VISIBILITY/WIPER4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
STEERING2
SUSPENSION1
SEATS1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
POWER TRAIN1
SERVICE BRAKES1
STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD1
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY1
WHEELS1

Recent Complaints

20250829UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Good afternoon, The first thing that I need to say (which will become obvious when seeing the attachments) is that I made an “extremely foolish,” decision on March 13, 2025 when I decided to purchase this Lexus 2010 vehicle from Audi Orange Park. I was without a car and had a work trip coming up and along with other distractions I most definitely was not paying attention to the “swindling” that was happening right in front of my eyes. The transaction was VERY FAST and when signing the documents the gentleman had me sign on my phone and did allow me to use the IPAD that he was using so you can imagine how difficult it was for me to possibly see anything that I was signing. YES, I WAS AN IDIOT! Hindsight is 20/20. Everything was UNPROFESSIONAL and unfortunately, I let it happen to me. So other than putting all of this in writing to make it known of this fraudulent behavior I have to swallow my pride and admit that I was just STUPID that day. On August 23, 2025, I stopped by A

20250829WHEELS

Good afternoon, The first thing that I need to say (which will become obvious when seeing the attachments) is that I made an “extremely foolish,” decision on March 13, 2025 when I decided to purchase this Lexus 2010 vehicle from Audi Orange Park. I was without a car and had a work trip coming up and along with other distractions I most definitely was not paying attention to the “swindling” that was happening right in front of my eyes. The transaction was VERY FAST and when signing the documents the gentleman had me sign on my phone and did allow me to use the IPAD that he was using so you can imagine how difficult it was for me to possibly see anything that I was signing. YES, I WAS AN IDIOT! Hindsight is 20/20. Everything was UNPROFESSIONAL and unfortunately, I let it happen to me. So other than putting all of this in writing to make it known of this fraudulent behavior I have to swallow my pride and admit that I was just STUPID that day. On August 23, 2025, I stopped by A

20250821UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I have the full panoramic glass roof. The seal around the whole roof has rotted away. There is nothing wrong with the glass, but I believe the missing molding makes the glass less secure. Without the molding, rainwater is seeping into who knows what electrical components within the vehicle. Lexus will not replace the molding or the glass at their expense. This is a dangerous manufacture defect that should be repaired by Lexus.

20250816STRUCTURE:BODY

Dear NHTSA Vehicle Safety Team, I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my 2010 Lexus ES350 (VIN: [XXX] ) concerning a dashboard melting issue. Several years ago, Lexus issued a recall for melting dashboards, including my vehicle. At that time, I did not request a replacement. However, after the recall period ended, my dashboard began to melt. The material becomes sticky, shiny, and unsafe under sunlight. During daytime driving, the melted dashboard reflects sunlight onto the windshield, making it difficult and dangerous to see the road clearly. I have contacted my local Lexus dealer and Lexus corporate headquarters, but both refused assistance, citing the expired recall period. Despite this, the defect continues to exist and presents a serious safety concern. I request that NHTSA record this issue as a safety defect and consider it for further investigation. Attached are photos of my dashboard for reference. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [XXX]

20250515POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

Purchased this car on [XXX] from Alpina Motors on Eastern Blvd in Maryland. In February took the car to Ron's Auto Repair, and he said that the brakes were metal on metal, so he replaced the Brakes and Rotors for $510. On [XXX] while driving on the Garden State Parkway with my [XXX] son the axle broke. Scaring me and my son because of losing control and not knowing what to do. Had to call my grandmother to get car towed and repaired at Scotts Auto in Carney's Point, NJ for $465. On 05/01/2025 I asked the dealer if he could he check my transmission fluid. He stated he couldn't because he didn't have a tool. On 05/02/2025 I took the car to Midas Auto Service on Eastern Ave in Balto. The tech stated this car needed Ignition Coil, Spark Plugs Brake pads and rotors for the front of the car. Bald tire in rear, other Axle, Engine & Transmission Mounts and Transmission filter and fluid. The technician at Midas stated that had the dealer inspected this car prior to selling, he would have know

20240625VISIBILITY/WIPER

I have been driving with a shiny sticky dashboard that reflects light directly into my eyes when I'm driving creating a dangerous driving condition. I was just made aware that there was a Lexus Customer Support Program ZLZ to replace this defective dashboard but I never received a recall notice. I have asked Lexus corporate and the dealership to help me resolve this dangerous defect but they said the program has expired and is no longer willing to help. I am a senior citizen and cannot afford to pay for this out of pocket or buy a new car. This defect is a widely known issue and Lexus has acknowledged that this is causing a dangerous condition while driving. I cannot understand why they would not resolve this matter regardless the program expired or not especially if owners did not received the notice. Please help. Lexus is unwilling to resolve this matter even though they know this defect is causing dangerous driving conditions which may lead to accidents.

20240625UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I have been driving with a shiny sticky dashboard that reflects light directly into my eyes when I'm driving creating a dangerous driving condition. I was just made aware that there was a Lexus Customer Support Program ZLZ to replace this defective dashboard but I never received a recall notice. I have asked Lexus corporate and the dealership to help me resolve this dangerous defect but they said the program has expired and is no longer willing to help. I am a senior citizen and cannot afford to pay for this out of pocket or buy a new car. This defect is a widely known issue and Lexus has acknowledged that this is causing a dangerous condition while driving. I cannot understand why they would not resolve this matter regardless the program expired or not especially if owners did not received the notice. Please help. Lexus is unwilling to resolve this matter even though they know this defect is causing dangerous driving conditions which may lead to accidents.

20231223CrashAIR BAGS

No lamps on at all. Car was in a major accident and no airbags went off. Was hit almost head on by a ram pickup at approximately 45 miles an hour and then the truck went down the drivers side of the car Car was stopped at a red light at the time of the incident

20230918STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD

The contact owns a 2010 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that he had noticed a sticky texture on the dashboard directly in the driver's view. The contact stated that while driving, the sticky texture reflected onto the windshield impairing his vision. The vehicle was taken to a local collision center. The mechanic confirmed that the dashboard was melting. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Mileage: 50,000

20230330STRUCTURE:BODY

The dashboard melted and shines. Having problems seeing during driving against sunlight, also the stickiness of the dashboard makes dirt stuck on the surface of the dashboard. The main issue is safety while driving because of sunlight reflection.

20230330VISIBILITY/WIPER

The dashboard melted and shines. Having problems seeing during driving against sunlight, also the stickiness of the dashboard makes dirt stuck on the surface of the dashboard. The main issue is safety while driving because of sunlight reflection.

20221104STEERING

The contact owns a 2010 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was moving upward. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed that a steering wheel bracket had sheared off. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but informed the contact that they could not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 79,263.

Mileage: 79,263

20220517CrashAIR BAGS

Incident on 10/13/2020 On Tuesday October 13th. 2020 I was driving my 2010 Lexus ES 350 in Diamond Bar, CA 91765. I got hit on my side by a speedy car (ran red light) He was driving at speed of 55 mph. I got multiple fractures (No air bags were deployed) and later on hospital admission due to life serious complications. Now I’m dealing with continuous pain, inability to back to normal life style and a must have joint replacement due to joint damage (bone and cartilage). I have police report/total loss report have details about car damage and countless medical care and hospital admission for the implication of the accident. I'm uploading some photos for my white Lexus to the extent lt. axle broke and even for the other car in the crash seen (dark gray Audi) to show his speed.

20211231SERVICE BRAKES

My brakes do not work as they should I have to pump them to stop, I have had them replaced and bled they will work for a day or two and then start to fail again, my pedal goes all the way to the ground and still doesn’t stop the vehicle

20210607STRUCTURE:BODY

I AM HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY SIDE VIEW MIRRORS. THEY KEEP POPPINGLOOSE, SWINGING FREELY ON IT'S BASE.ONE TIME THE MIRROR POPPED LOOSE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. COULD NOT SEE TRAFFIC IN THE RIGHT LANE. COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

20210607VISIBILITY/WIPER

I AM HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY SIDE VIEW MIRRORS. THEY KEEP POPPINGLOOSE, SWINGING FREELY ON IT'S BASE.ONE TIME THE MIRROR POPPED LOOSE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. COULD NOT SEE TRAFFIC IN THE RIGHT LANE. COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

20210120ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I BEGAN TO NOTICE AFTER LONG DRIVES, A SMELL SIMILAR TO A CAR OVERHEATING. ONE NIGHT, WHILE WARMING THE CAR UP, THE ALTERNATOR LIGHT CAME ON (THE BATTERY SYMBOL). I FIGURED IT WAS PROBABLY MY BATTERY AND DECIDED TO CALL AN UBER. IN THE SHORT TIME THAT I WAITED FOR MY RIDE, THE CAR BEGAN TO SMOKE. THE NEXT MORNING I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND HE DISCOVERED THAT ENGINE OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE VALVE COVER GASKETS DOWN INTO THE ALTERNATOR CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUT.

Mileage: 161,000

20201119STRUCTURE:BODY

LOCATION: WHERE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR ATTACHES TO BODY OF VEHICLE. THE UPPER HINGE FROM THE DOOR THAT ATTACHES TO THE BODY, IS DETACHING FROM THE BODY OF THE CAR. THE MATERIAL THAT THE DOOR ATTACHES TO DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE METAL, IT APPEARS TO BE SOME SORT OF FIBERGLASS. I WILL BE SHOCKED IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY OTHER OWNERS COMPLAINING. IF YOU HAVE NOT, THE ONLY REASON I CAN GUESS IS THAT OTHER OWNERS HAVE NOT LOOKED AT THIS AREA WHERE THE DOOR ATTACHES TO THE BODY. MINE IS STILL WORKING, BUT IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE IT BECOMES A MAJOR PROBLEM. THE DOOR HAS ALREADY SHIFTED SOMEWHAT WHERE THE DOOR DOES NOT SHUT LIKE IT SHOULD.THIS PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.

Mileage: 147,800

20200103POWER TRAIN

AT 59000 MILES MY 2010 LEXUS EXPERIENCED ROUGH SHIFTING UP THROUGH THE GEARS AND DOWN THE GEARS UNTIL THE CAR COMES TO A FULL STOP. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LEXUS DEALER NEAR ME IN FLORIDA. THEY DIAGNOSED THE ROUGH SHIFTING AS A BAD TRANSMISSION THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALTHOUGH THE POWERTRAIN HAS A 7 YEAR 70,000 MILE WARRANTY FOR DEFECTS, THE FACTORY CUSTOMER SATISFACTION REPRESENTATIVE ONLY OFFERED TO OFFSET THE $7,000 COST OF TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT BY $3,000. I DO NOT THINK THAT I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY PORTION OF THE COST ASSOCIATED WITH THE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE IS 10 MODEL YEARS OLD IT HAS BEEN CAREFULLY DRIVEN LESS THAN 60,000 MILES. MOST OF THE MILES ARE HIGHWAY MILES AS THIS IS OUR SECOND CAR AND IS USED PRIMARILY FOR DRIVING TRIPS. IT IS GARAGED DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. HAS BEEN SERVICED ONLY BY A LEXUS DEALER SINCE NEW. IT IS MY CONCERN THAT LEXUS HAS PROVIDED ME WITH A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT THAT FAILED AFTER 59,000 MILES T

Mileage: 59,000

20180926AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL - TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR TAKATA RECALL WITH NO ISSUES WITH VEHICLE. PICKED IT UP AFTER "REPAIR" ONLY TO FIND AIRBAG LIGHT ON. MADE APPOINTMENT TO BRING VEHICLE BACK IN AND NOW BEING TOLD THAT THERE IS A PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR THAT HAS GONE BAD. THEY CLAIM THIS ISSUE DOES NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL!! AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE, I FIND COMPLAINT AFTER COMPLAINT CONCERNING THIS VERY ISSUE. THIS SENSOR SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN A RECALL AS THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT WITH THE SENSOR WITH SO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT. AND IT IS A HIGH DOLLAR FIX.

Mileage: 125,000

Compare 2010LEXUSES to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2010 LEXUS ES have?
The 2010 LEXUS ES has 46 NHTSA complaints, 2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 LEXUS ES?
The most-complained component for the 2010 LEXUS ES is AIR BAGS with 20 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and STRUCTURE:BODY.
Is the 2010 LEXUS ES safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.