LEXUS ES · model year

2011 LEXUS ES

59 NHTSA complaints, 12 crash reports for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2011LEXUSES carries 59 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 12 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, 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 2011 ES is air bags with 27 filings, followed by structure:body (5) and unknown or other (3). 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 2011 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.

59
Complaints
12
Crashes
0
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

59 filings

Crashes Reported

12 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 BAGS27
STRUCTURE:BODY5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
SERVICE BRAKES3
STEERING2
VISIBILITY/WIPER2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE1
ENGINE1
WHEELS1
SEATS1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH1
SUSPENSION1

Recent Complaints

20250818ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

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.

Mileage: 137,912

20241205STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD

I purchased the car on Feb 9, 2014 at the above Lexus Dealership. $26,596.   My dashboard is melting and it’s definitely a safety hazard. When materials used in the dashboard are prone to melting or degrading in extreme heat, potentially obstructing the driver's view and impacting visibility.  At times I couldn't see and I almost had an accident when the sun reflected in my eyes. It’s a defect that Lexus is aware of because they offered to fix it under the Customer Support Program (Takata Economic Loss Class Action Settlement).   Furthermore, by way of legal agreement, the ZLZ warranty enhancement coverage extends to my vehicle until January 8, 2026.  However, I should not have to rely on this legal agreement to get Lexus to take care of this repair which has been determined as a defective product/material.   I contacted Lexus HQ 716-941-2295 on November 21, 2024. Lexus said they would not be responsible.   The law recognizes concepts of negligence and strict liability to

20241111STRUCTURE:BODY

We purchased this vehicle in mid 2018. In October of 2018 Lexus issued a customer support process ZLZ which covered our vehicle for problems with the dashboard. At that time, we had no deterioration of our dashboard so we did not respond. The Lexus program expired in 2021. In the last two years, our dashboard has deteriorated quite substantially becoming sticky and more importantly, becoming very reflective. This condition is a serious safety issue for day and night driving as light reflects up on the windshield and obscures vision out of the windshield. We took the vehicle to Lexus San Diego in August of 2024 and they declined to address the repair as a defect and offered to replace the dashboard for approximately $3000. At that time I called the Lexus Corporate Dept and they said that it could fall under the support program again if they re-opened the program. The representative did not offer any timeline for that happening. I sent correspondence to Lexus Corporate in Oct of 2024 a

20241111UNKNOWN OR OTHER

We purchased this vehicle in mid 2018. In October of 2018 Lexus issued a customer support process ZLZ which covered our vehicle for problems with the dashboard. At that time, we had no deterioration of our dashboard so we did not respond. The Lexus program expired in 2021. In the last two years, our dashboard has deteriorated quite substantially becoming sticky and more importantly, becoming very reflective. This condition is a serious safety issue for day and night driving as light reflects up on the windshield and obscures vision out of the windshield. We took the vehicle to Lexus San Diego in August of 2024 and they declined to address the repair as a defect and offered to replace the dashboard for approximately $3000. At that time I called the Lexus Corporate Dept and they said that it could fall under the support program again if they re-opened the program. The representative did not offer any timeline for that happening. I sent correspondence to Lexus Corporate in Oct of 2024 a

20241111VISIBILITY/WIPER

We purchased this vehicle in mid 2018. In October of 2018 Lexus issued a customer support process ZLZ which covered our vehicle for problems with the dashboard. At that time, we had no deterioration of our dashboard so we did not respond. The Lexus program expired in 2021. In the last two years, our dashboard has deteriorated quite substantially becoming sticky and more importantly, becoming very reflective. This condition is a serious safety issue for day and night driving as light reflects up on the windshield and obscures vision out of the windshield. We took the vehicle to Lexus San Diego in August of 2024 and they declined to address the repair as a defect and offered to replace the dashboard for approximately $3000. At that time I called the Lexus Corporate Dept and they said that it could fall under the support program again if they re-opened the program. The representative did not offer any timeline for that happening. I sent correspondence to Lexus Corporate in Oct of 2024 a

20240810FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I started my vehicle and drove about 1/2 mile when the car started acting like it was running out of gas. I pulled over and got about 1gallon of gas in a gas can and put it in the vehicle. I turned the car back on and drove about 2 blocks when the vehicle started jumping like it was going to run out of gas again. The vehicle then shut down while I was driving it. I made it to the side of the road and put the vehicle in park and turned off the ignition with the push start button. I tried to start the vehicle again with the push start button and the vehicle would just try to start but just crank and not turn on. This ended up being a fault fuel pump. After some research I was able to find out Lexus had several thousand vehicles of the same year make and model recalled due to a faulty fuel pump that goes out while driving causing a dangerous driving condition which is exactly what occurred in my vehicle. I contacted Lexus and was told my vehicle was not included in the recall which I don

20240501CrashAIR BAGS

The contact owned a 2011 Lexus ES 350. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle crossed over into oncoming traffic, resulting in a head-on collision with the contact's vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact insurance provider. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact's wife was transported to an area hospital by EMT and treated for injuries to her right shoulder, left hip, left femur, and left foot, requiring surgery on her shoulder, hip, and femur. The contact also stated that it was required that a stint be placed in his wife's heart. The contact mentioned the injuries sustained resulted in over $1 million in medical treatment. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

20240423AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2011 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light was flashing constantly. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Occupant Classification Sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the Occupant Classification Sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags). The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Mileage: 65,000

20240423AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

The contact owns a 2011 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light was flashing constantly. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Occupant Classification Sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the Occupant Classification Sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags). The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Mileage: 65,000

20231121VISIBILITY/WIPER

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.

20231106CrashAIR BAGS

The contact owned a 2011 Lexus 350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, her vehicle collided with another vehicle that ran a red light at 50 MPH on the front passenger side door. The impact caused the vehicle to careen off the roadway and collide with a billboard support beam where it came to stop. No air bags were deployed. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact was transported to an area hospital by emergency services and treated for ocular facial pain, diplopia gaze, and a possible brain aneurysm, resulting in post-concussion syndrome. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 170,000.

Mileage: 170,000

20221010SERVICE BRAKES

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.

20221010SUSPENSION

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.

20221010STEERING

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.

20210921LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

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.

20200504STRUCTURE:BODY

THE DASHBOARD IS MELTING WHICH RESULTS IN THE NOXIOUS CHEMICAL SMELL AND ADHESIVE COMPOUND THAT IS STICKY TO THE TOUCH.

20200504UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE DASHBOARD IS MELTING WHICH RESULTS IN THE NOXIOUS CHEMICAL SMELL AND ADHESIVE COMPOUND THAT IS STICKY TO THE TOUCH.

20180723AIR BAGS

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) WARNING LIGHT IS ILLUMINATING ON INSTRUMENT PANEL AND DOES NOT GO OUT WHEN CAR IS STARTED AND DRIVEN.

Mileage: 53,400

20180604SEATS

THE LEATHER ON BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS HAVE FAILED AND SPLIT, DETERIORATED AND THE LEATHER ON THE ARMREST BETWEEN SEATS HAVE DETERIORATED.

Mileage: 100,000

20171219AIR BAGS

"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.

Compare 2011LEXUSES to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2011 LEXUS ES have?
The 2011 LEXUS ES has 59 NHTSA complaints, 12 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2011 LEXUS ES?
The most-complained component for the 2011 LEXUS ES is AIR BAGS with 27 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STRUCTURE:BODY and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2011 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.