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2016 Lexus ES350

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Lexus ES350 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 21.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 12 of 21 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports

What owners actually said

21 reports
Mileage unknown · May 4, 2022
SteeringSuspension

Steering wheel vibrations after 65 MPH is reach, more noticeable when vehicle has reached the speed and cruising. Had tires rebalanced and rotated and issue still persists. The vibration feels like when a wheel lock is loose or missing.

NHTSA ODI #11463348

Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2022
Structure

2016 Lexus ES350 with the 2nd row sunroof. While driving the car the front sunroof shattered without cause, sending glass pieces into the cabin creating a very dangerous situation. This appears to be a problem that has happened many times before as there are many people that have talked about this issue. Lexus denied fault.

NHTSA ODI #11460004

Mileage unknown · Dec 22, 2021
Unknown Or Other

Effective in 2022 all cellular carriers are upgrading to 5G. With this transition a majority of vehicles will no longer be able to use their vehicles emergency crash response systems. In my 2016 Lexus ES350 the Emergency SOS system utilizes 3G cellular service which will be turned off in 2022 making an automated call in the even…

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Effective in 2022 all cellular carriers are upgrading to 5G. With this transition a majority of vehicles will no longer be able to use their vehicles emergency crash response systems. In my 2016 Lexus ES350 the Emergency SOS system utilizes 3G cellular service which will be turned off in 2022 making an automated call in the event of a crash impossible. The DOT needs to block this measure as owners of vehicles should not be forced to purchase a newer vehicle simply for emergency services.

NHTSA ODI #11444708

Mileage unknown · Jul 5, 2021
Unknown Or Other

At 1 p.m. July 5, 2021, I was driving on the expressway on a short trip from home (about 5 miles). Temperature outside was 83 degrees, inside car 70 degrees. No overpasses, nearby cars, or debris noted from roadway. We heard a loud explosion. Seeing no other vehicles, feeling nothing wrong with the tires, or broken mirrors, …

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At 1 p.m. July 5, 2021, I was driving on the expressway on a short trip from home (about 5 miles). Temperature outside was 83 degrees, inside car 70 degrees. No overpasses, nearby cars, or debris noted from roadway. We heard a loud explosion. Seeing no other vehicles, feeling nothing wrong with the tires, or broken mirrors, I cracked open the moon roof slightly and noticed shattered glass. Fortunately, we had the interior moon roof flap of the vehicle closed which prevented the shards from falling on us. There was no warning that this would happen. As it is a holiday, I am awaiting a response from both the insurance company and the dealership. You will note the "upward" explosion that would not be typical of an object coming from the road. We noted nothing from the road or sky (partly cloudy day).

NHTSA ODI #11423477

Mileage unknown · Apr 5, 2021
Engine

I BOUGHT USED 2016 LEXUS ES350, MILES 84000, AND AFTER A MONTH I HEARD RATTLING NOISE FROM RIGHT SIDE OF ENGINE. MOST LIKELY FROM WATER PUMP PULLY.

NHTSA ODI #11406389

35,000 miles · Oct 29, 2020
Unknown Or Other

ON FEB. 25, 2020 AT APPROXIMATELY 7 AM I WAS DRIVING ALONG A LOCAL ROUTE IN HICKSVILLE, NY IN MY 2016 LEXUS ES 350 TRAVELING APPROX. 40 MPH. ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT. THE NEXT THING I KNEW I HEARD GLASS RATTLING AROUND ON MY ROOF. I PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT MY SUNROOF (PANORAMIC ROOF) HAD SHATTERE…

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ON FEB. 25, 2020 AT APPROXIMATELY 7 AM I WAS DRIVING ALONG A LOCAL ROUTE IN HICKSVILLE, NY IN MY 2016 LEXUS ES 350 TRAVELING APPROX. 40 MPH. ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT. THE NEXT THING I KNEW I HEARD GLASS RATTLING AROUND ON MY ROOF. I PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT MY SUNROOF (PANORAMIC ROOF) HAD SHATTERED INTO 1 THOUSAND PIECES.

NHTSA ODI #11367051

66,000 miles · Oct 7, 2020
Unknown Or Other

ON OCTOBER 7 AT APPROXIMATELY 5 AM I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 285 EASTBOUND IN ATLANTA GEORGIA. I WAS DRIVING MY 2016 LEXUS ES 350. I WAS TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 75 MILES AN HOUR. ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT. THE NEXT THING I KNEW I HEARD GLASS RATTLING AROUND ON MY ROOF. I PULLED OVER AND …

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ON OCTOBER 7 AT APPROXIMATELY 5 AM I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 285 EASTBOUND IN ATLANTA GEORGIA. I WAS DRIVING MY 2016 LEXUS ES 350. I WAS TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 75 MILES AN HOUR. ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT. THE NEXT THING I KNEW I HEARD GLASS RATTLING AROUND ON MY ROOF. I PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT MY SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED INTO 1 MILLION PIECES

NHTSA ODI #11363194

24,000 miles · Jul 15, 2019
Air BagsService BrakesCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 LEXUS ES350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO SLOW OR STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WAS NO INJURIES SUSTAINED BY EITHER DR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 LEXUS ES350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO SLOW OR STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WAS NO INJURIES SUSTAINED BY EITHER DRIVERS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP TO BE REPAIRED. LEXUS OF MILWAUKEE LOCATED AT 1433 W SILVER SPRING DR, MILWAUKEE, WI 53209, (414) 386-5749, WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND QUESTIONED ABOUT POSSIBLE RECALLS FOR WHICH THE VEHICLE MIGHT HAVE BEEN SUBJECTED TO. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V198000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL) SOMETIME IN 2017. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000. *DT 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

NHTSA ODI #11231877

28,000 miles · Apr 12, 2019
Unknown Or Other

THIN WINDSHIELD. WINDSHIELD MUST BE EXTREMELY THIN. I BOUGHT A CERTIFIED LEXUS OCT 2016. WINDSHIELD CRACKED STARTING FROM LEFT BLACK BORDER AROUND WINDSHIELD. SAFELITE REPLACED IT. 6 DAYS LATER, DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND IT CRACKED IN THE SAME PLACE STARTING FROM THE BLACK BORDER. NO ROCKS HIT IT. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING 35…

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THIN WINDSHIELD. WINDSHIELD MUST BE EXTREMELY THIN. I BOUGHT A CERTIFIED LEXUS OCT 2016. WINDSHIELD CRACKED STARTING FROM LEFT BLACK BORDER AROUND WINDSHIELD. SAFELITE REPLACED IT. 6 DAYS LATER, DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND IT CRACKED IN THE SAME PLACE STARTING FROM THE BLACK BORDER. NO ROCKS HIT IT. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING 35 YEARS AND NEVER REPLACED A WINDSHIELD. NOW 2 IN 6 DAYS. SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT LEXUS.

NHTSA ODI #11195857

31,000 miles · Mar 14, 2019
Visibility

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 LEXUS ES350. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED AND GLASS SHATTERED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE SIDE COVER WAS CLOSED DUE TO THE FAILURE. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 LEXUS ES350. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED AND GLASS SHATTERED OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE SIDE COVER WAS CLOSED DUE TO THE FAILURE. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,000.

NHTSA ODI #11186732

Official recalls

1

16V198000 · Electronic Stability Control (esc); Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip

Apr 7, 2016

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 30, 2015, to February 3, 2016, 2016 Lexus RX350 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2015, to February 8, 2016, and 2016 Lexus ES350 vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015, to February 29, 2016. These vehicles are equipped with an ABS actuator that may have a damaged O-ring which could result in improper brake fluid pressure control during ABS, Traction Control, or Stability Control activation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Insufficient brake fluid pressure may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 4, 2016, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0I, GLC.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electronic Stability Control (esc)

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 30, 2015, to February 3, 2016, 2016 Lexus RX350 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2015, to February 8, 2016, and 2016 Lexus ES350 vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015, to February 29, 2016. These vehicles are equipped with an ABS actuator that may have a damaged O-ring which could result in improper brake fluid pressure control during ABS, Traction Control, or Stability Control activation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Consequence: Insufficient brake fluid pressure may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 4, 2016, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0I, GLC.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 30, 2015, to February 3, 2016, 2016 Lexus RX350 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2015, to February 8, 2016, and 2016 Lexus ES350 vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015, to February 29, 2016. These vehicles are equipped with an ABS actuator that may have a damaged O-ring which could result in improper brake fluid pressure control during ABS, Traction Control, or Stability Control activation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Consequence: Insufficient brake fluid pressure may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 4, 2016, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is G0I, GLC.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.