Own a Lexus ES in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Lexus ES for model years 2014 to 2018, 2020 to 2021. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help ES owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 72 owner complaints on file for the ES and 1 safety recall campaign. The most-reported problem areas are air bags (37), service brakes (8), steering (4).
Most-Reported Lexus ES Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the ES (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 37 | 51% | |
| Service Brakes | 8 | 11% | |
| Steering | 4 | 5% | |
| Electrical System | 3 | 4% | |
| Suspension | 3 | 4% | |
| Engine | 3 | 4% | |
| Structure | 2 | 2% | |
| Power Train | 2 | 2% |
Air Bags
37 of the 72 complaints (51%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Service Brakes
8 of the 72 complaints (11%) mention brakes. Brake complaints turn up on nearly every vehicle, and Phoenix stop-and-go traffic wears brake parts quickly. We measure pads and rotors, check calipers and fluid, and replace only what is worn. See our brake repair page.
Steering
4 of the 72 complaints (5%) mention steering. Steering complaints deserve prompt attention. We inspect steering components and alignment so the car tracks straight and responds predictably. See our suspension & alignment page.
Lexus ES Complaints by Model Year
The ES model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2021, 2020, 2016. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 4 | |
| 2015 | 5 | |
| 2016 | 9 | |
| 2017 | 3 | |
| 2018 | 5 | |
| 2020 | 18 | |
| 2021 | 28 |
Most Common Lexus ES Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the ES. The most-cited is C1391 (manufacturer-specific chassis code), mentioned in 2 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| C1391 | Manufacturer-specific chassis code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 2 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Lexus ES Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the ES in these model years, most often involving air bags. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2023 recall, Air Bags (campaign 23V865000): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250,...
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the ES, 9 involved a crash, 11 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Lexus ES Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Lexus will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a ES that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for ES owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Lexus ES, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Lexus ES Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Lexus ES repair service, or choose a service below.
Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Brake Repair
Pads, rotors, calipers, fluid and brake lines.
Details →Suspension & Alignment
Shocks, struts, alignment and steering.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Pre-Purchase Inspection
Know the car before you buy it.
Details →Lexus ES FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Lexus ES?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Lexus ES are air bags (37), service brakes (8), steering (4). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which ES model years have the most complaints?
The ES model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2021, 2020, 2016. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Lexus ES?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Lexus ES, the codes cited most often are C1391 (manufacturer-specific chassis code). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Lexus ES have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the Lexus ES across model years 2014 to 2018, 2020 to 2021. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Lexus ES in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Lexus vehicles including the ES, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Lexus ES?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Lexus ES in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Lexus Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.