2009 Lexus ES Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2009 Lexus ES logs 28 NHTSA complaints and a Complaint Index of 55, ranking 10th worst out of 21 model years and earning a Caution verdict. Airbags account for half of all complaints, mostly tied to Takata recalls, with a median failure mileage of 93,500 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 55/100
- #10 of 21 ES years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 28
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Airbags
Top 2009 Lexus ES problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags14 (50%)
- Engine4 (14%)
- Other3 (11%)
- Electrical System2 (7%)
- Structure & Body2 (7%)
- Brakes1 (4%)
- Steering1 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags tied to Takata recalls did not inflate during a crash, according to one owner.
- Some owners with pending Takata recall remedies reported confusion over whether the passenger airbag stays active with an empty seat.
- Owners described sudden unintended acceleration, in one case jumping from 65 mph to 80 mph without warning and requiring repeated pumping of the accelerator pedal to release it.
- One owner reported the vehicle accelerated on its own while braking, even after coming to a complete stop.
- A driver reported both front tires wearing down to exposed steel belts at only 27,000 miles despite normal in-town driving.
- One owner described the dashboard becoming shiny and reflective, reducing visibility by glaring into the windshield and blinding the driver.
2009 Lexus ES recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2009 compared with other ES years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Lexus ES reliable?
- It ranks 10th worst out of 21 model years for the ES based on NHTSA complaints, with a Complaint Index of 55 and a Caution verdict. It sits in the middle of the pack, worse than top years like 2018 and 2022 but better than 2007 and 2005.
- What problems does the 2009 Lexus ES have?
- Airbags are the top complaint area, making up 50% of the 28 complaints filed, mostly linked to Takata airbag recalls. Owners also reported engine surging, unintended acceleration, and premature tire wear.
- Does the 2009 Lexus ES have a recall?
- NHTSA lists 0 recalls specifically logged for the 2009 model year in this data, though owner complaints reference the industry-wide Takata airbag recall campaign.
- How does the 2009 Lexus ES compare to other years?
- The 2009 model's Complaint Index of 55 is lower than 2007 (100), 2008 (90), and 2005 (85), all rated Avoid, but higher than Good and Best years like 2013, 2018, and 2022.
- At what mileage do 2009 Lexus ES problems usually appear?
- Airbag-related complaints show a median mileage of 93,500 miles, while engine complaints centered around 65,000 miles and brake complaints around 124,300 miles.