2016 Lexus ES350 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
46/100
#8 most-complained of 14 ES350 years
The 2016 Lexus ES350 has a complaint index of 46 and ranks 8th worst of 14 model years, earning a "Good" rating relative to other ES350 years. NHTSA lists 21 complaints, 1 recall, and 1 crash, with brakes as the top problem area.
- Complaints
- 21
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 21 city / 31 hwy
Top 2016 Lexus ES350 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other9 (43%)
- Brakes4 (19%)
- Engine4 (19%)
- Airbags2 (10%)
- Electrical System2 (10%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (5%)
- Fuel System1 (5%)
- Steering1 (5%)
- Structure & Body1 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (5%)
What owners report
- Brake pedal fails to slow the car and the pre-collision/brake actuator system engages for no reason, bringing the vehicle to an abrupt, uncontrolled stop around 30 mph.
- Sudden, unexplained rapid deceleration while cruise control is active, with the accelerator unable to stop the slowdown.
- Complete engine shut-off while turning at low speed, along with random electrical glitches like mirrors moving on their own and seat memory failing.
- Forward-looking sensors for collision alert and lane departure stop working when covered by snow or ice during storms.
- Sunroof glass shatters unexpectedly while the vehicle is parked or being driven, scattering glass without any apparent cause.
- Rattling noise from the engine area, reported as likely coming from the water pump pulley.
2016 Lexus ES350 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V198000Apr 7, 2016Brakes16,656 vehicles
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."
Risk: 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.
2016 Lexus ES350 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21 MPG
- Highway
- 31 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,700
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2016 compared with other ES350 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Lexus ES350 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows 21 complaints and a complaint index of 46 for the 2016 ES350, ranking 8th worst out of 14 model years. That puts it in the "Good" category relative to other ES350 years.
- Does the 2016 Lexus ES350 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 ES350, covering the brake actuator, which could cause brake pressure to fail.
- What is the top problem area for the 2016 Lexus ES350?
- Brakes are the top problem area, accounting for 19% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 12,000 miles. Engine issues also account for 19% of complaints.
- How does the 2016 ES350 compare to other years?
- The 2016 model's complaint index of 46 is lower than 2010 (100), 2011 (92), 2012 (85), and 2017 (77), making 2016 comparatively better, though newer years like 2019 and 2021 score even lower at 15 and 23.