2016 Lexus ES350 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2016 Lexus ES350 has a Good verdict, ranking 11th of 17 model years with a complaint index of 38 and 21 complaints filed. Brakes and engine issues are the top concern areas, and one recall covers a brake actuator defect.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 38/100
- #11 of 17 ES350 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 21
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 21 city / 31 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2016 Lexus ES350 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the brake pedal failing to slow the vehicle, in one case leading to a rear-end crash before airbags failed to deploy.
- The pre-collision system/brake actuator reportedly engaged for no reason, bringing the car to an abrupt stop at 30 mph.
- Some drivers describe rapid, uncommanded deceleration on the freeway with cruise control engaged, unresponsive to the accelerator.
- Electrical glitches were reported including a momentary engine shut-off while turning, along with mirrors moving on their own and seat memory malfunctions.
- Multiple owners describe the sunroof shattering unexpectedly while the vehicle was parked or being driven, scattering glass.
- Forward-looking sensors reportedly failed in snowy conditions, disabling collision alert, lane departure, and cruise control functions.
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 gives the 2016 ES350 a Good verdict compared to other ES350 years, with a complaint index of 38 and 21 total complaints, ranking 11th of 17 model years.
- What problems does the 2016 Lexus ES350 have?
- The top reported problem areas are brakes and engine, each accounting for 19% of complaints, followed by airbags and electrical system issues.
- Does the 2016 Lexus ES350 have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists one recall, campaign 16V198000, covering a brake actuator that could cause loss of braking pressure.
- How does the 2016 ES350 compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 38, the 2016 model performs better than earlier years like 2007 through 2011, which carry indexes from 75 to 100 and Avoid verdicts, but slightly worse than 2015 (index 31) and 2018-2019 (indexes 19 and 13).
- What is the median mileage for brake complaints on the 2016 ES350?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 12,000 miles at failure for brake-related complaints on the 2016 ES350.