YearToAvoid

2017 Lexus ES350 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Caution The 2017 Lexus ES350 has a Complaint Index of 63, ranking 7th worst out of 17 model years, and carries a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 22 complaints, 1 recall for a steering tie rod issue, and 8 crashes tied to owner reports.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
63/100
#7 of 17 ES350 years
Verdict
Caution
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
22
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
8
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
5
Top issue
Structure & Body
Best nearby year
2018
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
24
21 city / 30 hwy
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0

Top 2017 Lexus ES350 problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Structure & Body4 (18%)
  2. Visibility & Wipers4 (18%)
  3. Brakes3 (14%)
  4. Electrical System3 (14%)
  5. Other3 (14%)
  6. Airbags2 (9%)
  7. Engine2 (9%)
  8. Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (9%)
  9. Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (9%)
  10. Steering1 (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 front suspension ball joint detaching or the control arm fracturing near the wheel bearing while driving, causing loss of control.
  • Some describe the ABS system triggering a warning and the brake pedal failing to respond during highway driving.
  • Airbags reportedly did not deploy in rear-end collisions despite the airbag warning light illuminating.
  • The tachometer and speedometer display reportedly fade to unreadable levels in direct sunlight.
  • Owners describe the panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattering while driving on a clear day.
  • Some report the ventilated seat feature producing excessive heat in the seat back and shoulder area.
2017 Lexus ES350 complaints: complaints filed per month2Feb 2017Jul 2017Mar 2018Aug 2018May 2019Sep 2020Aug 2021
22 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2017 to Sep 2022; peak Nov 2017 (2).

2017 Lexus ES350 recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 17V415000Jun 29, 2017Steering1,761 vehicles

    Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly

    Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017 Lexus ES350 vehicles. The right-hand side tie rod lock nut may loosen over time.

    Risk: If the lock nut loosens, the tie rod may separate causing a loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lock nut and, if it is found loose, replace the lock nut, steering gear assembly, and tie rod assembly, free of charge. The recall began on July 26, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is HLC.

2017 Lexus ES350 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
21 MPG
Highway
30 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.

2017 compared with other ES350 years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2015Good3116124
2016Good3821124
2017Caution6322124
2018Best195224
2019Best135225.5

All Lexus ES350 years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2017 Lexus ES350 reliable?
NHTSA data gives the 2017 ES350 a Complaint Index of 63, ranking 7th worst among 17 model years tracked, which earns a Caution verdict relative to other ES350 years.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Lexus ES350?
Structure & Body and Visibility & Wipers issues each account for 4 of the 22 complaints (18% each), followed by Brakes and Electrical System issues with 3 complaints each.
Does the 2017 Lexus ES350 have any recalls?
Yes, one recall (campaign 17V415000) covers a steering tie rod lock nut that can loosen over time; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
What year Lexus ES350 should I avoid?
Among ES350 years, 2007 through 2011 carry Avoid verdicts with Complaint Index values from 75 to 100, notably worse than the 2017 model's index of 63.
How does the 2017 ES350 compare to the 2018 and 2019 models?
The 2018 and 2019 ES350 both carry Best verdicts with Complaint Index values of 19 and 13, well below the 2017 model's 63.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.