2013
New 2020
Used 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Lexus ES Change Vehicle

For years, the Lexus ES excelled at being comfortable and luxurious, pampering rather than sporty. But for this version of the car, Lexus modified that formula by trying to create a more engaging driving experience. The overall result is a less satisfying upscale sedan. The ES still provides a comfy, quiet interior and gets good fuel economy.
Alerts
There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.
2013
New 2020
Used 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Lexus ES

Reliability

Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.

Overall Reliability
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2013 Potential Trouble Spots
The 2013 Lexus ES has been recalled 1 time by NHTSA. View Recalls
Research Years *Redesign year
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Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
Potential Trouble Spots
Engine Major
NA
Engine Minor
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
Transmission Major
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
Drive System
NA
Fuel System
NA
Electric System
NA
Climate System
NA
Suspension
NA
Brakes
NA
Exhaust
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
Body Integrity
NA
Body Hardware
NA
Power Equipment
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
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Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 420,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2019 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2013 Lexus ES owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"The passenger seat rattled and had to be tightened"

Anonymous, CO (2013 Lexus ES 300h 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"There is an intermittent rattle that seems to originate in the driver's side visor/light. It is very annoying"

Anonymous, TX (2013 Lexus ES 300h 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"An exhaust bracket came loose and was promptly repaired"

Anonymous, IL (2013 Lexus ES 350 3.5-L V6)

"noise at small speed from the right door bottom"

Anonymous, MA (2013 Lexus ES 350 3.5-L V6)

"Front windshield locating pins were making a loud tapping noise in cold weather. Dealer has had this problem before and repaired by shearing the pins off. Lost use of car for 2 days"

Anonymous, WI (2013 Lexus ES 350 3.5-L V6)

"Blower motor is very loud - Dealer says that is the way it is. lots of air noiosr when driving"

Michael C., TX (2013 Lexus ES 350 3.5-L V6)

"seat rattles when not occupied"

Anonymous, UT (2013 Lexus ES 300h 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"This car has had rattles since purchased. They had to remove the windshield and fix a problem but the car had many rattles especially in winter"

Anonymous, WI (2013 Lexus ES 350 3.5-L V6)

"Window and doors don't sit tight. Road vibrations"

Anonymous, MA (2013 Lexus ES 350 3.5-L V6)
Wind noise

"Since purchasing the 2013 Lexus ES we have experienced a wind turbulence problem noticeable in the driver and front passenger seats when the car is driven at 65 mph &+, so on the freeways the noise level is not what we expected from a luxury car"

Anonymous, AZ (2013 Lexus ES 350 3.5-L V6)

"Previous car was same model ES year 2008. no wind noise, no road noise, ride was smooth both city and highway. Not so with 2013 model. This was third Lexus I've owned. Don't think I would but one again based on the 2013 model!"

D L., NJ (2013 Lexus ES 350 3.5-L V6)
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In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

"System often does not recognize MP3 player. Music often speeded up"

Anonymous, CA (2013 Lexus ES 350 3.5-L V6)
In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"The GPS is not worth the cost. Uses technology way behind after market gammon and Tom Tom units. My total satisfaction with Lexus software is very low. Would not buy another Lexus because they don't fix software problems. Also can't get map updat"

J E., NC (2013 Lexus ES 350 3.5-L V6)

"Very unreliable on picking good route, even after setting up which is desired - e.g. Freeways Often has sent us in completely wrong direction e.g from Boise to San Francisco via Vancouver BC"

Anonymous, CA (2013 Lexus ES 300h 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"The Lexus in-dash GPS requires a dealer to replace the hard drive just to apply an annual update. The cost for each annual update is nearly $500, which is absurdly high"

Ken F., WI (2013 Lexus ES 350 3.5-L V6)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"Frequent difficulty using internet connection, ie, pandora"

Anonymous, TX (2013 Lexus ES 350 3.5-L V6)

"It has caused problems with video screen in dash. Has miscued screen advice"

Linda M., CA (2013 Lexus ES 300h 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Unable to pair iPhone"

Anonymous, CA (2013 Lexus ES 350 3.5-L V6)
Radio

"AM radio has static on some stations"

Michael R., CA (2013 Lexus ES 300h 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Same problem. They don't want to fix their software problems and automatically provide a fix. have problems with intermittent display problems that are definitely software related"

J E., NC (2013 Lexus ES 350 3.5-L V6)
Steering wheel controls

"I don't understand the controls"

Linda M., CA (2013 Lexus ES 300h 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Not even close to ability of Siri! Try to say go home and it wants to phone someone on the contact list. Very cumbersome compared to Acura system"

Anonymous, CA (2013 Lexus ES 300h 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
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Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"The trim on the driver's side is separating from the door"

Gloria M., FL (2013 Lexus ES 300h 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Paint prone to scratching much more easily than other cars"

Anonymous, MD (2013 Lexus ES 300h 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"medium size bubble appeared in center of hood. Paint looks blistered and peeled there"

D B., TX (2013 Lexus ES 350 3.5-L V6)
Rust

"Rust in back of trunk horizontal chrome strip"

Anonymous, QC (2013 Lexus ES 350 3.5-L V6)
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Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Exterior lights (other than headlights)

"Both fog light bulbs have failed in 18 months since the car was bought new"

Anonymous, ON (2013 Lexus ES 300h 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Non operational on front passenger door"

Anonymous, CA (2013 Lexus ES 350 3.5-L V6)

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Tire wear is uneven

"Tires make a noise. Dealer said it was because I was driving it on rough roads. About 85% is on interstate and the rest is on paved roads. I am not happy with this assesment and unhappy with the dealers service department"

Francis B., TN (2013 Lexus ES 350 3.5-L V6)
Wheel bearings

"Front wheel bearing had to be replaced, and is making noises again that may indicate the need for another replacement"

Stanley C., ON (2013 Lexus ES 350 3.5-L V6)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Automatic climate control

"The auto feature does not work properly. If set at certain temperature it will not work to that setting. Took in to dealer twice....one told it was ok....second time told to take off auto and turn fan up.......crazy!"

Anonymous, PA (2013 Lexus ES 300h 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

What Owners Say

Fuel gauge/sender

"Car was rear-ended and sustained damage to that area and to the electronics housed in that part of the car. After repairs, fuel gauge did not work, causing vehicle to shut down while the car was being driven"

Joe O., FL (2013 Lexus ES 300h 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"transmission failed and was replaced with no charge some rough shifting continues but a minor issue"

John P., CA (2013 Lexus ES 350 3.5-L V6)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Engine computer

"engine warning light came on after 5000 miles of driving"

Anonymous, NY (2013 Lexus ES 300h 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"The drivers side door would not lock. The Lexus dealer replaced under warranty service"

Anonymous, SC (2013 Lexus ES 300h 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Sunroof

"Whenever is going in for a carwash, water drips into the car"

Anonymous, CA (2013 Lexus ES 350 3.5-L V6)

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Squeaking

"The breaks squeaked from the moment the car was driven off the lot and continues today intermittently. The dealer has never been able to explain the problem"

Anonymous, IL (2013 Lexus ES 300h 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Compare 2013 Models

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This score shows whether the model had more or fewer problems overall than the average model of that year, calculated from the total number of problems reported by subscribers in all 17 trouble spots.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: CRASH IMMINENT BRAKING
Nov 03 2015
A vehicle that unexpectedly brakes increases the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Avalon and Avalon Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 19, 2012 to October 27, 2015 and 2013-2015 Lexus ES350 and ES300h vehicles manufactured June 18, 2012 to July 6, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with a Pre-Collision System (PCS) as optional equipment. In these vehicles, the PCS may unexpectedly activate and apply the brakes when the radar detects a steel joint or plate in the roadway as an object.
What should you do:
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain PCS components, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this campaign are F1V and F2E.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V728000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 30812
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