2010 Lexus ES

Routine

Owners filed 41 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. No safety recall has been issued.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags20
201
Structure › Body5
000
Unknown or Other4
000
Visibility/Wiper2
000
Steering2
000
Electrical System2
000
Structure › Interior Panels › Dashboard1
000
Service Brakes1
000
Seats1
000
Power Train › Axle Assembly1
000

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 29, 2026CA

On the front dashboard there is a lot of oil deposit which is from the dashboard material which is reflective and sticky, this oil deposit reflects on the windshield and is making visibility hard when driving in sunlight... i have reached out to the Lexus corporate and they have indicated that the recall is over (even though i never got the recall notice. This is happening to other drivers with the same model as well.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 29, 2025FL

Good afternoon, The first thing that I need to say (which will become obvious when seeing the attachments) is that I made an “extremely foolish,” decision on March 13, 2025 when I decided to purchase this Lexus 2010 vehicle from Audi Orange Park. I was without a car and had a work trip coming up and along with other distractions I most definitely was not paying attention to the “swindling” that was happening right in front of my eyes. The transaction was VERY FAST and when signing the documents the gentleman had me sign on my phone and did allow me to use the IPAD that he was using so you can imagine how difficult it was for me to possibly see anything that I was signing. YES, I WAS AN IDIOT! Hindsight is 20/20. Everything was UNPROFESSIONAL and unfortunately, I let it happen to me. So other than putting all of this in writing to make it known of this fraudulent behavior I have to swallow my pride and admit that I was just STUPID that day. On August 23, 2025, I stopped by Arlington dealership to look at used Rav4 thinking that perhaps I could find out what would be needed to trade in eventually. It wasn’t until this time that I realized what the CARFAX stated, and it was the Arlington dealership that informed me of what appeared to be a ”roll back of the odometer.” After being in complete shock and in basically in tears of what the Audi Dealership had done and yes once again being made very much aware of my not so bright decision making. I looked at the car fax and the Audi d

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 21, 2025NY

I have the full panoramic glass roof. The seal around the whole roof has rotted away. There is nothing wrong with the glass, but I believe the missing molding makes the glass less secure. Without the molding, rainwater is seeping into who knows what electrical components within the vehicle. Lexus will not replace the molding or the glass at their expense. This is a dangerous manufacture defect that should be repaired by Lexus.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 16, 2025PA

Dear NHTSA Vehicle Safety Team, I am submitting a safety complaint regarding my 2010 Lexus ES350 (VIN: [XXX] ) concerning a dashboard melting issue. Several years ago, Lexus issued a recall for melting dashboards, including my vehicle. At that time, I did not request a replacement. However, after the recall period ended, my dashboard began to melt. The material becomes sticky, shiny, and unsafe under sunlight. During daytime driving, the melted dashboard reflects sunlight onto the windshield, making it difficult and dangerous to see the road clearly. I have contacted my local Lexus dealer and Lexus corporate headquarters, but both refused assistance, citing the expired recall period. Despite this, the defect continues to exist and presents a serious safety concern. I request that NHTSA record this issue as a safety defect and consider it for further investigation. Attached are photos of my dashboard for reference. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Power Train › Axle Assembly
Filed May 15, 2025MD

Purchased this car on [XXX] from Alpina Motors on Eastern Blvd in Maryland. In February took the car to Ron's Auto Repair, and he said that the brakes were metal on metal, so he replaced the Brakes and Rotors for $510. On [XXX] while driving on the Garden State Parkway with my [XXX] son the axle broke. Scaring me and my son because of losing control and not knowing what to do. Had to call my grandmother to get car towed and repaired at Scotts Auto in Carney's Point, NJ for $465. On 05/01/2025 I asked the dealer if he could he check my transmission fluid. He stated he couldn't because he didn't have a tool. On 05/02/2025 I took the car to Midas Auto Service on Eastern Ave in Balto. The tech stated this car needed Ignition Coil, Spark Plugs Brake pads and rotors for the front of the car. Bald tire in rear, other Axle, Engine & Transmission Mounts and Transmission filter and fluid. The technician at Midas stated that had the dealer inspected this car prior to selling, he would have known about the condition of the car. I paid Midas for the transmission filter and fluid. They suggested I return it to the dealer. When I did the dealer stated that he would replace other axle, replace Engine & trans. mount, rear brakes and rotors and 6 spark plugs for $1100. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jun 25, 2024CA

I have been driving with a shiny sticky dashboard that reflects light directly into my eyes when I'm driving creating a dangerous driving condition. I was just made aware that there was a Lexus Customer Support Program ZLZ to replace this defective dashboard but I never received a recall notice. I have asked Lexus corporate and the dealership to help me resolve this dangerous defect but they said the program has expired and is no longer willing to help. I am a senior citizen and cannot afford to pay for this out of pocket or buy a new car. This defect is a widely known issue and Lexus has acknowledged that this is causing a dangerous condition while driving. I cannot understand why they would not resolve this matter regardless the program expired or not especially if owners did not received the notice. Please help. Lexus is unwilling to resolve this matter even though they know this defect is causing dangerous driving conditions which may lead to accidents.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Dec 23, 2023NY

No lamps on at all. Car was in a major accident and no airbags went off. Was hit almost head on by a ram pickup at approximately 45 miles an hour and then the truck went down the drivers side of the car Car was stopped at a red light at the time of the incident

Structure › Interior Panels › Dashboard
Filed Sep 18, 202350,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2010 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that he had noticed a sticky texture on the dashboard directly in the driver's view. The contact stated that while driving, the sticky texture reflected onto the windshield impairing his vision. The vehicle was taken to a local collision center. The mechanic confirmed that the dashboard was melting. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 30, 2023MD

The dashboard melted and shines. Having problems seeing during driving against sunlight, also the stickiness of the dashboard makes dirt stuck on the surface of the dashboard. The main issue is safety while driving because of sunlight reflection.

Steering
Filed Nov 4, 202279,263 milesFL

The contact owns a 2010 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was moving upward. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed that a steering wheel bracket had sheared off. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but informed the contact that they could not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 79,263.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed May 17, 2022CA

Incident on 10/13/2020 On Tuesday October 13th. 2020 I was driving my 2010 Lexus ES 350 in Diamond Bar, CA 91765. I got hit on my side by a speedy car (ran red light) He was driving at speed of 55 mph. I got multiple fractures (No air bags were deployed) and later on hospital admission due to life serious complications. Now I’m dealing with continuous pain, inability to back to normal life style and a must have joint replacement due to joint damage (bone and cartilage). I have police report/total loss report have details about car damage and countless medical care and hospital admission for the implication of the accident. I'm uploading some photos for my white Lexus to the extent lt. axle broke and even for the other car in the crash seen (dark gray Audi) to show his speed.

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 31, 2021CO

My brakes do not work as they should I have to pump them to stop, I have had them replaced and bled they will work for a day or two and then start to fail again, my pedal goes all the way to the ground and still doesn’t stop the vehicle

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 7, 2021TN

I AM HAVING A PROBLEM WITH MY SIDE VIEW MIRRORS. THEY KEEP POPPINGLOOSE, SWINGING FREELY ON IT'S BASE.ONE TIME THE MIRROR POPPED LOOSE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. COULD NOT SEE TRAFFIC IN THE RIGHT LANE. COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 20, 2021161,000 milesGA

I BEGAN TO NOTICE AFTER LONG DRIVES, A SMELL SIMILAR TO A CAR OVERHEATING. ONE NIGHT, WHILE WARMING THE CAR UP, THE ALTERNATOR LIGHT CAME ON (THE BATTERY SYMBOL). I FIGURED IT WAS PROBABLY MY BATTERY AND DECIDED TO CALL AN UBER. IN THE SHORT TIME THAT I WAITED FOR MY RIDE, THE CAR BEGAN TO SMOKE. THE NEXT MORNING I TOOK THE CAR TO MY MECHANIC AND HE DISCOVERED THAT ENGINE OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE VALVE COVER GASKETS DOWN INTO THE ALTERNATOR CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUT.

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 19, 2020147,800 milesNV

LOCATION: WHERE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR ATTACHES TO BODY OF VEHICLE. THE UPPER HINGE FROM THE DOOR THAT ATTACHES TO THE BODY, IS DETACHING FROM THE BODY OF THE CAR. THE MATERIAL THAT THE DOOR ATTACHES TO DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE METAL, IT APPEARS TO BE SOME SORT OF FIBERGLASS. I WILL BE SHOCKED IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY OTHER OWNERS COMPLAINING. IF YOU HAVE NOT, THE ONLY REASON I CAN GUESS IS THAT OTHER OWNERS HAVE NOT LOOKED AT THIS AREA WHERE THE DOOR ATTACHES TO THE BODY. MINE IS STILL WORKING, BUT IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE IT BECOMES A MAJOR PROBLEM. THE DOOR HAS ALREADY SHIFTED SOMEWHAT WHERE THE DOOR DOES NOT SHUT LIKE IT SHOULD.THIS PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.

Power Train
Filed Jan 3, 202059,000 milesPA

AT 59000 MILES MY 2010 LEXUS EXPERIENCED ROUGH SHIFTING UP THROUGH THE GEARS AND DOWN THE GEARS UNTIL THE CAR COMES TO A FULL STOP. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LEXUS DEALER NEAR ME IN FLORIDA. THEY DIAGNOSED THE ROUGH SHIFTING AS A BAD TRANSMISSION THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALTHOUGH THE POWERTRAIN HAS A 7 YEAR 70,000 MILE WARRANTY FOR DEFECTS, THE FACTORY CUSTOMER SATISFACTION REPRESENTATIVE ONLY OFFERED TO OFFSET THE $7,000 COST OF TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT BY $3,000. I DO NOT THINK THAT I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY PORTION OF THE COST ASSOCIATED WITH THE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE IS 10 MODEL YEARS OLD IT HAS BEEN CAREFULLY DRIVEN LESS THAN 60,000 MILES. MOST OF THE MILES ARE HIGHWAY MILES AS THIS IS OUR SECOND CAR AND IS USED PRIMARILY FOR DRIVING TRIPS. IT IS GARAGED DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. HAS BEEN SERVICED ONLY BY A LEXUS DEALER SINCE NEW. IT IS MY CONCERN THAT LEXUS HAS PROVIDED ME WITH A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT THAT FAILED AFTER 59,000 MILES THROUGH NO FAULT ON MY BEHALF. BECAUSE THE CAR EXCEEDED THE YEARS OF THE WARRANTY SITTING IN A GARAGE NOT BEING USED SHOULD NOT BE THE DECIDING FACTOR. I REQUEST YOUR ASSISTANCE TO HAVE LEXUS CORRECT A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION THAT HAS NOT BEEN USED FOR THE 70,000 MILES THAT SHOULD BE THE CONTROLLING FACTOR NOT THE AMOUNT OF TIME THE VEHICLE WAS ONLY LIGHTLY USED AND CAREFULLY MAINTAINED

Air Bags
Filed Sep 26, 2018125,000 milesVA

TAKATA RECALL - TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR TAKATA RECALL WITH NO ISSUES WITH VEHICLE. PICKED IT UP AFTER "REPAIR" ONLY TO FIND AIRBAG LIGHT ON. MADE APPOINTMENT TO BRING VEHICLE BACK IN AND NOW BEING TOLD THAT THERE IS A PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR THAT HAS GONE BAD. THEY CLAIM THIS ISSUE DOES NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE RECALL!! AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE, I FIND COMPLAINT AFTER COMPLAINT CONCERNING THIS VERY ISSUE. THIS SENSOR SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN A RECALL AS THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT WITH THE SENSOR WITH SO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT. AND IT IS A HIGH DOLLAR FIX.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 31, 2018FL

INSIDE DASHBOARD IS VERY STICKY AND LEXUS TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS AND WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 9, 2018145,000 milesFL

MELTED DASHBOARD WHICH CREATES GLARE RIGHT IN MY LINE OF VISION. I HAVE NOTICED OTHER OLDER LEXUS MODELS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AS WELL AS OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 22, 2018MS

MY TAKATA RECALL ON MY PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS RECALLED. I WAS SCARED TO DRIVE SINCE MY FORMER 2004 LEXUS AIRBAG WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. SO I DID NOT DRIVE IT FOR 3 YRS KNOWING MY HUSBAND COULD NOT RIDE IN THE FRONT SURE TO BEING HANDICAPPED, FROM A STROKE, HE COULD NOT GET INTO THE BACK SEATS. I OWNED A 2004 LEXUS WAS TOTALED IN 2010 AND NEITHER AIRBAG DEFLATED EITHER .

20 of 41 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2007
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20254110Routine
20249200Routine
202310200Routine
20229000Routine
202128100Routine
202018100Routine
201934100Routine
20185000Routine
20172000Routine
20169000Routine
20155000Routine
20144000Routine
201333000Routine
201231010Routine
201146000Routine
2010 — this page41000Routine
200928000Routine
200868000Routine
2007125010Routine
200612000Routine
200558000Routine
200416000Routine
200323000Routine
200227050Routine
20012000Routine
20006030Routine
19998130Routine
19981100Routine
19972100Routine
19961000Routine

Compare every ES year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.