Steering: tie rod assembly
Free remedy
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017 Lexus ES350 vehicles. The right-hand side tie rod lock nut may loosen over time.
Research · Midsize Cars
2017 Lexus ES350Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 22 owner complaints for the 2017 Lexus ES350. Most complaints involve structure (3) and visibility/wiper (3). The EPA rates it 24 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
24mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Jun 2017
Owner complaints
22
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
$2,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
22 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2017 – Sep 2022
- Structure3
- Visibility/wiper3
- Forward collision avoidance2
- Electrical system2
- Service brakes2
- Air bags2
- Suspension2
- Service brakes, hydraulic1
- Vehicle speed control1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Structure
3 reports
“I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY HAVING JUST PICKED PICKED UP THIIS CAR I JUST BOUGHT FROM THE DEALERSHIP WHEN SUDDENLY I HEARD A LOUD EXPOLOSION UP ABOVE AND NOTICED MY SUNROOF EXPLODED SENDING PIECES OF GLASS INTO MY CAR. I WAS SCRATCHED AND HAD TO GET HOME 1/2 HOUR AWAY. DEALERSHIP WAS FAR. THE DEALERSHHIP SAID TO CALL THE INSURANCE. I THINK IT COULD BET THE WAY THE SUNROOF WAS PUT IN BUT NOT SURE.”
Visibility/wiper
3 reports
“REAR TINTED INSIDE THE GLASS WINDOW HAS BUBBLES AND SMEARED ADHESIVE ACROSS GLASS CAUSING IT HARD TO VIEW WHAT IS BEHIND ME. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW IT HAPPENS I BOUGHT THE CAR ON NOVEMBER 16, 2016. MOST OF THE TIME THE CAR IS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. I NOTICED IT THE FIRST TIME IN THE LAST WEEK OF FEBRUARY 24, 2020.”
Forward collision avoidance
2 reports2 crashes
“The contact owns a 2017 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the contact stated that a beeping alert sounded to notify him that he was approaching another vehicle. As the contact attempted to depress the brake pedal, the brake pedal failed and the contact rear-ended the vehicle. The air bags deployed upon impact. The police and paramedics were called to the scene and the other driver was taken to the hospital; the driver's whereabouts were unknown. The contact did not sustain any injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was initially towed to an impound yard and was then towed by his insurance to assess the vehicle's damage. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES 350 Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 30 | 24 | $2,600 | 365 |
- 24mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Lexus ES350 4 DR FWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 4 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 11.1%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 11122
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2017 ES350 questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Lexus ES350 have?
1 safety recall as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2017 Lexus ES350 problems?
Owners filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (3), visibility/wiper (3), forward collision avoidance (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2017 Lexus ES350 get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Lexus ES350 at 24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2017 Lexus ES350?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2017 Lexus ES350 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026