Problems · NHTSA complaints
2017 Lexus ES350 problems
Owners filed 22 complaints about the 2017 Lexus ES350 with NHTSA between Feb 2017 and Sep 2022. The most-cited component is structure (3).
Complaints
22
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
8
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Structure3
- Visibility/wiper3
- Forward collision avoidance2
- Electrical system2
- Service brakes2
- Air bags2
- Suspension2
- Service brakes, hydraulic1
- Vehicle speed control1
- Visibility1
- Engine1
- Steering1
- Seats1
- Exterior lighting1
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, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
7
6
1
3
3
2
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 2 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
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.”
Electrical system
2 reports
“2017 LEXUS ES350. CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING VEHICLES SAFETY CONNECT SYSTEM BEING DISCONNECTED. *LD *JS”
Service brakes
2 reports1 crash
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 LEXUS ES350. WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LEXUS OF WATERTOWN (330 ARSENAL ST., WATERTOWN, MA 02472, (888) 677-9785) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE WITH THE BRAKES. THE BRAKES WERE LUBRICATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000. *TT*JB”
Air bags
2 reports2 crashes
“DURING AN ACCIDENT FROM REAR ENDED, AIRBAGS WERE NOT DEPLOYED AND NOW IT IS SAYS THAT SRS AIRBAGS ARE MALFUNCTIONED.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.