2007 Lexus ES problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 164 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 14.9 times the median ES year — the 2007 model ranks #1 of 30 ES years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 16 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (34), other (32), and body & structure (31), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
164
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
19
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
16
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2007 compare to other ES years?
What are the most common 2007 Lexus ES problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 34 | 21% | ▲ up |
| Other | 32 | 20% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 31 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 19 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 11 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 8 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 6 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 6 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 4 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Driver Assistance | 1 | 1% | new |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I was driving and my car has a certain jerking motion to it, as I tried to break and accelerate the car wasnât able to stop or move properly. As a result I rear ended the car in front of me. In addition to that my airbag wouldnât go off after the accident so it seems like there was a…”
“ON FRIDAY SEPT 16, , 2016 THE LEXUS WAS BEING PARKED ( BY SALLY MY WIFE WHO HAS BEEN DRIVING THIS CAR FOR MANY YEARS) ON THE DRIVEWAY OF MY HOME ON 198 COMPTON AVE EDISON , THE BRAKES BECAME HARD AND CAR KEPT MOVING CRASHED THE GARAGE DOOR AND A SECOND CAR CAR PARKED INSIDE THE GARAGE BOTH DRIVER…”
“Issue number one the dashboard the steering wheel and the clutch handle for automatic or manual melts it gets extremely hot and slippery it burns no matter if you cover your car or anything it melts and the glare from it is very dangerous when the Sun hits the windshield while driving it makes it…”
“MY DASHBOARD IS MELTING. THERE WAS A CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM THAT EXPIRED IN 2017. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION ABOUT TAKING MY CAR IN FOR A DASHBOARD REPLACEMENT. WHEN IT'S HOT OUTSIDE THE GLARE IS SO INTENSE THAT I AM NOT ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE I AM AFRAID OF HAVING AN ACCIDENT. I AM…”
“While entering into a parking spot the car suddenly surged, went over a curb, and crashed into a store front. The driver had her foot on the brake. We checked to see if the floor mat was against the accelerator and it was not. I have a photo of the mat.”
2007 Lexus ES — common questions
Is the 2007 Lexus ES reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 164 complaints put the 2007 model at #1 of 30 ES years. It is one of the ES years to avoid.
What are the most common 2007 ES problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (34 complaints), other (32 complaints), body & structure (31 complaints).
Does the 2007 Lexus ES have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2007 Lexus ES.
Is the 2007 Lexus ES under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Lexus ES years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the ES years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2005, 2011, 2019, 2013, 2002, 2010, 2003, 2012. The cleanest record among ES years belongs to 2017.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.