2010 Lexus ES problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 46 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.2 times the median ES year — the 2010 model ranks #8 of 30 ES years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: airbags issues account for 44% of all reports (20 of 46), far ahead of body & structure at 6.
46
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
2
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2010 compare to other ES years?
What are the most common 2010 Lexus ES problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 20 | 43% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 6 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Other | 5 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 3 | 7% | — flat |
| Transmission | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“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 ”
“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.”
“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…”
“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.”
“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.…”
2010 Lexus ES — common questions
Is the 2010 Lexus ES reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 46 complaints put the 2010 model at #8 of 30 ES years. It is one of the ES years to avoid.
What are the most common 2010 ES problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (20 complaints), body & structure (6 complaints), other (5 complaints).
Does the 2010 Lexus ES have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2010 Lexus ES.
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.