2011 Lexus ES problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 59 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.4 times the median ES year — the 2011 model ranks #4 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 48% of all reports (28 of 59), far ahead of body & structure at 6.
59
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
12
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2011 compare to other ES years?
What are the most common 2011 Lexus ES problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 28 | 47% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 6 | 10% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 4 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Other | 3 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 3 | 5% | — flat |
| Brakes | 3 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 2% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“The contact owned a 2011 Lexus 350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, her vehicle collided with another vehicle that ran a red light at 50 MPH on the front passenger side door. The impact caused the vehicle to careen off the roadway and collide with a billboard support…”
“AT APPROXIMATELY 6:30PM, WHILE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN INTO A FRIENDS DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN, AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO THE RIGHT AS IF LOCKED IN TO THE RIGHT HAND POSITION, HIT A TREE AND FINALLY CAME TO A STOP BY HITTING HIGH CONCRETE…”
“AT APPROXIMATELY 6:30PM, WHILE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN INTO A FRIENDS DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN, AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO THE RIGHT AS IF LOCKED IN TO THE RIGHT HAND POSITION, HIT A TREE AND FINALLY CAME TO A STOP BY HITTING HIGH CONCRETE…”
“CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CHANGES MADE TO 2011 LEXUS ES 350 VEHICLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SOMEONE USUALLY DRIVES HER VEHICLE, TO ONE LOCATION, AND LEAVE THE KEYS IN THE CAR, SO SHE CAN PICK IT UP WHEN SHE ARRIVES. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE BEEN INFORMED BY THE DEALER, IT IS NO LONGER AN OPTION…”
“I HAVE CALLED AND CONTACTED LEXUS MANY TIMES REGARDING THE PROBLEM WITH MY LEXUS CAR. I HAVE FOLLOWED UP AND DONE ALL THE REQUIRED FEEDBACK NEEDED IN ORDER FOR LEXUS TO ASSIST ME. I FEEL THAT CUSTOMERS DO NOT REALLY MATTER BECAUSE OF THE LENGTH OF TIME LEXUS IS TAKING TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE…”
2011 Lexus ES — common questions
Is the 2011 Lexus ES reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 59 complaints put the 2011 model at #4 of 30 ES years. It is one of the ES years to avoid.
What are the most common 2011 ES problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (28 complaints), body & structure (6 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints).
Does the 2011 Lexus ES have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2011 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.