2013 Lexus ES problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 48 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.4 times the median ES year — the 2013 model ranks #6 of 30 ES years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (10), electrical system (7), and other (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
48
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2013 compare to other ES years?
What are the most common 2013 Lexus ES problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 10 | 21% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 7 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Other | 5 | 10% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 5 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 3 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Driver Assistance | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Transmission | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I WAS PARKING MY CAR ON A COMMERCIAL COMPLEX. I AM PRESSING ON THE BRAKE AS THE CAR SLOWS DOWN. WHEN I FURTHER PRESSED ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR INSTEAD OF TAKING A COMPLETE STOP, ACCELERATED. IT HIT THE BUILDING IN FRONT OF ME. WHEN TRYING TO BACK UP, IT ACCELERATED AGAIN IN REVERSE. I PRESSED THE…”
“The automatic door locks have stopped working. I have had to replace 3 out of the 4 door lock actuators in the car. When they go out I am unable to use the door lock sensors and have to manually lock my doors. It also affects my ability to use the key fob remote to lock and unlock my door. I…”
“I WAS PARKING MY CAR ON A COMMERCIAL COMPLEX. I AM PRESSING ON THE BRAKE AS THE CAR SLOWS DOWN. WHEN I FURTHER PRESSED ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR INSTEAD OF TAKING A COMPLETE STOP, ACCELERATED. IT HIT THE BUILDING IN FRONT OF ME. WHEN TRYING TO BACK UP, IT ACCELERATED AGAIN IN REVERSE. I PRESSED THE…”
“Hood latch and cable malfunction in that the hood wouldn't close and warning light and buzzer continuously beeped. Woburn Toyota in Woburn, MA said it was due to overuse and not a defect and not a safety issue! Not so. Hood not opened more than other vehicles I have had without such a problem.…”
“ENGINE STALLS WHEN TURNING LEFT REDUCING POWER STEERING BOOST UNTIL DRIVER LIFTS FOOT FROM GAS PEDAL AND REPUSHES TO REGAIN POWER STEERING BOOST ON CITY STREETS AT LOW SPEED FROM STOPPED POSITION.”
2013 Lexus ES — common questions
Is the 2013 Lexus ES reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 48 complaints put the 2013 model at #6 of 30 ES years. It is one of the ES years to avoid.
What are the most common 2013 ES problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (10 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints), other (5 complaints).
Does the 2013 Lexus ES have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2013 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.