2006 Lexus Es330 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 79 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.5 times the median Es330 year — the 2006 model ranks #2 of 4 Es330 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 9 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
Speed Control leads the complaint categories with 21 reports (27% of the total).
79
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
27
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
9
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2006 compare to other Es330 years?
What are the most common 2006 Lexus Es330 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Control | 21 | 27% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 19 | 24% | — flat |
| Transmission | 11 | 14% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 5 | 6% | — flat |
| Brakes | 5 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 5 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 3 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Other | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ON 9/27/2007, MY CAR (LEXUS ES330) WENT OUT OF CONTROL DUE TO SUDDEN ACCELERATION IN A PARKING LOT OF A SHOPPING CENTER IN GLENVIEW, IL, AND CRASHED WITH CARS PARKED NEARBY. THIS CAR INCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO THE CAR DEALER, BUT I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. THE COST OF REPAIR WAS…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LEXUS ES 330. THE CONTACT SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE WHEN THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE PILLAR IN THE PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING AFTER THE CRASH AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MODERATE INJURIES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AT…”
“ON 9/27/2007, MY CAR (LEXUS ES330) WENT OUT OF CONTROL DUE TO SUDDEN ACCELERATION IN A PARKING LOT OF A SHOPPING CENTER IN GLENVIEW, IL, AND CRASHED WITH CARS PARKED NEARBY. THIS CAR INCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO THE CAR DEALER, BUT I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. THE COST OF REPAIR WAS…”
“ON 9/27/2007, MY CAR (LEXUS ES330) WENT OUT OF CONTROL DUE TO SUDDEN ACCELERATION IN A PARKING LOT OF A SHOPPING CENTER IN GLENVIEW, IL, AND CRASHED WITH CARS PARKED NEARBY. THIS CAR INCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO THE CAR DEALER, BUT I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. THE COST OF REPAIR WAS…”
“MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR TO PICK-UP OUR GRANDDAUGHTER FROM SCHOOL ON 10-22-2018. SHE MADE A FULL STOP AT THE CORNER AND TOOK HER FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND STARTED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. WHEN SHE STARTED TO PRESS ON THE GAS PEDAL LIGHTLY, THE ENGINE REVVED UP TO FULL THROTTLE AND THE CAR ACCELERATED…”
2006 Lexus Es330 — common questions
Is the 2006 Lexus Es330 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 79 complaints put the 2006 model at #2 of 4 Es330 years. It is one of the Es330 years to avoid.
What are the most common 2006 Es330 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (21 complaints), airbags (19 complaints), transmission (11 complaints).
Does the 2006 Lexus Es330 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2006 Lexus Es330.
Which Lexus Es330 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Es330 years to avoid are 2005, 2006. The cleanest record among Es330 years belongs to 2010.
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.