Belonging to a brand that represents the pinnacle of Japanese luxury, the Lexus ES 350 has been an ostentatious proposition since it made its debut in 2007. It sports a resplendent interior setup and resonates with comfort, thanks to its practical seating and leisurely support. While handling can be tedious, ES 350’s riveting performance from its V6 engine makes it a delight on all driving surfaces. The midsize sedan has ample value to offer with its comprehensive feature list, but it truly establishes its lead with its reliability. With just 189 complaints and 3 recalls, the vehicle promises to be an absolute peach. Around 90% of its problems deal with its airbag system and even the investigation and recalls are limited to a similar component. A 2011 Lexus ES 350 for sale is available for sale at just under $37,000 for its only variant and though pricier than some of its rivals, the vehicle falls in direct contention with the likes of the Acura TL, the Buick LaCrosse, and the Hyundai Genesis.
2011 Lexus ES 350 User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- TAKATA airbag recalls: In the 2011 Lexus ES 350 problems list, the failure of the airbag inflators upon deployment is a major concern. This problem falls under the purview of the TAKATA recalls, which have affected several brands. The major issue that buyers have reported in the current iteration relates to the unavailability of the parts for the recall, which causes a delay in remedy.
Interior Complaints
- Substandard upholstery: For buyers of the 2011 ES 350, the leather upholstery used on seats and armrests have been a cause of concern. In the initial years of ownership, the leather upholstery has been reported chipping and cracking, which takes away from the luxurious value and also causes discomfort to the buyers.
Structural Complaints
- Peeling paint: As reported by the buyers of the 2011 Lexus ES 350, the exterior paint is subpar. In several cases listed on unofficial forums, complainants have recorded the paint peeling from the hood and the roof. While a reason for the issue is not yet known, the exposed surfaces can be prone to rust.
Mechanical Complaints
- Stalling of the engine: In a single case listed on NHTSA, a buyer of the Lexus ES 350 has reported the engine losing power and stalling inadvertently. Upon diagnosis, it has been established that the failure of the water pump had resulted in the failure. Since it is not a recurring concern, chances are that your midsize sedan will not suffer from such a problem.
2011 Lexus ES 350 Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
17th Oct 2019 |
19V741000 |
Explosion of the frontal airbag inflators |
Due to propellant degradation caused by long exposure to humidity, the frontal airbag inflators may explode upon deployment. |
Depending on the model, dealers will either replace the front driver or front passenger inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator, free of cost. |
|
2. |
9th Jan 2019 |
19V005000 |
Explosion of the passenger frontal airbag inflator |
Due to propellant degradation caused by long exposure to humidity, the passenger frontal airbag inflators, installed as a replacement part, may explode upon deployment. |
Dealers will replace the front passenger airbag inflator or the front airbag assembly, free of cost. |
|
3. |
23rd May 2016 |
16V340000 |
Ruptured passenger airbag inflator |
Due to propellant degradation caused by long exposure to humidity, the passenger frontal airbag inflators, installed as a replacement part, may rupture upon deployment. |
Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger airbag inflator or the airbag assembly, free of cost. |
Should you buy the 2011 Lexus ES 350?
The 2011 Lexus ES 350 is one of the easier buying decisions you are likely to make. Despite charging a higher price than some of its adversaries, the Japanese luxury midsize sedan cements its position with its reliability. It has a restricted number of complaints and though the airbags do seem to be a rampant issue, Lexus provides subsequent recalls to fix any issue that might arise in this regard. So, yes, the 2011 ES 350 is a trustworthy option. However, apart from its dependability as well, the vehicle has ample value to offer. It is an easy-going option in city conditions and with its high levels of comfort, the sedan delivers impressively.
