The luxury midsize sedan segment has grown exponentially over the past few years and the Lexus ES 350sits at the helm of the affairs. It comes with a standard V6 engine for superior performance, is easy to handle, and bestows ample luxury for the highest level of comfort and opulence. While it fails to match the sales volume of its competitors, the Japanese sedan justifies its performance with its high-reliability quotient and top-notch safety performance. In the current MY, the ES 350 has 21 complaints and just one recall listed to its name. There are currently no open investigations and the most common problem of the vehicle is concerned with the explosion of its sunroof. The 2017 Lexus ES 350 price starts at around $40,000 and competes with the likes of the Infiniti Q70, the Genesis G80, and the Cadillac CTS.
2017 Lexus ES 350 User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Improper functioning of the airbags: Among the Lexus ES 350 issues, buyers of the sedan have reported a problem with the airbag system. Complainants have noted the inability of the airbags to deploy in case of a crash. In a couple of cases, the non-deployment is followed by a malfunction warning, which can frustrate the users.
Mechanical Complaints
- Issues with the suspension system: A couple of buyers of the 2017 Lexus ES 350 have reported damage to the components of the suspension system. While the first issue relates to the fracturing of the front struts due to a detached ball joint, the other complaint is concerned with the failure of the front control arms. In both cases, an accident did take where injuries were reported by the occupants.
- Service brake failure: In a couple of cases, buyers of the Lexus ES 350 have reported the brakes locking up, and consequently, the vehicle fails to come to a halt. While no injuries have been reported, the failure of the brakes can result in a hazardous situation.
Structural Complaints
- Explosion of sunroof: Among the 2017 Lexus ES 350 problems, the shattering of the sunroof is the most commonly recurring issue. Buyers have reported the sunroof to explode without any impact or incidence. While there have been several similar cases, Lexusdenies any knowledge of the same.
- Cracked windshield: Where a windshield did not explode, buyers have reported the windshield cracking unexpectedly. This qualifies as a structural issue as it signifies the substandard build quality of the sedan in certain areas.
Electric System Complaints
- Infotainment system issues: The 2017 Lexus ES 350 radio problems and screen issues have been reported on unofficial forums. In one-off cases, buyers have reported the display screen freezing inadvertently or the radio rebooting.
- FCA Malfunction: Apart from the Lexus ES 350 common problems, two complainants, one on NHTSA and another on an alternative platform, have reported the Forward Collision-Avoidance System falsely identifying the threat of a crash and activating the Automatic Emergency Braking. While there have been no accidents reported, the inaccurate activation of the AEB can increase the chance of a rear-end collision.
2017 Lexus ES 350 User Complaints and Problems
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. |
29th June 2017 |
17V415000 |
Tie Rod Separation |
The right-side tie rod nuts might loosen over time, resulting in its separation. |
If the lock nut is found loose, dealers will replace the lock nuts and steering assembly, free of charge. |
Should you buy the 2017 Lexus ES 350?
Absolutely! Being a subdivision of Toyota, Lexus’s vehicles generally resonate with reliability. The 2017 Lexus ES 350 is a by-product of a similar ideology. Its problems and recalls list remain constricted and over the years, the Japanese sedan has delivered consistent performances that are in tandem with the segment standards. So, if you plan on buying the ES 350, chances are you will not regret your decision. However, if you are on the look for other midsize sedans as well, the 2017 Infiniti Q70 has a single complaint and no recalls, making it a segment leader.