2016 Lexus ES problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 37 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Lexus ES, filed between 2016-04-20 and 2026-07-10. The most common problem areas are the service brakes (9, 24%), air bags (4, 11%) and engine (4, 11%). Owners reported 5 crashes and 1 injury in these complaints. NHTSA lists 1 recall for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Lexus ES complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown or other | 15 | 41% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 9 | 24% | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 4 | 11% | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Engine | 4 | 11% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 8% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 8% | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 8% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 2 | 5% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 1 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Service brakes: 9 complaints
- 9 complaints of 37 (24%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- Owners reported 3 crashes in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Lexus ES; the recall, campaign 16V198000, says: “These vehicles are equipped with an ABS actuator that may have a damaged O-ring which could result in improper brake fluid pressure control during ABS, Traction Control, or Stability Control…”
Air bags: 4 complaints
- 4 complaints of 37 (11%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- 2 of them also name the steering; owners reported 3 crashes and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Lexus ES covers this system.
Engine: 4 complaints
- 4 complaints of 37 (11%) name the engine.
- 2 of them also name the unknown or other; none of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Lexus ES covers this system.
Electrical system: 3 complaints
- 3 complaints of 37 (8%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- Owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Lexus ES covers this system.
Steering: 3 complaints
- 3 complaints of 37 (8%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 2 of them also name the air bags; owners reported 2 crashes and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Lexus ES covers this system.
Vehicle speed control: 3 complaints
- 3 complaints of 37 (8%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Lexus ES covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 7 |
| 2017 | 4 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 4 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names ES, ES300H, ES350, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Lexus ES recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Lexus ES?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Lexus ES's most common problem areas are the service brakes (9 of 37 complaints), air bags (4 of 37 complaints) and engine (4 of 37 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Lexus ES have?
NHTSA has 37 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Lexus ES, including 5 reported crashes.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Lexus ES's problems?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Lexus ES; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.