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Lexus ES: common problems & condition

47
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections
57/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 60/100
41%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 52%



Across 47 used Lexus ESs we inspected, this model scores a little below average — average condition 57/100 vs 60 for all cars we check. Every number on this page comes from real pre-purchase inspections — cars people were about to buy and paid an independent inspector to go through point by point, engine to underbody, paint depth to error codes. Not owner surveys, not warranty statistics, not forum lore: what we actually found.

What we found

Most common faults

Oil leaks · Engine
49%
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
40%
Fluid leaks · Steering (hydraulic power)
38%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
38%
Mounts · Engine
36%

Share of inspected Lexus ESs where each item was flagged.

How they score

Excellent 9% Good 32% Mediocre 45% Poor 15%
Hidden history

What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.

87%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 76%
6%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
21%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 23%
How long does a ES stay good?
Good cars by mileage
0 25 50 75 100 20–40k mi: 83% in good shape (6 cars) 40–60k mi: 67% in good shape (6 cars) 60–80k mi: 50% in good shape (6 cars) 80–100k mi: 40% in good shape (5 cars) 140–160k mi: 29% in good shape (7 cars) 160–180k mi: 22% in good shape (9 cars) 40k 80k 120k 160k 200k mileage when we inspected it

Share of Lexus ESs in good shape (scoring 60+/100) by mileage and by age when we inspected them (each dot ≥5 cars; rolled-back odometers excluded from the mileage curve). The dashed grey curve is all cars we check.

What else does ~$18k buy? A used Lexus ES typically sells for around $17,978 — compare the odds of getting a good car across every make at that budget. Compare →
More on Lexus
RX 72 cars · 63% good IS 37 cars · 52% good LS 27 cars · 34% good GX 25 cars · 28% good

Other Lexus models we've inspected — or see the full Lexus profile.

Straight from recent Lexus ES reports

2011 Lexus ES · 153k mi — flagged: boots, worn brake rotors, excessive pads wear. Inspected Jul 11.
2008 Lexus ES · 146k mi — flagged: boots, tires condition & wear, leaking or worn shock absorbers. Inspected Jun 5.
FAQ
?
Is the Lexus ES reliable?
41% of the 47 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 57/100 — it scores a little below average.
?
What are the most common problems on a used Lexus ES?
The items we flag most often are oil leaks (49%), fuel trim out of range (40%), fluid leaks (38%). Have these checked before buying.
?
Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 21% of these cars the ECU codes had been erased shortly before sale, which can hide active faults. Ask for a diagnostic scan and start the engine from cold.
Thinking of buying a Lexus ES? Get the exact car inspected before you pay.
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Based on 47 inspections · updated Jul 12, 2026