2016 Lexus ES reliability
The 2016 Lexus ES has 9 complaints with NHTSA after 11 years, or 0 per year. That is about even with the other ES years here. Their median is 0 complaints per year. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
9
0
0
11
The complaints owners file most often name Service brakes (2 of 9), then Air bags (1) and Engine (1). Those filings include 2 that report a crash and 1 that reports an injury.
The 2015 ES has 5 complaints, 0 per year, and the 2017 has 2 complaints, 0 per year. The 2016 has about the same number of complaints per year as the 2015. The 2016 has about the same number of complaints per year as the 2017.
The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2016 Lexus ES. How we count. Data as of .
Recalls (0)
No recalls on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Complaints by component (9 total)
2
0
1
0
Complaints filed per year
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
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"On May 13, 2026, while traveling at approximately 31 mph under normal driving conditions, a critical right-front suspension or steering component suddenly suffered a catastrophic structural failure on its own. This…"
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"The brake actuator and/or brake booster pump assembly failed on my 2016 Lexus ES300h. This is a known issues for this vehicle's braking system and results in a sudden loss of power braking assistance. The failure…"
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"While driving at highway speeds on Interstate and without warning my standard size sunroof exploded. This event caused loud noise and shattered glass. I was not under overpass or around any other vehicles. This event…"
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"On 2/3/2026 i was sitting at a light and out of no where i heard a bang or what sounded like a explosion i get out of the car and my panoramic sunroof is completely shattered but it looked like it exploded from the…"
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"In April 2022, the timing cover seal on my 2016 Lexus ES 350 was replaced due to a leak. This was completed under warranty at approximately 84,785 miles. In February 2025, less than three years and roughly 56,000 miles…"
Fuel economy
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES 300h | 2.5L, 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-wheel drive | 40 | 39 | 40 MPG | $1600 |
| ES 350 | 3.5L, 6-cyl | Automatic (6-speed) | Front-wheel drive | 21 | 31 | 24 MPG | $2700 |
Specs and fitment
Known issues for this generation
Recall 20V-012 covers certain 2018 ES 350 vehicles, added when Toyota expanded the campaign on March 4, 2020, among many other Toyota and Lexus models. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail, and if it does the engine can stall while driving; dealers replace the fuel pump free of charge. Recall 20V-682, an expansion of 20V-012, also covers certain 2018 ES 350 vehicles for the same failure mode; there the replacement pump assembly is an improved one.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Lexus ES reliable?
The 2016 Lexus ES has 9 complaints with NHTSA after 11 years, or 0 per year. That is about even with the other ES years here. Their median is 0 complaints per year. NHTSA has no recalls on file for this model year.
What are common problems with a 2016 Lexus ES?
The complaints owners file most often name Service brakes (2 of 9), then Air bags (1) and Engine (1). Those filings include 2 that report a crash and 1 that reports an injury.
Is the 2016 Lexus ES more reliable than the years next to it?
The 2015 ES has 5 complaints, 0 per year, and the 2017 has 2 complaints, 0 per year. The 2016 has about the same number of complaints per year as the 2015. The 2016 has about the same number of complaints per year as the 2017.
Has the 2016 Lexus ES been recalled?
NHTSA has no recalls on file for the 2016 Lexus ES.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2016 Lexus ES?
Owners have filed 9 complaints about the 2016 Lexus ES with NHTSA.
What mpg does a 2016 Lexus ES get?
EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2016 Lexus ES is 32 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.
What generation is the 2020 Lexus ES?
7th generation (2019-2025).
What oil does a 7th-generation Lexus ES take?
0W-20 for ES 350 (~5.7 qt with filter); 0W-16 for ES 250 (~4.8 qt). Confirm your engine in the owner’s manual.
Is the 2026 Lexus ES a new generation?
Yes. Lexus launched the eighth-generation ES for 2026 with hybrid and battery-electric models in the U.S.