The Lemon Index2011 Lexus ES.
The 2011 Lexus ES is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 12 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 23, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 22 mpg combined. The best Lexus ES year is 2020.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 199 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Lexus ES year. 2011 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 29K to 71K miles on the car (43 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 30K–66K miles
Recalls 3
- airbags 2019
These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design.
- airbags 2019
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2016
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Lexus told dealers about
Lexus sent dealers 217 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in…
- Adhesive & sealant cross reference Information
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus ES350 4 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2900 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2011 Lexus ES reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 4.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 23; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Lexus ES year by this measure is 2020.
What are the most common 2011 Lexus ES problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (33%), speed control (33%) and body structure (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2011 Lexus ES have?
3 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Lexus ES get?
22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2011 Lexus ES problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 29,300 and 71,200 miles. The middle report was at 47,000 miles, from 43 complaints.
Does the 2011 Lexus ES have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2011 Lexus ES cost in fuel a year?
About $2900 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2011 Lexus ES have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
What Lexus ES year is better than the 2011?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2020, 2012 and 2018.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works