Vehicle report
2016 Lexus ES
Free recalls, owner complaints, and NHTSA safety ratings for the 2016 Lexus ES, plus how to check this specific vehicle before you buy.
The 2016 Lexus ES has no open NHTSA recalls on record and 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. NHTSA has not published an overall crash-test rating for this model year. Below is the full breakdown, plus how to check this specific vehicle by VIN before you buy in Alberta.
0
Open recalls
8
Complaints
—
Overall safety
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2016 Lexus ES recalls (0)
No open NHTSA recalls were found for the 2016 Lexus ES. Verify by VIN for the specific vehicle, as recalls can be issued at any time.
2016 Lexus ES owner complaints (8)
- SERVICE BRAKES
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 requires increased pedal pressure and eventually brkaing failure, creating a significant safety hazard and increasing the risk of collision. The dashboard displays multiple warning lights, including Braking Power Low and Brake Override Malfunction. Lexus has acknowledged this defect through an extended warranty and consumer warranty program, but Lexus is alleging my vehicle (despite showing issues prior to 150,000 miles) is now over 150,000 miles and not eligible. I am reporting this because a critical safety component should not have a "timer" on it when it involves primary braking of the vehicle.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 caused immediate panic due to noise and not understanding what occurred until a visual inspection was conducted roadside. The vehicle has been inspected by dealership for repair resulting in $2800 repair utilizing insurance.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 inside out. My sunroof was closed the cover was shit and i have no idea what would have caused it. I asked the driver that was directly behind me at the light if they saw anything hit the car they said no nothing i dont understand how this happens and the dealership says they wont warranty it i dont know what to do
- POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
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 later, I was informed by the same Lexus dealership during a routine service that the exact same issue—leaking from the timing cover—had reoccurred. There were no warning lights, engine performance issues, or visible signs of oil loss leading up to this. During my prior service appointment in December 2024, I was told the car was in excellent condition with no issues. I service my vehicle at every Lexus-recommended interval and maintain a full history of service records. The dealership has confirmed the new timing cover leak but has not been able to explain why the seal failed again. This is a major engine component that should not require a second repair within such a short time frame. I am now being asked to pay a significant portion of a nearly $5,000 repair despite a prior warranty fix, and despite having done nothing to cause or accelerate the failure. Lexus offered a partial goodwill credit, but no root cause has been identified. I am concerned that either poor workmanship or substandard parts contributed to the premature failure, and that it may happen again. Given the cost, critical nature of the part, and the lack of answers, this feels like more than just an isolated incident. I have complete service documentation and before-and-after video footage of the most recent repair. The vehicle is currently in my possession and available for inspection upon request. I purchased a Lexus because I believed in the brand’s commitment to long-term reliability and quality. That confidence has been shaken. I respectfully ask NHTSA to investigate this recurring failure and assess whether this is part of a larger issue.
- SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owned a 2016 Lexus ES. The contact stated while at a stop sign, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to engage and the vehicle unintentionally accelerated which caused the front driver's side of the vehicle to crash into another vehicle. There was severe cosmetic damage however, no injuries was sustained. The air bags was deployed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was totaled. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.
- TIRES
The contact owns a 2016 Lexus ES350 equipped with General Tires, Tire Line: ReliaTrek, Tire Size: 225/45/R18, DOT Number: VY4FWJ85. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact pulled over and called Roadside Assistance. The Roadside Assistance technician made the contact aware of a blowout of the driver's side rear tire. The contact was shown that the entire sidewall had detached from the tread. The spare tire was installed by Roadside Assistance. The contact stated that the tires had recently been purchased by the previous owner however, the contact was unsure of the failure mileage on the tires. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The failure was not diagnosed nor was the tire replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 100,000.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Pearl white paint peeling
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Front door locking mechanisms fail over time making it dangerous to open doors and leave it parked in public areas. Door lock actuators failed on both driver and passenger sides.
Checking a used Lexus ES before you buy
The recall, complaint, and safety data above describes the 2016 ES in general. To know the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're looking at, check it by VIN. A VIN check shows whether this particular ES's recalls are still outstanding, and a full history report adds accident, title, and ownership records the data above can't show.
Before you buy a 2016 Lexus ES in Alberta:
- Run a free VIN check on the exact vehicle for its own recalls and safety data.
- Run an Alberta Personal Property Registry lien search so you don't inherit debt.
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection.
- If it's a dealer, confirm their AMVIC licence.
See other model years of the Lexus ES, or browse more Lexus models.
2016 Lexus ES — questions and answers
Does the 2016 Lexus ES have any recalls?+
Our check found no open NHTSA recalls for the 2016 Lexus ES. Recalls can be issued at any time, so still verify by VIN for the specific vehicle you're considering — a VIN check reflects whether any recall work has already been completed.
How many complaints does the 2016 Lexus ES have?+
NHTSA lists 8 owner complaints for the 2016 Lexus ES in our results. Complaints are problems reported by owners and don't always lead to a recall, but a pattern of similar complaints is worth weighing before you buy.
Is the 2016 Lexus ES safe?+
NHTSA has not published an overall crash-test rating for the 2016 Lexus ES. Review the owner complaints above and get an independent inspection to assess the specific vehicle's condition.
How do I check a 2016 Lexus ES VIN?+
Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN into our free VIN check to see recalls, complaints, and safety ratings for that exact vehicle, then run an Alberta Personal Property Registry (PPR) lien search before you pay.
Are recall repairs on a Lexus free?+
Yes. Safety recall repairs are performed at no cost by a franchised Lexus dealer, even for a used vehicle and even if you're not the original owner. Confirm the required parts are in stock before relying on the fix.
Get the full vehicle history report
SPONSOREDAccident & damage records, liens, title brands, ownership history, and odometer verification.
Provided by our vehicle-history partner. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.