ES (XV30)
Engine Reliability Comparison
3UZ-FE
4.3L 8-cyl / 300 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
3MZ
3.3L 6-cyl / 230 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
1MZ-FE
3.0L 6-cyl / 210 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Lexus ES regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (4)
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AVALON VEHICLES; 2004 AND 2005 CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA, HIGHLANDER, AND SIENNA VEHICLES, 2006 HIGHLANDER HYBRID; 2004 AND 2005 LEXUS ES330 AND RX330; AND 2006 LEXUS RX400H VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH THE 1MZ-FE OR 3MZ-FE ENGINE. THE AMOUNT OF ADHESIVE AGENT APPLIED BETWEEN THE OUTER RING AND THE TORSIONAL RUBBER DAMPER (INNER RING) IN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY MAY BE INADEQUATE. IF THE ADHESIVE IS INSUFFICIENT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE OUTER RING MAY BECOME MISALIGNED AND IT MAY NOT PROPERLY ROTATE WITH THE INNER RING, CAUSING NOISE AND/OR ILLUMINATION OF THE BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR LIGHT.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT PASSENGER POWER SEAT, WHEN INSTALLING CERTAIN REAR-FACING INFANT CHILD SEAT BASES ONTO THE SEAT WITH AN EXCESSIVELY HIGH SEATBELT TENSION, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO UNSEAT A COMPONENT CALLED THE BUCKLE STATUS SWITCH FROM THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A THREE-SPOKE STYLE STEERING WHEEL. DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE BOTTOM SEAM OF THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG MODULE COVER (HORN PAD) COULD BE TORN AWAY ALLOWING THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THE COVER TO COMPLETELY DETACH FROM THE AIR BAG MODULE.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE TUBE MAY HAVE BEEN DEFORMED PRIOR TO VEHICLE DELIVERY DUE TO IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A COIL SPRING SPACER THAT WAS INSTALLED TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE DURING TRANSPORTATION.
Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2002-2006 Lexus ES problems?
The 2002-2006 Lexus ES has accumulated 795 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Safety Systems, Engine. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Lexus ES engine is most reliable?
The 2002-2006 Lexus ES was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.3L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2002-2006 Lexus ES a good used car?
The 2002-2006 Lexus ES can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 795 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2006 Lexus ES have?
The 2002-2006 Lexus ES has 795 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2002-2006 Lexus ES?
There are 4 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2002-2006 Lexus ES vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Lexus ES?
Before buying a used Lexus ES, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Transmission, Safety Systems, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 795 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.