ES (XV30)
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
3MZ
3.3L 6-cyl / 230 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
1MZ-FE
3.0L 6-cyl / 210 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Lexus ES Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Lexus ES, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2002-2006 Lexus ES
On a used 2002-2006 Lexus ES, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the transmission and drivetrain (228), the airbags and driver-assist systems (108) and the engine (71). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 228 owner complaints on the 2002-2006 Lexus ES about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 108 owner complaints on the 2002-2006 Lexus ES about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 71 owner complaints on the 2002-2006 Lexus ES about the engine, all engines combined.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 63 owner complaints on the 2002-2006 Lexus ES about the brakes.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 52 owner complaints on the 2002-2006 Lexus ES about the electrical system.
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 complaints?
Owners have filed 773 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002-2006 Lexus ES. The systems they name most often are the transmission, the safety systems and the engine.
Is the 2002-2006 Lexus ES a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 773 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002-2006 Lexus ES. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2006 Lexus ES have?
NHTSA has 773 owner complaints on file for the 2002-2006 Lexus ES as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2002-2006 Lexus ES?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls covering some 2002-2006 Lexus ES vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Lexus ES?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the transmission, the safety systems and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the ES have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2002-2006 Lexus ES. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 773 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.