2009 Lexus ES350
Introduction
The 2009 Lexus ES350 is a luxury sedan powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 272 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque. It is available with a six-speed automatic transmission. The ES350 is praised for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and reliability, but criticized for its lack of performance and outdated interior design.
Engine
3.5L V6
- Intake Valve Guide Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Worn intake valve guides can cause excessive oil consumption, smoking from the exhaust, and reduced engine performance.
- Solution: Replacing the worn valve guides.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Intake Valve Guide Wear
Transmission
Six-Speed Automatic
- Transmission Fluid Leak
- Description/Symptoms: A leak in the transmission fluid pan or lines can lead to a loss of fluid and transmission slipping.
- Solution: Replacing the damaged pan or lines and refilling the transmission fluid.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Transmission Fluid Leak
Suspension
- Front Suspension Strut Mount Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Worn or damaged strut mounts can cause a rattling noise, reduced handling, and uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replacing the failed strut mounts.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Alternator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: A failing alternator can lead to dimming headlights, a weak battery, and difficulty starting the vehicle.
- Solution: Replacing the alternator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Headlight Condensation
- Description/Symptoms: Moisture can accumulate inside the headlight assemblies, causing fogging and reduced visibility.
- Solution: Replacing the affected headlight assemblies or resealing them.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Center Console Lid Malfunction
- Description/Symptoms: The center console lid may fail to open or close properly.
- Solution: Replacing the console lid assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
While the 2009 Lexus ES350 is generally reliable, it has some common issues that owners should be aware of. The most significant concerns include intake valve guide wear in the engine and suspension strut mount failure. These issues can be costly to fix, but they are not widespread and should not deter most buyers from considering the ES350.