2010 Lexus ES350

The 2010 Lexus ES 350 is a comfortable and reliable luxury sedan known for its smooth ride, quiet cabin, and reputation for dependability. It came equipped with a single engine option: a 3.5-liter V6 producing 272 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally praise its comfortable interior, smooth ride, and strong resale value. Common complaints include the somewhat bland styling and numb steering feel.

Engine

3.5L 2GR-FE V6

• Oil Leak from Valve Cover Gaskets
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking onto the engine block, burning oil smell, low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing) System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, decreased fuel economy, check engine light illuminated (often with codes related to VVT-i system).
  • Solution: Diagnosis required, potentially replacement of VVT-i actuator, camshaft position sensor, or oil control valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the component replaced and if one or multiple are in need of replacement
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, engine overheating, high temperature gauge reading.
  • Solution: Replace the water pump and coolant.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (U660E)

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough or delayed shifts between gears, transmission slipping, especially when cold.
  • Solution: Flush the transmission fluid. If the issue persists, a full transmission rebuild or replacement is needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ for a fluid flush; $3,000 - $5,000+ for a rebuild/replacement
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut/Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy or unstable ride, excessive body roll during turns, clunking noises from the suspension.
  • Solution: Replace worn struts/shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+ per axle (pair)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Navigation Screen Failure/Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Navigation screen flickering, freezing, or not displaying information correctly. Sometimes the touch screen stops responding.
  • Solution: Replace the navigation screen unit or have it professionally repaired.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ for repair; $1000+ for replacement
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power window operating slowly, erratically, or not at all.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housing.
  • Solution: Remove the headlight assembly, dry it out, and reseal it. Replacement of the headlight assembly may be necessary in severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ for resealing; $300 - $800+ for replacement per headlight
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing smoothly, getting stuck, or making unusual noises.
  • Solution: Inspect the sunroof tracks and lubricate them. In some cases, the sunroof motor or regulator may need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+ for lubrication; $300 - $800+ for motor/regulator replacement
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2010 Lexus ES 350 is a generally reliable vehicle, but like any car, it has its potential issues. Engine issues like valve cover gasket leaks and VVT-i system problems can be relatively common but are typically not catastrophic. Transmission issues such as harsh shifting might be resolved with a fluid flush, but could indicate more severe problems requiring a costly rebuild or replacement. Electrical issues regarding the navigation screen and power windows can arise and may require component replacement. Overall, the 2010 ES 350 offers a comfortable and luxurious driving experience, but potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and consider them during inspection and negotiation. The severity of these issues vary. In general, the ES 350 has a relatively low cost of ownership, however, the potential for high-dollar repairs like the transmission can turn people away.