2017 Lexus ES350

The 2017 Lexus ES 350 is a popular luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride, quiet cabin, and reliability. It is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 268 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally praise the car’s smooth ride, fuel efficiency, and comfortable interior. Common complaints often revolve around the somewhat dated infotainment system and uninspiring handling compared to sportier competitors.

Engine

3.5L V6 (2GR-FE)

• Oil Leaks from Valve Cover Gaskets
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the valve cover gaskets onto the exhaust manifold, causing a burning smell. Visible oil residue may be present around the valve covers.
  • Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, decreased fuel economy, and the check engine light illuminating. Diagnostic codes might indicate misfires in specific cylinders. Can be caused by worn spark plugs or ignition coils.
  • Solution: Replacement of spark plugs and/or faulty ignition coils.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ (depending on the number of components needing to be replaced)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (U660E)

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough or jerky shifting between gears, particularly during acceleration or deceleration.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush. In some cases, the valve body may need to be replaced or rebuilt if the fluid flush does not resolve the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 (fluid flush), $800 - $1500+ (valve body replacement/rebuild)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Wear of Front Struts/Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy or unstable ride, excessive body roll during cornering, and clunking noises from the front suspension.
  • Solution: Replacement of front struts/shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800 (for both sides)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Lagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system may freeze, lag, or become unresponsive.
  • Solution: Software update or replacement of the infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (if software update is available), $500 - $1500+ (infotainment unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not driven for extended periods. Can be caused by parasitic drain from an electrical component.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the complexity of the electrical issue)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Cracking/Failing Side Mirror Motors
  • Description/Symptoms: The side mirror will not move or adjust when using the control switch. You may be able to hear the motor trying to adjust the mirror but is is either extremely slow to move, or does not move at all.
  • Solution: Replacement of side mirror assembly or motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (depending on the cost of the assembly)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Rattling in Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or squeaking noises emanating from the dashboard, especially when driving on uneven surfaces.
  • Solution: Locate and secure the source of the rattle. This may involve tightening screws, adding foam padding, or replacing loose trim pieces.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ (depending on the complexity of the issue)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Lexus ES 350 is generally a reliable vehicle, but owners may encounter issues such as oil leaks, harsh shifting, or electrical problems. The severity of these issues can range from minor annoyances to more significant repairs, with repair costs varying accordingly. The most expensive issues tend to revolve around the transmission or infotainment system, while smaller issues like rattles are less costly to address. Overall, the ES 350 is a dependable car, but prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and inspect the vehicle thoroughly before purchasing.