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2019 Lexus ES300h

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of common issues and complaints reported by owners of the 2019 Lexus ES 300h, categorized by vehicle components.

The 2019 Lexus ES 300h is a popular luxury hybrid sedan known for its comfortable ride, excellent fuel economy, and reputation for reliability. Its hybrid powertrain consists of a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 215 horsepower and ample torque. Other engine options available on the 2019 Lexus ES include a 3.5-liter V6 (ES 350). While praised for its smooth ride, quiet cabin, and luxurious interior, some owners have reported experiencing a few specific issues, which we will outline below.

Engine

2.5L Inline-4 Hybrid (2AR-FXE)

  • Excessive Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher-than-normal oil consumption, requiring more frequent oil top-offs between scheduled oil changes. Symptoms may include the low oil level indicator illuminating or the need to add oil more frequently than expected based on mileage.
    • Solution: Regular monitoring of oil levels. If the problem persists, a dealer inspection to determine the root cause is necessary. In some cases, a piston ring replacement might be required.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $4000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electric Motor

No Issues Found

Transmission

ECVT (Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission)

  • Erratic Shifting/Jerking
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported occasional instances of erratic shifting or jerking during acceleration or deceleration. This can manifest as a hesitation or abrupt change in engine speed.
    • Solution: A software update to the transmission control module (TCM) may be necessary to recalibrate shift points. In rare cases, a transmission replacement may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $500 (software update), $4000-$8000+ (transmission replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

No Issues Found

Electrical

  • Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
    • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system (including the navigation, audio, and climate control interfaces) may occasionally freeze, become unresponsive, or spontaneously reboot.
    • Solution: Often, a software update resolves this issue. In some cases, replacing the head unit may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 - $300 (software update), $800-$2000+ (head unit replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Bluetooth Connectivity Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty pairing devices, dropped connections, and distorted audio during phone calls or media streaming via Bluetooth.
    • Solution: Ensure the latest software updates are installed on both the vehicle and the mobile device. Try deleting and re-pairing the devices. In some cases, the Bluetooth module may need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update), $200 - $500+ (module replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • LED Headlight Malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: Flickering, dimming, or complete failure of one or more LED headlights.
    • Solution: Replacement of the affected LED headlight assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Dashboard Rattling/Vibration
    • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or vibrating noises emanating from the dashboard area, particularly when driving on rough roads.
    • Solution: Locating and securing the source of the rattle. This may involve tightening loose trim panels, adding sound-dampening material, or replacing worn clips.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the complexity)
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

Overall, the 2019 Lexus ES 300h is generally considered a reliable vehicle. The most common issues reported relate to the infotainment system, potential oil consumption, and occasional transmission quirks. The severity of these issues varies, with some resolvable through software updates and others requiring more extensive repairs. Costs can range from minimal (software updates) to significant (engine or transmission work), making a thorough pre-purchase inspection advisable.

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