2021 Lexus ES350

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 is a luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride, refined interior, and strong reliability. It is most commonly equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. While other engine options exist, such as the 2.5-liter inline-4 available in the ES 250, the ES 350 with its V6 is the more popular choice. A hybrid version, the ES 300h, is also available. Owners often praise the ES 350 for its smooth and quiet ride, luxurious interior, and comprehensive suite of standard safety features. Some common dislikes include the somewhat uninspiring driving dynamics and the infotainment system’s touchpad interface, which can be distracting to use while driving.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing engine misfires, particularly at higher mileage. Symptoms include rough idling, decreased fuel economy, and the check engine light illuminating. This can be caused by faulty ignition coils or fuel injectors.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the specific cylinder misfiring, followed by replacement of the affected ignition coil or fuel injector. Spark plugs should also be inspected and replaced if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (depending on the number of coils or injectors replaced and shop labor rates).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have noted excessive oil consumption requiring more frequent oil additions between changes than expected.
  • Solution: Monitoring oil levels, performing an oil consumption test to determine the rate of consumption, and inspecting for leaks. If no leaks are found, more invasive repairs may be required such as piston ring replacement
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (depending on severity and necessary repairs).
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (Aisin AWF8F35)

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing harsh or jerky shifting, particularly between lower gears. This is more noticeable during acceleration and deceleration.
  • Solution: A transmission fluid flush and refill may resolve the issue. If the problem persists, a software update for the transmission control module (TCM) may be required. In more severe cases, valve body replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+ (depending on the severity of the issue and whether a valve body replacement is needed).
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system occasionally freezes or reboots unexpectedly. This can happen while using navigation, audio, or other apps.
  • Solution: A software update for the infotainment system may resolve the issue. If the problem persists, the head unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (if software update resolves the issue) to $1000+ (if head unit replacement is required).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Backup Camera Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The backup camera may intermittently fail to display an image, or the image may be distorted or blurry.
  • Solution: Check the camera connections and wiring for damage. If the wiring is intact, the camera itself may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the cause of the failure and whether the camera needs to be replaced).
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Dashboard Rattling
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported rattling noises coming from the dashboard, particularly when driving on rough roads.
  • Solution: Locating the source of the rattle and using felt tape or other materials to dampen the vibrations. Dealerships may have specific fixes for common rattle locations.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ (depending on the source of the rattle and labor involved).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Issues with the sunroof, including difficulty opening or closing, unusual noises during operation, or leaks.
  • Solution: Inspection of the sunroof mechanism for obstructions or damage. Lubrication of the moving parts may resolve some issues. In more severe cases, the sunroof assembly may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (depending on the severity of the issue).
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 is generally a reliable vehicle. The most common issues reported by owners involve electrical glitches with the infotainment system and occasional engine or transmission concerns. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to more significant repairs. Costs can vary widely, but most repairs fall within a reasonable range for a luxury vehicle. Overall, the ES 350 remains a solid choice for those seeking a comfortable and dependable sedan, but potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues.