2024 Lexus ES250

The 2024 Lexus ES250 is an entry-level luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and reputation for reliability. The ES250 is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Other engine options available in the ES lineup include the ES350 with a 3.5-liter V6 and the ES300h with a hybrid powertrain. Owners often praise the ES250 for its smooth ride, quiet cabin, and fuel efficiency, but some find the acceleration to be somewhat lackluster compared to its V6-powered sibling. Common complaints often revolve around the infotainment system’s complexity and the somewhat conservative styling.

Engine

2.5L Inline-4

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report higher than expected oil consumption, requiring more frequent oil top-offs between scheduled services. The dipstick shows low, the engine may start making a knocking sound, and/or there may be blue exhaust smoke.
  • Solution: A dealer inspection is recommended. Depending on the severity, the fix could range from replacing PCV valves to piston ring replacement or even engine replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported rough or jerky shifting, especially during low-speed acceleration and deceleration. This can manifest as a noticeable “clunk” or hesitation when shifting between gears.
  • Solution: A transmission fluid flush and software update of the transmission control module (TCM) may resolve the issue. In more severe cases, valve body replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system, including the navigation and multimedia functions, may freeze, become unresponsive, or crash intermittently. This can occur while driving or at startup.
  • Solution: Restarting the system or updating the software might temporarily fix the issue. If the problem persists, the infotainment unit may need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Backup Camera Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The backup camera may display a distorted image, a black screen, or fail to activate when the vehicle is in reverse.
  • Solution: Check the camera lens for debris or damage. If the problem persists, the camera module or wiring harness may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Rattling/Squeaking Noises
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported rattling or squeaking noises emanating from various parts of the interior, such as the dashboard, door panels, or seats.
  • Solution: Identifying the source of the noise and applying felt pads or tightening loose components may resolve the issue. Dealership may be able to better assist if the issue is with certain components and can be replicated.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2024 Lexus ES250, while generally reliable, has reported issues centered around the engine’s oil consumption, the transmission’s shifting quality, and electrical system glitches. The infotainment system freezing and backup camera issues appear to be the most reported electrical problems. Interior rattling is also a minor annoyance for some owners. The severity and cost of these issues vary, with engine repairs potentially being the most expensive.