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2013 Lexus ES problems

The most common problem on the 2013 Lexus ES is brakes. It has 1.5 times the complaints of a typical ES model year.

Typical year1.5x the typical complaints
Year score
61/100
Owner complaints
34
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
48
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
40mpg

The worst 2013 Lexus ES problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Brakes
    11
  • Electrical
    8
  • Acceleration
    5
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Airbags
    3

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    11
  • Electrical
    8
  • Acceleration
    5
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Airbags
    3
  • Visibility
    3
  • Body
    2
  • Driver assistance
    2
  • Lights
    2
  • Engine
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Transmission
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Trouble codes owners of the 2013 Lexus ES mention

C1391 2

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2013 Lexus ES 48

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 48 bulletins for the 2013 Lexus ES

2013 Lexus ES fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.5L 4‑cyl HybridFWD403940

What 2013 Lexus ES owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 1, 2026 · Brakes · TX

Brake Master Cylinder need to be replaced due to internal malfunction. If not replaced, the master cylinder may fail and I could face a safety issue in the form of brake pedal or brake failure. The problem has been confirmed by Lexus Southwest Houston who performed diagnostic and found code C1391 to be present. The dealer cannot initiate goodwill request regarding an expired CSP despite my low mileage. I called Lexus and open a case. The case manager confirmed the code was present with the dealership who perform the diagnosis. Case manager denied goodwill based strictly on calendar expiration date of the CSP despite low mileage at 60% of the CSP allowance of 150k. I was given no option to escalate the case and my case was subsequently closed. My auto safety concern with this brake malfunction was not resolved and I now face an almost $4,000 bill on a known factory and safety defect. This defect is documented under the CSP ZLM. It was a latent defect that was a ticking time bomb. Due to light mileage usage, the defect didn't surface until now. In reviewing my service history, I did check on my brakes in 2020 but they needed a code for the program. That was when they re-extended the expiration of the CSP. I am the first owner with current mileage around 95000. I have service history with the dealership and the most recent repair was the hybrid battery pack at 80k miles - also low mileage. To summarize, Lexus is not taking accountability for this safety defect and denied my case based strictly on calendar date expiration of the CSP. I was unable to obtain an out of warranty goodwill due to low mileage despite proving the code and voicing the safety concerns of this known defect. More importantly, this is a safety failure as a total loss of brake assist at 96,000 miles is a major safety concern.

Filed Jul 9, 2026 · Electrical · 199,000 miles · TX

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Lexus ES350. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale on Facebook Marketplace. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 127,000; however, a Carfax vehicle history reported the mileage at 199,000.

Filed Feb 2, 2026 · Airbags, Brakes · FL

Lexus of Sarasota Fl confirmed a Faulty brake actuators causing brake , skid control and ABS light to come on which created an immediate and extremely dangerous driving situation as I was on an interstate highway driving at 70 mph. It’s been confirmed that multiply Lexus models and years have had numerous brake actuator . Multiple failures have been documented yet ONLY a few were given recall status!!This is outrageous and an immediate review of this oversight needs to be addressed

Filed Jan 16, 2026 · Brakes, Lights · 130,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2013 Lexus ES 300H. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The service ABS, Brakes, and hazard warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed; however, no cause for the failure was determined. An appointment with the dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed Sep 12, 2025 · Driver assistance · TX · crash

the federal safety agency CAMPAIGN ID: 15V728000, Report Date: 11/3/ 2015, Vehicles Affected: 30,812 Consequence: A vehicle that unexpectedly brakes increases the risk of a crash. What To Do: Remedy parts for a permanent fix for this issue are not yet available. On 11/18, 2015, Toyota sent owners an interim notification and dealers will temporarily disable the PCS. When the improved PCS components are available for the permanent remedy, owners will be mailed a notification. These repairs will be performed free. Owners may contact Toyota 888‑270‑9371. Toyota's numbers for this campaign are F1V and F2E. Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing is recalling certain model year and 2013-2015 Lexus ES350 vehicles manufactured 6/18/2012 to 7/6/2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with Pre-Collision System (PCS) as optional. In these vehicles, the PCS may unexpectedly activate and apply brakes when the radar detects a steel joint or plate in the roadway as an object. To see if your specific vehicle is affected 1‑800‑255‑3987 or the federal safety agency CAMPAIGN ID:19V005000, Report Date: 1/9/2019, Vehicles Affected: 1,299,448 Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. What To Do: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Toyoto.

Filed Sep 4, 2025 · Body · CA

Lexus recall 2010-2015 models because pain is peaking. My car is a 2913 es 350 and the paint is pealing but Lexus do not want to fix it. It is the same problem as the recall Lexus because paint is peaking. What can I do or what can you do

Filed Aug 19, 2025 · Brakes · TX

As a dominos delivery driver, I am constantly braking in neighborhoods, on main roads, highways, parking lots, you name it. It’s important for me as a safe driver to be able to rely on my vehicle to perform properly. Recently, I’ve had multiple failures to stop as the code “c1391” has come up and has intermittently shut off proper control of my braking system. Upon reading of the faulty brake system causing this code and my vehicle listed (2013 Lexus es300h) as part of the list of vehicles affected, I knew I needed to write in as well to have my car fixed of this problem that is endangering myself and others on the road.

Filed Jan 14, 2025 · Brakes · FL

Brakes malfunctioned almost resulted in a life threatening car accident. Car is at the Lexus dealership for repair. The have confirmed problem. Yes there were warning lights moments before needing the brakes and it not working whn pushed.

Filed Sep 7, 2024 · Brakes · IN

While driving on the highway electronic brake boost suddenly failed, leading to brake malfunction. This is common malfunction of this model. This leads to potentially hazardous situation when in emergency or even regular traffic breaking car would not break as expected.

Filed Jul 22, 2024 · Visibility · AL

Roughly 6-12 months ago the dashboard on my Lexus started to melt and become sticky, creating a glare on my windshield and impeding my ability to see the road causing dangerous situations. Both daytime and nighttime driving have been affected by this defect. I’ve contacted the local dealership, but they confirmed that no recalls are available and that the only solution is for me to replace the entire dash.

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Questions about the 2013 Lexus ES

Is the 2013 Lexus ES reliable?

Owners have filed 34 complaints about the 2013 Lexus ES, 1.5 times a typical ES model year.

What is the 2013 Lexus ES year score?

The 2013 Lexus ES scores 61 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Lexus ES: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Lexus ES?

Brakes, with 11 complaints. Next is electrical (8).

How many recalls does the 2013 Lexus ES have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 2013 Lexus ES get?

Official estimates for the 2013 Lexus ES range from 40 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl hybrid, FWD) gets 40 city and 39 highway.

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