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2018 Lexus ES problems

The most common problem on the 2018 Lexus ES is airbags. It has fewer complaints than a typical ES model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
92/100
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
13
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
40mpg

The worst 2018 Lexus ES problems

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

  • Airbags
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Seat belts
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Airbags
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2018 Lexus ES 13

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

See all 13 bulletins for the 2018 Lexus ES

2018 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 2018 Lexus ES owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 2, 2025 · Transmission · 200 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2018 Lexus ES 350. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The driver was able to drive to the residence. Upon test-driving the vehicle, the contact noticed that the vehicle was hesitating and jerking. The contact stated that the vehicle made an abnormal clicking sound while driving the following day, and the vehicle later became undrivable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 200.

Filed Jul 28, 2025 · Airbags, Seat belts · CA · crash · 2 injuries

On 7/25/25, I was rear-ended while driving my 2018 Lexus ES 300h with my child in the front seat. Despite the force of impact and resulting injuries, none of the airbags deployed. Moments after the crash, a “SRS Airbag System Malfunction” message appeared on my dashboard. That message is now gone, but airbag and seatbelt lights remain active. I suffered knee injuries from contact with the dashboard, and my child sustained a busted lip and head pain. I’m concerned that a malfunction in the airbag or supplemental restraint system contributed to these injuries. I have video evidence of the incident and in-cabin alerts. I was later advised by Toyota not to drive the vehicle until an inspection is completed, which raises additional concerns about the vehicle’s safety system. I’m reporting this because I believe this malfunction may pose a risk to others, and it should be investigated as a potential defect.

Filed Mar 21, 2025 · Tires · VA

27 r

Filed Sep 22, 2023 · Fuel system · MD

This has occurred since I purchased the vehicle new. Might happen a couple of times per month. If I slightly back off from acceleration just for a split second and then decide that I can proceed, when I go back to accelerating, the engine will have no power for 2-3 seconds and then will finally return to normal function. At the same time for seconds only, a message will appear on the dash stating that the brake and accelerator have been depressed at the same time. This all happens in a matter of seconds. And the brake has never been touched! Dealer repeating tells me that can NOT happen unless i hit the brakes, and that I must get confused with the pedals...REALLY !!! Well it has happened maybe 25-30 times At the same time I have near heart failure wondering if the merging or head on traffic is going to smash into me because my acceleration has failed !!! THIS SURE SOUNDS VERY SIMILAR TO THE EXITING FUEL PUMP RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE MODEL, HOWEVER MY VIN # IS NOT LISTED. If it isn't that, then I guess it would be electronically related. This a serious danger that one doesn't know when it is going to strike next and the dealer understandably can't REPLICATE the acceleration failure. Me and my family needs some safety protection !!! HELP

Filed Aug 7, 2023 · Body, Engine · FL

The Heat Shield on Exhaust becomes loose, rattles and comes off while driving. Danger to to other drives behind me. See the number of complaints over here - https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-3rd-gen-2010-2015/863952-exhaust-heat-shield-loose-and-rattling.html

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Questions about the 2018 Lexus ES

Is the 2018 Lexus ES reliable?

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2018 Lexus ES, fewer than a typical ES model year.

What is the 2018 Lexus ES year score?

The 2018 Lexus ES scores 92 out of 100 (good). 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 2018 Lexus ES?

Airbags, with 1 complaint. Next is body (1).

How many recalls does the 2018 Lexus ES have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Lexus ES get?

Official estimates for the 2018 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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