Lexus ES hesitation problems

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 24, 2025 · Fuel system · VA

Vehicle hesitates when gas pedal pressed; creating hazard to cross intersections, merging into traffic. In order to have car respond, hard press on gas pedal required, which creates another dangerous situation of unexpected leap! While no recalls are shown, 2 reports [XXX] are shown on the federal safety agency recall site. Owners of this vehicle report same problem for all model years, and indicate dealers cannot fix/do not fix. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 1, 2020 · Acceleration, Engine · 500 miles · NJ

Since I bought the car in oct 2019, this happens everytime I am on local roads (speed <50mph), when I slowdown per the traffic flow, or taking turn (left or right) after yielding, the car hesitates to accelerate as if the gas pedal died on me and then I push the pedal further down only to get the car downshift drastically and revving up to almost always about the hit the car in front (if any) of me. In the few times I am on highway, when I need to speed up to change the lane the car accelerates unpredictably making the driving a scary experience.

Filed Jul 13, 2020 · Fuel system · 202,736 miles · TN

When I stop and try to accelerate the car hesitate and then starts to jerk. If I give it heavy gas it drives normal

Filed May 15, 2017 · Electrical, Fuel system · FL

I am not sure it it is engine or fuel but my problem is as follows: while driving and with no warning my 2013 lexus es 350 hesitates to the point of almost stopping in the middle of driving on local and highway roads. It seems to be getting worse and I have taken my car to the dealer and was told they did not find anything wrong with it. In researching this problem I have come across two similar complaints on www.carcomplaints.com. This is a dangerous issue when you lose acceleration when it is most needed.

Filed Apr 21, 2017 · Engine · 147,000 miles · FL

Transmission had issues with flare at speeds of 30-40 MPH on a cold start and brought it to lexus and they updated my ecu with the software. After getting the car back they had a jerking/hesitation between 1st and 2nd gear. This happens every time when when at a stop and slowly accelerating. Lexus recommended a new transmission, but I did some research and lots of owners had this issue for the early 2007 models of the es350. Apparently lexus is a ware of the issue but has done nothing about it.

Filed Aug 9, 2015 · Acceleration · SC

Vehicle has the "hesitation on accelerating" or "throttle lag" problem which is documented on many models of both toyota and lexus vehicles. Vehicle hesitates when accelerating from stop light, slowing to make a turn, or in traffic when slowing and then accelerating. It is unresponsive for 1-2 seconds then accelerates fast. This is especially dangerous when crossing a busy uncontrolled intersection. Occurs routinely when driving everyday. This hesitation is dangerous,not normal, and is a safety issue that needs addressing by the manufacturer.

Filed Nov 14, 2013 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 250 miles · CA

Ever since car was purchased @one year ago, there are occasional 1-3 second hesitations upon acceleration. These occur from dead stop or at low speeds. Two dealers have examined the computers, finding no evidence that the problem exists. They also say no other local owner has complained of a similar problem and the manufacturer reportedly has no record of such a complainant nationwide. But a number of different passengers in the car have felt the hesitation and asked what's wrong. I wish I knew and I wish lexus knew. Since this has happened many times when I was changing lanes on a surface street or the freeway (socal) or making left/right turns with oncoming traffic, my fear is that my vehicle is going to be hit, although I am as careful as I can be when changing lanes/turning because I know at any time the car will hesitate for a few seconds. I experienced this problem noticeably, as did other owners, with previous year models, but am assured by dealers and the local district office that lexus has solved it now. I only wish!

Filed Jul 16, 2013 · Acceleration, Fuel system · 8,500 miles · OK

Lexus es350 stall or hesitation problem on 2013 model. My car frequently but intermittently hesitates when accelerating from a stop or rolling stop position. I've had it about 8 months and it has probably stalled at least 100 times. Tulsa's lexus dealership says there's nothing wrong with it and that lexus designed the car that way for fuel efficiency (yes, that is what they've told me, and with a straight face). My 2010 es did the same thing, and my 2007 es did the same thing. You'd think I would have learned my lesson by now and bought a different brand of car. This is an extremely dangerous problem when pulling out into traffic. I would not recommend a lexus to anyone until they get this problem fixed. [xxx]in tulsa, ok. 7-16-13 information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Jun 8, 2012 · Acceleration · 49,000 miles · CA

When I accelerate, the car hesitates and actually slows down before accelerating. This is extremely dangerous when needing to avoid other cars or changing lanes or making turns.