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2010 Lexus ES350 problems

The most common problem on the 2010 Lexus ES350 is airbags, typically around 70,000 miles. It has 6.2 times the complaints of a typical ES350 model year.

Year to avoid6.2x the typical complaints
Year score
6/100
Owner complaints
137
Recalls
5
Service bulletins
206
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
22mpg

The worst 2010 Lexus ES350 problems

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

  • Airbags
    108
  • Acceleration
    7
  • Body
    7
  • Brakes
    5
  • Electrical
    4

Problems by type

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

  • Airbags
    108
  • Acceleration
    7
  • Body
    7
  • Brakes
    5
  • Electrical
    4
  • Visibility
    4
  • Engine
    2
  • Locks
    1
  • Tires
    1

Recalls 5

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported October 17, 2019 · 928,220 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑888‑270‑9371 or Lexus customer service at 1‑800‑255‑3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.

Recall number 19V741000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 9, 2019 · 1,299,448 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." 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." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS350, 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Lexus IS250, 2010-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F, and 2010-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.

Recall number 19V005000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 9, 2018 · 628,018 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2013 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, IS-F, and GX460 vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP (Saipan), and the U.S. VI or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, ES350, IS-F, GX460, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles sold, ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2009 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Lexus IS250, IS350, ES350, IS-F, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began on January 29, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1‑800‑762‑2737. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.

Recall number 18V024000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported May 23, 2016 · 1,754,517 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2009-2011 Toyota Corolla and Corolla Matrix, 2006-2011 Toyota Yaris, Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, Lexus IS250C, Lexus IS350C and Lexus GX460, 2011 Sienna, 2007-2011 Lexus ES350, and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris, 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350 and 2007-2008 Lexus ES350 vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in 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." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Toyota will notify the Toyota and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's numbers for interim notification for this campaign are G1P (Toyota Zone A), G1R (Toyota Zone B), G2G (Lexus Zone A), and G2H (Lexus Zone B). Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), GLG (Lexus Zone A), and GLH (Lexus Zone B).

Recall number 16V340000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedalReported October 5, 2009 · 4,445,056 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 passenger vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.
Risk
A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Remedy
Toyota filed an amended defect report on november 25, 2009, stating that dealers will modify the accelerator pedal and, on certain vehicles, alter the shape of the floor surface under the pedal. These changes address the risk of pedal entrapment due to interference with the floor mat. Redesigned accelerator pedals will become available beginning in april 2010 and dealers will replace any modified pedal with the new pedal if desired. Also, dealers will replace any genuine toyota or lexus all-weather floor mats with redesigned all-weather mats, or repurchase the previous mats from owners who do not want the new ones. Additionally, software modifications will be installed on camry, avalon and lexus es 350, is 350 and is 250 models that will ensure that the brake overrides the accelerator in the event both brake and accelerator pedals are applied. Toyota will begin mailing letters to owners on december 31, 2009. Owners may contact toyota at 1‑800‑331‑4331, lexus at 1‑800‑255‑3987.

Recall number 09V388000 · Recall details

See all 5 recalls for the 2010 Lexus ES350

Defect investigations

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpened September 17, 2021, still open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

EA21002

Technical service bulletins for the 2010 Lexus ES350 206

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

See all 206 bulletins for the 2010 Lexus ES350

2010 Lexus ES350 fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.5L 6‑cylFWD192722

What 2010 Lexus ES350 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 25, 2023 · Body · 91,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2010 Lexus ES350.The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the sun was reflecting on the dashboard. There was a mirror-like image obstructing the driver's vision. The contact stated that there was a shiny substance on the dashboard. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

Filed May 15, 2019 · Airbags · NH

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 lexus es350. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 19v005000 (air bags). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Ira lexus manchester (18 kilton rd, bedford, nh 03110, (603) 218-3500) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed May 6, 2019 · Airbags · NJ

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 lexus es350. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v024000 (air bags). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Lexus of englewood (53 engle st, englewood, nj 07631, (201) 568-3900) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available and needed to be ordered. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Nov 2, 2018 · Electrical · 69,800 miles · FL

Vehicle failed to start when proper procedure was followed, that is depressing the brake and then when green light illuminates on starter button on dashboard, pressing that button. This has happened over fifty times. Vehicle has been inspected at local lexus dealership over the course of at least five separate days. A comprehensive set of diagnostic tests were performed at dealership during one of these inspections when car failed to start in their service department while technician was being overseen by a diagnostic expert from the dealership. I was told they could not find any problem, and should call again if it should reoccur. They said there was no record of this happening before so there was nothing else they could do. Do you have record of this happening with either other lexus or any vehicles similarly equipped, and if so are there any repair steps that can be undertaken? My wife and I are very nervous about trying to drive the vehicle, because we never know if we will be stranded somewhere and unable to get to home or safety. This has happened when the vehicle was parked in our garage or at a shopping area, and it was not idling or running, but in. The "off" mode. These events occurred 4/3/2018, 4/4/2018, 10/25/2018 thru 11/1/2018 the vehicle was not being driven between 5/11/2018 and 10/13/2018 because my wife and myself were living in another location, and said vehicle was housed in a locked garage with a battery charger attached (trickle charger), that was purchased from an authorized lexus dealer. Car and charger were checked every two weeks to make sure charger was working. Charger operated properly during that entire time span.

Filed Sep 11, 2018 · Body · 39,000 miles · NE · crash

Happened in a residential neighborhood. In motion to make a turn around from the main street into a side street. I wanted to head back the direction from where I had just been. I was moving very slowly because of the small turning radius.I was just turning into the very opening of the side street. Upon curving into the "u" of my turn the car fiercely propelled forward. It felt like it was attempting a "0 to 60" launch. I looked at my foot in disbelief that I may have been on the gas pedal .no... My foot was on the brake. My car crashed into a large rock/boulder residential landscape that stopped it. I shut my engine off. Passenger side rear wheel was off the ground. Front right was elevated on top of rocks. I was fine. Very shaken and in disbelief of the rapid launch and situation. Rapid car had to be towed. Exterior damage. Underside damage as well.

Filed Aug 28, 2018 · Body · 70,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 lexus es350. The contact stated that the dashboard was melted and sticky. The contact also stated that the sun produced a glare on the dashboard, which made driving very difficult. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer. The technician took pictures and informed the contact that there were no recalls for the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and also stated that there was no recall. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Filed May 13, 2018 · Airbags · VA

Takata recall notified a lexus dealer, was told it would be 3 to 4 months until problem is remedied

Filed Apr 20, 2018 · Airbags · VA

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2010 lexus es350. The contact stated that the recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v024000 (air bags) was received in june of 2016. Lexus of richmond in richmond, va stated that the parts needed to repair the recall were not available. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Jan 18, 2018 · Airbags · CA

Keep on waiting for dealer to fix airbag recall issue. Dangerous to drive auto with passenger in front seat. Dealer has no idea as to when the auto will be able to be repair.

Filed Jan 18, 2018 · Airbags · VA

2010 lexus es350. Consumer writes in regards to takata airbag safety recall. *ld

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2010 Lexus ES350 before you buy

Compare the 2010 Lexus ES350

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Questions about the 2010 Lexus ES350

Is the 2010 Lexus ES350 reliable?

Owners have filed 137 complaints about the 2010 Lexus ES350, 6.2 times a typical ES350 model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2010 Lexus ES350 year score?

The 2010 Lexus ES350 scores 6 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Lexus ES350: 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 2010 Lexus ES350?

Airbags, with 108 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles. Next is acceleration (7).

How many recalls does the 2010 Lexus ES350 have?

5 recalls, covering air bags and vehicle speed control.

Was there a recall on the 2010 Lexus ES350 airbags?

Yes, 4 recalls: 19V741000, 19V005000, 18V024000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Lexus ES350 have bad airbags?

The Lexus ES350 model years with the most airbags complaints are 2007 (253 complaints), 2008 (170 complaints) and 2011 (145 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2010 Lexus ES350 get?

Official estimates for the 2010 Lexus ES350 range from 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 19 city and 27 highway.

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