Is the 2010 Lexus ES reliable?

The 2010 Lexus ES has 46 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.6x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: AIR BAGS problems.

What are common problems with the 2010 Lexus ES?

Top problems: AIR BAGS (20 complaints, avg repair $500); BODY/STRUCTURE (6 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (5 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2010 Lexus ES?

No recalls have been issued for the 2010 Lexus ES.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2010 Lexus ES?

The 2010 Lexus ES gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2010 Lexus ES?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2010 Lexus ES is approximately $1,821/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2010 Lexus ES

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2010 Lexus ES has 46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.6x the segment average of 18. The most common issue is air bags problems (43% of all complaints), specifically: after 2.5 years of satisfactory operation, the front passenger airbag sensor light began to intermittently change between "on" and "off" with my 100 lb. wife as the front seat passenger (same wife, same weight within +/- 3 lbs,), lexus dealer tried 2 recalibrating with no success. lexus customer s.

2 crash reports 1 injury

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

2.6x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

20 complaints

43%

• AFTER 2.5 YEARS OF SATISFACTORY OPERATION, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT BEGAN TO INTERMITTENTLY CHANGE BETWEEN "ON" AND "OFF" WITH MY 100 LB. WIFE AS THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER (SAME WIFE, SAME WEIGHT WITHIN +/- 3 LBS,), LEXUS DEALER TRIED 2 RECALIBRATING WITH NO SUCCESS. LEXUS CUSTOMER S
• "TAKATA RECALL". I CALLED MY LOCAL LEXUS DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF I COULD GET A RENTAL CAR UNTIL THEY WERE ABLE TO FIX MY CAR. WHAT THEY OFFERED WAS RIDICULOUS. THEY WOULD APPROVE $30.00 A DAY FOR RENTAL CAR WITH A $1,000.00 LIMIT. THE PARTS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL 2017. THAT WOULD MEAN THAT I WOU
• APPARENTLY, LEXUS MAILED A RECALL NOTICE TO MY HOME ADDRESS SOMETIME IN JUNE (THE LETTER DOES NOT HAVE A DATE THAT IT WAS ISSUED) ABOUT THE TAKATA PASSENGER AIRBAG PROBLEM. HOWEVER, I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE RECALL NOTICE UNTIL AFTER I MADE A LONG TRIP WITH MY SISTER FROM ATLANTA, GA TO MELBOURNE, FL

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 2 crashes

“AFTER 2.5 YEARS OF SATISFACTORY OPERATION, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT BEGAN TO INTERMITTENTLY CHANGE BETWEEN "ON" AND "OFF" WITH MY 100 LB. WIFE AS THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER (SAME WIFE, SAME WEIGHT WITHIN +/- 3 LBS,), LEXUS DEALER TRIED 2 RECALIBRATING WITH NO SUCCESS. LEXUS CUSTOMER S”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2010 Lexus ES

Based on 17 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 70K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

Later than typicalmedian 70K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2010 Lexus ES

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,527/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,778/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2010 Lexus ES

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,821

Full coverage / month

$152

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+9%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1821

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Lexus ES Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

5K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

120K mi

Cabin air filter

30K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

Toyota Motor Corporation-recommended 10K interval with 0W-20 synthetic. Hybrid models use conventional service intervals; battery is 10-year warranty.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Lexus New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

6 yr / 70K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 150K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

Hybrid battery is now 10yr/150K miles for 2020+ hybrids

These are the terms for a new Lexus. If you're buying a used 2010 ES, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Lexus dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 46 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
AIR BAGS: AFTER 2.5 YEARS OF SATISFACTORY OPERATION, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT BEGAN TO INTERMITTENTLY CHANGE BETWEEN "ON" AND "OFF" WITH MY 100 LB. WIFE AS THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER (SAME WIFE, SAME WEIGHT WITHIN +/- 3 LBS,), LEXUS DEALER TRIED 2 RECALIBRATING WITH NO SUCCESS. LEXUS CUSTOMER S
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: INSIDE DASHBOARD IS VERY STICKY AND LEXUS TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS AND WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: 1.WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE, THE BACKUP SENSOR SOMETIMES STARTS BEEPING WHEN THERE IS NOTHING BEHIND THE VEHICLE. 2.DRIVING CAR ON DAN RYAN EXPRESSWAY. PRESSING LEFT SIDE BUTTONS ON STEERING WHEEL, ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE THE SOUND LEVEL, CHANNEL, OR RADIO MODE (FM1,FM2,AM, ETC.). INSTEAD, NOTHING
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: BOTH REAR VIEW MIRRORS FOR THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE SPONTANEOUSLY POPPED OFF AND WOULD NO LONGER STAY IN PLACE. THEY WOULD JUST SWIVEL BACK AND FORTH WHILE DRIVING. I NEEDED TO USE TAPE TO KEEP THEM IN PLACE WHILE DRIVING. I HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND WHILE MY CAR WAS PARKED AND THE MIRROR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)