Is the 2011 Lexus ES reliable?

The 2011 Lexus ES has 59 complaints filed with NHTSA (3.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: AIR BAGS problems.

What are common problems with the 2011 Lexus ES?

Top problems: AIR BAGS (28 complaints, avg repair $500); BODY/STRUCTURE (6 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (4 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2011 Lexus ES?

No recalls have been issued for the 2011 Lexus ES.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2011 Lexus ES?

The 2011 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 2011 Lexus ES?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2011 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.

2011 Lexus ES

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2011 Lexus ES has 59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 3.3x the segment average of 18. The most common issue is air bags problems (47% of all complaints), specifically: takata recall: information from lexus dealer is parts to correct the recalled air bag problem will not be available till january 2017. this is totally unacceptable and unreasonable to expect the customer to wait five or six months for repairs..

12 crash reports 5 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

3.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

28 complaints

47%

• TAKATA RECALL: INFORMATION FROM LEXUS DEALER IS PARTS TO CORRECT THE RECALLED AIR BAG PROBLEM WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE TILL JANUARY 2017. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE AND UNREASONABLE TO EXPECT THE CUSTOMER TO WAIT FIVE OR SIX MONTHS FOR REPAIRS.
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 LEXUS ES-R350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V340000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILUR
• I WAS NOTIFIED IN JULY OF 2016 I CALLED THEM TWICE IN TAMPA FLORIDA. TO THIS DATE THEY TOLD ME TO CALL THEM AGAIN IN JANUARY 2017. THIS IS ALMOST SIX MONTHS SINCE I WAS NOTIFIED I HAVE PASSENGERS IN MY CAR ON A DAILY BASIS. AND I LIVE IN FLORIDA WHERE IT IS VERY HOT AND HUMID IN THE CAR IT CAN GET O

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 3 crashes

“TAKATA RECALL: INFORMATION FROM LEXUS DEALER IS PARTS TO CORRECT THE RECALLED AIR BAG PROBLEM WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE TILL JANUARY 2017. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE AND UNREASONABLE TO EXPECT THE CUSTOMER TO WAIT FIVE OR SIX MONTHS FOR REPAIRS.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2011 Lexus ES

Based on 23 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 47K 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

In line with typicalmedian 53K mi · 13 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 2011 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 2011 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 2011 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

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 59 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
AIR BAGS: TAKATA RECALL: INFORMATION FROM LEXUS DEALER IS PARTS TO CORRECT THE RECALLED AIR BAG PROBLEM WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE TILL JANUARY 2017. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE AND UNREASONABLE TO EXPECT THE CUSTOMER TO WAIT FIVE OR SIX MONTHS FOR REPAIRS.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: AT APPROXIMATELY 6:30PM, WHILE MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN INTO A FRIENDS DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN, AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO THE RIGHT AS IF LOCKED IN TO THE RIGHT HAND POSITION, HIT A TREE AND FINALLY CAME TO A STOP BY HITTING HIGH CONCRETE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: CAPABILITY OF LEXUS ES 350 YEAR 2007: IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ONE TO BE LOCKED OUT OF ONE'S CAR WITH THE SMART KEY IN THE CABIN OR IN THE TRUNK. IF THE SMART KEY WERE IN THE CABIN, ONE COULD NOT LOCK THE DOORS AND WOULD BE ALERTED WITH LOUD CONTINUOUS SIGNAL. IF THE SMART KEY WERE IN THE TRUNK, ONE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CHANGES MADE TO 2011 LEXUS ES 350 VEHICLE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SOMEONE USUALLY DRIVES HER VEHICLE, TO ONE LOCATION, AND LEAVE THE KEYS IN THE CAR, SO SHE CAN PICK IT UP WHEN SHE ARRIVES. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE BEEN INFORMED BY THE DEALER, IT IS NO LONGER AN OPTION
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)