Lexus1996–2024 Critical issues documented

Lexus ES XZ10: common faults & what to check

The XZ10 is the Lexus ES built 2018 onward. It was sold here with the 2.5 hybrid. Of the 12 faults documented for the ES, 4 apply to this generation, each with its symptoms, what to inspect and a typical repair cost. Free, no account needed.

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Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$800–$2,500

Typical repair

Systems covered

You're looking at the XZ10 · 2.5 hybrid

Everything below is narrowed to this variant. Pick a different one to change it.

2018–nowXZ10 Selected2018–nowXZ102.5 hybridHybridDocumented issues4 knownSee faults & what to checkPhoto: AIMHO'S REBELLION 8490s via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Choose a different generation

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Which engine is in it?

2.5 hybrid· 2.5 litre hybrid

A 2018 Lexus ES is the XZ10 generation (2018 to now).

Start your free check on this Lexus ES

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Lexus ES XZ10

Can't confirm for this car

Lexus ES · 2018

Narrowed to the year. No engine is recorded for this vehicle. Pick an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

No engine is recorded for this vehicle.

matched on year only

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Lexus ES before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

Costly issue
Confirm with a Lexus dealer (by VIN) that the brake booster pump recall has been completed.
See why
Brake booster pump recall (2019-2020 ES300h)
Certain 2019-2020 ES300h models were recalled because the brake booster pump could fail, disabling stability control and the brake assist so the pedal goes hard and needs much more effort. Braking is still possible but takes far more pressure, which is dangerous in an emergency. Dealers inspect and replace the pump free under the recall.
What you would notice
- Brake pedal suddenly hard to press
- Brake / VSC warning lights
- Warning chime about brake system
Typically $1,500–$3,000 to put right.
Costly issue
Inspect the ball joint boot on both sides for cracking or grease expulsion which indicates the joint is running dry.
See why
Front lower control arm ball joint premature wear
XV70 ES300h front lower control arm ball joints have been reported by owners and independent mechanics to wear earlier than expected for a vehicle in the premium segment. The ball joint boot compound degrades in NZ and AU conditions, allowing water ingress that accelerates joint wear. Owner forum reports from 60,000 to 100,000 km examples document this as a recurring WOF-time item on NZ-registered XV70 ES models.
What you would notice
- Clunking or knocking from the front suspension over bumps or rough surfaces
- Slight wandering or vagueness in the steering at highway speeds
- Uneven tyre wear across the front axle
- WOF advisory or failure for front suspension component play
Typically $400–$900 to put right.

See all 4 issues for this oneDocumented for the exact year and engine you picked, including 2 rated critical.

Engine, transmission & cooling1 critical1

01Low-pressure fuel pump recall — engine can stall while driving

The ES is covered by a fuel pump recall in which the pump can fail and cause the engine to stall.2018–2020Engine$0–$2,000

OccasionalEngine $0–$2,000 to fix

The ES is covered by a fuel pump recall in which the pump can fail and cause the engine to stall. This is part of a very large campaign across Toyota and Lexus vehicles, and the failure mode is what makes it serious rather than inconvenient: an engine that cuts out while moving takes the power steering assistance and the brake servo with it, so the car becomes heavy to steer and stop at exactly the moment you need both. It can happen without warning. The remedy is a free pump replacement at a dealer, and confirming it against the VIN costs nothing — which makes an unrepaired car something to insist on having fixed before money changes hands rather than a price negotiation.

Symptoms to notice

Engine stalling while driving, sometimes without warning
Rough running, hesitation or a stumble under acceleration
Engine warning light with fuel-system codes
Hard starting, or the engine not starting at all
Whining or unusual noise from the fuel tank area

What to check

Take the VIN from the base of the windscreen or the driver's door jamb and ask a Lexus dealer to confirm the fuel pump campaign and every other outstanding one has been completed on this car — free, quick, and the only reliable answer, since a replaced pump leaves nothing you can see.
Ask the seller for recall letters and dealer invoices and read them rather than accepting a summary, because this generation carries several separate campaigns.
Then drive it properly: turn the ignition on and listen for the fuel pump priming for a second or two before you crank, and note if it is silent.
Drive for a decent stretch including some steady open-road running and some stop-start, and note any hesitation, stumble or momentary cut, and watch the dash for a warning light.
Restart it several times over the visit rather than once.
Ask the seller directly whether the car has ever cut out or hesitated while driving.
If a workshop inspection is possible: ask for stored fuel-system faults to be read alongside the recall check.

Where to look: Fuel tank — low-pressure fuel pump inside the tank

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

“Has the fuel pump recall been completed, and is there a dealer invoice?”
“Has the engine ever stalled or hesitated while you were driving?”
“Which other recalls are outstanding against this VIN?”

Body, brakes, suspension & interior1 critical3

02Brake booster pump recall — reduced braking assistance and no stability control

A recall on the ES covers a brake booster pump that can fail, which disables the stability control system and reduces braking assistance.2018–2024Brakes$0–$4,000

OccasionalBrakes $0–$4,000 to fix

A recall on the ES covers a brake booster pump that can fail, which disables the stability control system and reduces braking assistance. Both halves of that matter. Reduced assistance means the pedal goes hard and needs far more effort to stop the car, which is disconcerting in an emergency even for a driver expecting it. Losing stability control removes the system that catches a slide before the driver knows one has started, and it goes without any warning to the driver that they are now relying entirely on themselves. Alongside it, this generation carries separate campaigns covering forward collision sensors that can cause unexpected braking, and an ABS actuator O-ring that may impair brake fluid pressure — so this is a model where the brake and safety system recalls deserve to be checked as a group rather than one at a time.

Symptoms to notice

Brake pedal feeling hard, needing much more effort than usual
Stability control or ABS warning light on the dash
Buzzing, whining or clicking from the brake system with the ignition on
Brake warning message, or several warning lights appearing together
Unexpected braking with no obstacle present

What to check

Start with the VIN and ask a Lexus dealer to confirm which safety campaigns are outstanding on this specific car — ask about the brake booster pump, the ABS actuator and the collision sensor recalls by name, because they are separate and having one done says nothing about the others. The check is free. Then test the brakes yourself. Turn the ignition on and listen for a buzz or whine from the brake system, and watch the full set of warning lights come on and go out together — an ABS or stability control light that stays on is a finding. Press the brake pedal firmly while stationary and confirm it feels normally assisted rather than hard and unresponsive, and that it stays firm rather than sinking. On the drive, brake firmly from about 60 to 80 km/h in a safe, clear place and note whether the car pulls up straight and confidently with normal pedal effort. Note any braking the car applies by itself with nothing in front of it. Ask the seller whether the pedal has ever gone hard or any brake warning has appeared. If a workshop inspection is possible: ask for the brake system fault memory to be read.

Where to look: Brake system — brake booster pump, ABS actuator, and the forward collision sensors

Ask the seller

“Have the brake booster pump and ABS actuator recalls been completed?”
“Has the brake pedal ever gone hard, or a brake warning light appeared?”
“Has the car ever braked by itself with nothing in front of it?”

03Brake booster pump recall (2019-2020 ES300h)

Confirm with a Lexus dealer (by VIN) that the brake booster pump recall has been completed.hybrid2018–2020Brakes$1,500–$3,000

OccasionalBrakes $1,500–$3,000 to fix

Certain 2019-2020 ES300h models were recalled because the brake booster pump could fail, disabling stability control and the brake assist so the pedal goes hard and needs much more effort. Braking is still possible but takes far more pressure, which is dangerous in an emergency. Dealers inspect and replace the pump free under the recall.

Symptoms to notice

Brake pedal suddenly hard to press
Brake / VSC warning lights
Warning chime about brake system

What to check

Confirm with a Lexus dealer (by VIN) that the brake booster pump recall has been completed. On the test drive the brakes should feel normal and light; any hard-pedal episode or brake warning light is a stop sign.

Where to look: Brake booster pump / brake actuator, engine bay

Ask the seller

“Has the brake booster pump recall been done?”
“Have any brake warning lights ever appeared?”

04Front lower control arm ball joint premature wear

Inspect the ball joint boot on both sides for cracking or grease expulsion which indicates the joint is running dry.hybrid2018 onwardSuspension$400–$900

OccasionalSuspension $400–$900 to fix

XV70 ES300h front lower control arm ball joints have been reported by owners and independent mechanics to wear earlier than expected for a vehicle in the premium segment. The ball joint boot compound degrades in NZ and AU conditions, allowing water ingress that accelerates joint wear. Owner forum reports from 60,000 to 100,000 km examples document this as a recurring WOF-time item on NZ-registered XV70 ES models.

Symptoms to notice

Clunking or knocking from the front suspension over bumps or rough surfaces
Slight wandering or vagueness in the steering at highway speeds
Uneven tyre wear across the front axle
WOF advisory or failure for front suspension component play

What to check

Inspect the ball joint boot on both sides for cracking or grease expulsion which indicates the joint is running dry.
Check both sides as wear is often bilateral on this platform.
If a workshop inspection is possible: With the vehicle on a hoist, lever the front lower control arm upward and check for ball joint vertical play.

Where to look: Front lower control arm ball joints, both driver and passenger sides

Parts involved: Ball joint.

Ask the seller

“Have the front lower control arms or ball joints been replaced or inspected?”
“Any WOF advisories or failures related to front suspension?”
“Any clunking over bumps or looseness in the steering?”

Other Lexus ES engines and years8 documented issues that do not apply to the one you picked.

Engine, transmission & cooling5

011MZ-FE oil sludge — the fault Toyota ran a special policy for

The 3.0 V6 in these cars gels its oil into a thick sludge if servicing is stretched, and the sludge then blocks oil pickups and starves the engine.petrol1996–2003EngineDoes not apply$3,000–$8,000Read the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

022AZ-FE 2.4 head bolt thread pull-out from aluminium block

Check the coolant reservoir for a milky or oily contamination line.petrol2006–2012EngineDoes not apply$1,800–$4,500

OccasionalEngine $1,800–$4,500 to fix

Does not apply

The 2AZ-FE 2.4-litre four-cylinder fitted to XV40 ES240 variants suffers a documented head bolt thread pull-out defect where the aluminium cylinder block threads strip under repeated thermal cycling, allowing coolant and combustion gas crossover. Toyota issued a special warranty coverage extension for this specific defect. NZ and AU examples outside warranty require helicoil thread repair or engine replacement.

Symptoms to notice

Coolant level dropping without any visible external leak
White steam or sweet exhaust smell from the tailpipe
Milky or frothy oil on the dipstick indicating coolant contamination
Temperature gauge rising toward overheat or overheating events
Bubbling visible in the coolant reservoir when the engine is running

What to check

Check the coolant reservoir for a milky or oily contamination line.
Inspect the oil dipstick for frothy or light-coloured oil.
Check exhaust for persistent white steam under load on a warm engine.
If a workshop inspection is possible: Have a cooling system pressure test performed — internal leakage will be evident.

Where to look: Cylinder head to block joint, 2AZ-FE 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine

Ask the seller

“Any unexplained coolant loss or regular top-up needed?”
“Has the cylinder head or head gasket been off this engine for any reason?”
“Any overheating events in the vehicle history?”

032GR-FE 3.5 V6 secondary timing chain tensioner failure

Cold-start the engine and immediately listen for chain rattle from the front timing cover.petrol2006–2012EngineDoes not apply$2,000–$4,500

OccasionalEngine $2,000–$4,500 to fix

Does not apply

The 2GR-FE 3.5-litre V6 in the XV40 ES350 uses a primary and dual secondary timing chain arrangement. The secondary chain tensioners — particularly the right-bank unit — are documented to lose tension prematurely, allowing chain rattle and eventual timing slip. This fault is extensively documented on the same engine in Camry V6 and RX350 forums and applies equally to XV40 ES350 imports to NZ and Australia. Oil quality and change intervals are critical to tensioner longevity.

Symptoms to notice

Cold-start chain rattle from the front of the engine for 2 to 10 seconds before clearing
Persistent rattle at idle that varies with engine speed rather than temperature
Check engine light with camshaft correlation or VVT codes including P0011, P0012, P0016, or P0017
Rough idle or misfires if timing has slipped

What to check

Cold-start the engine and immediately listen for chain rattle from the front timing cover. The rattle should be distinguished from normal short-lived cold-start clatter — a rattle persisting beyond 5 seconds or returning at idle is a strong indicator. Scan for camshaft correlation codes. Verify oil service history thoroughly.

Where to look: Front of the 3.5 V6 engine behind the timing chain cover; secondary chains are on the upper portion of each cylinder bank

Parts involved: Timing chain.

Ask the seller

“Has the timing chain, tensioners, or guides ever been replaced?”
“Any cold-start chain rattle or check engine lights for camshaft timing codes?”
“Is a full oil service history with change intervals available?”

041MZ-FE timing belt — and why the year matters more than usual

Ask for the timing belt invoice and check the date as well as the distance.petrol1996–2003EngineDoes not apply$900–$1,800Read the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

051MZ-FE / 3MZ-FE V6 oil sludge from neglected servicing

Undo the oil filler cap and look inside with a torch - clean honey-coloured metal is good, tan/black mayonnaise-like gunk is sludge.petrol2001–2006EngineDoes not apply$1,500–$4,000

OccasionalEngine $1,500–$4,000 to fix

Does not apply

The 3.0 (1MZ-FE) and later 3.3 (3MZ-FE) V6 in the Windom-based ES are prone to oil sludging inside the engine and intake if oil changes were stretched out, a fault Toyota publicly acknowledged for this era. Sludge starves parts of oil and can lead to a rough-running or failed engine. A well-serviced example on regular synthetic oil is genuinely reliable, so history is everything here.

Symptoms to notice

Ticking or tapping from the top of the engine
Oil light flicker at idle
Thick sludge visible under the oil cap

What to check

Undo the oil filler cap and look inside with a torch - clean honey-coloured metal is good, tan/black mayonnaise-like gunk is sludge. Ask for a stack of service receipts showing regular oil changes. Short-trip-only city cars are higher risk.

Where to look: V6 engine internals, valve covers and intake

Ask the seller

“How often was the oil changed and can I see the receipts?”
“Was it ever driven mostly on short trips?”

Body, brakes, suspension & interior1

01Cracking / sticky dashboard top

Look across the dash top in bright light for cracks and press gently near the airbag area for softness or tackiness.petrol2001–2006InteriorDoes not apply$800–$2,500

CommonInterior $800–$2,500 to fix

Does not apply

Like many Toyota and Lexus models of this age, the ES dashboard top can crack, warp or go tacky in the sun, a problem widespread enough that Toyota ran a dash warranty extension in some markets (now long expired). It is cosmetic but expensive to put right properly and can worsen airbag-cover integrity. NZ's strong UV makes it common on local and imported cars.

Symptoms to notice

Cracks radiating across the dash top
Shiny or sticky surface
Glare reflections in the windscreen

What to check

Look across the dash top in bright light for cracks and press gently near the airbag area for softness or tackiness. A dash mat can hide damage, so lift it. This is cosmetic - use it to negotiate, not necessarily to walk away.

Where to look: Top of the dashboard, especially above the instrument cluster and passenger airbag

Ask the seller

“Is there a dash mat hiding cracks underneath?”
“Has the dash ever been replaced?”

Fluid leaks2

01Rear valve cover gasket leak and steady oil consumption

Open the bonnet after the test drive rather than before, and smell for hot oil.petrol1996–2003Fluid LeaksDoes not apply$500–$1,500Read the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02V6 oil weeping from valve covers and cam/timing area

With the engine cold, look along the top and rear of the engine for oily residue around the valve covers.petrol2001–2006Fluid LeaksDoes not apply$400–$1,200

CommonFluid Leaks $400–$1,200 to fix

Does not apply

With age the 1MZ/3MZ V6 tends to weep oil from the valve-cover gaskets and the cam/timing cover area, and because the exhaust runs close by you often smell burning oil before you see a puddle. It is rarely catastrophic but drips onto hot parts, smokes, and can hide a bigger leak. Cheap gaskets to fix, but labour adds up on a transverse V6.

Symptoms to notice

Burning-oil smell after a drive
Oily film on the engine or driveway spots
Faint smoke from the engine bay when hot

What to check

With the engine cold, look along the top and rear of the engine for oily residue around the valve covers. Sniff for burning oil after the test drive. Check the oil level - a leaker that has run low is a bigger worry.

Where to look: Valve-cover gaskets and cam/timing cover on the V6

Parts involved: Rocker / valve cover.

Ask the seller

“Have the valve-cover gaskets been done?”
“Does it ever smell of burning oil?”

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Lexus ES’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Other Lexus models

Lexus IS41 documented faults Lexus NX22 documented faults Lexus RX21 documented faults Lexus LS12 documented faults Lexus Altezza11 documented faults Lexus LX11 documented faults

Lexus ES buyer questions

Is the Lexus ES reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 12 documented faults for the Lexus ES, the recurring problem areas are engine, brakes, and fluid leaks. A Lexus ES with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.

What are the most common problems with a used Lexus ES?

We've catalogued 12 known faults for the Lexus ES, covering engine, brakes, and fluid leaks. All 12 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Lexus ES?

Most single repairs on the Lexus ES fall between $800–$2,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 12 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Lexus ES?

Yes. A Lexus ES inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.