Free used car buyer guide / XV60 / sixth generation / 2013-2018
Lexus ES common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
7.2/10
1 walk-away risk, 2 serious faults, 5 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: es300h brake booster and pump internal malfunction. Score methodology.
The 2013-2018 ES is one of the better comfort sedans to buy used, but the safe cars are the ones with Lexus paperwork rather than a seller's promise of Toyota reliability. The costly traps are the 2013-2015 ES300h brake-booster support-program fault, 2018 ES350 Denso fuel-pump recall, 2GR V6 water-pump and timing-cover leaks, hybrid 12V/brake warning confusion, and ageing infotainment or door-lock hardware. The lowest-risk pick is a 2016-2018 ES350 with a dry V6, smooth 6-speed shifts, fuel-pump status checked, and no body-electronics faults. Current owners should keep campaign printouts and leak photos because a clean ES sells on boring evidence.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
ES300h brake booster and
Best years
2016-2018
Best buys
- 2016-2018 ES350 with smooth U660E shifts, dry timing cover and closed fuel-pump status.
- 2016-2018 ES300h with strong 12V battery, no brake-booster DTCs and hybrid battery block data.
- Late Luxury/Ultra Luxury cars only if every seat, sunshade, mirror and infotainment control works.
Inspect hard
- 2013-2015 ES300h for Lexus ZLM brake-booster coverage history and C1391/C1252/C1253/C1256 codes.
- 2018 ES350 for Denso low-pressure fuel-pump recall 20V012 and remedy proof.
- Any V6 car for pink coolant crust, water-pump bearing noise and timing-cover oil seepage.
Avoid
- Hybrid with brake warning, pump cycling and weak 12V battery with no Lexus scan.
- ES350 with active coolant smell, cleaned engine bay and no pressure-test result.
- Cars with multiple failed door locks or dead display unless priced as repairs.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Lexus ES viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Lexus ES should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
ES350 2GR-FE 3.5 V6
2013-2018
BEST SIMPLE BUY
The V6 ES is the car most buyers expect: quiet, strong and generally long-lived. Its inspection is still physical, not emotional: water pump, timing-cover seepage, front struts, mounts and 6-speed shift quality decide whether it is a bargain or a deferred-repair sedan.
ES300h 2AR-FXE hybrid
2013-2018
BEST FOR CITY USE IF BRAKES CHECK OUT
The ES300h is excellent for low-speed and commute use, but early cars have a specific brake booster support story. A healthy 12V battery, hybrid-health scan and quiet brake accumulator matter more than fuel economy claims.
ES250 / 2.5 petrol non-US markets
2013-2018 depending market
LOW POWER, LOW DRAMA
The four-cylinder petrol ES sold in some regions is not exciting but can be cheap to run. It should be bought on service history and body condition; weak performance is normal, rough idle or oil leaks are not.
U660E 6-speed automatic
2013-2018 ES350
DURABLE WHEN NOT NEGLECTED
The 6-speed is less dramatic than later 8-speed Toyota units, but fluid neglect and mount wear can make it feel worse than it is. Cold engagement and light-throttle shifts are the useful test.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2013
XV60 ES launches with ES350 and ES300h; early hybrid brake-booster support exposure starts here.
Buyer: Buy a 2013 only after brake-booster scan, dry V6 inspection and infotainment check.
Owner: Keep early-car campaign and brake records; buyers know the launch year needs proof.
2014
Second year settles trim and supply, but ES300h remains in the ZLM brake-booster population.
Buyer: A clean 2014 ES300h is good value when C1391/C1252/C1253/C1256 are absent.
Owner: Replace a weak 12V before chasing hybrid or ABS warnings.
2015
Final pre-facelift year; 2013-2015 ES300h brake-booster support still applies.
Buyer: Prefer documented Lexus service over low-mile private cars with unknown brake history.
Owner: Save scan reports; they are stronger than saying the warning went away.
2016
Facelift brings updated styling and cabin tech; mechanical package remains conservative.
Buyer: Strong year if display, locks, struts and coolant system all pass.
Owner: Keep up fluids and small electrical repairs; a late XV60 should feel polished.
2017
Mature production with fewer launch-year questions.
Buyer: One of the easier buys: inspect leaks and electronics rather than hunting exotic faults.
Owner: Document V6 seepage checks at service so small staining does not scare buyers later.
2018
Final XV60 year; some ES350 cars enter the Denso fuel-pump recall population.
Buyer: Best year if the fuel-pump remedy is proven and the price does not overlap newer ES cars.
Owner: Keep fuel-pump completion visible in Lexus history before resale.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
ES300h brake booster and pump internal malfunction
Affects
2013-2015 ES300h under Lexus Customer Support Program ZLM.
Symptoms
Brake warning lights, buzzer, hard pedal, frequent pump cycling, hybrid/ABS warning after sitting.
Typical repair cost
USD 0 if covered; USD 1,800-3,500+ outside support.
Codes / scan clues
C1391, C1252, C1253, C1256.
Root cause: Internal brake booster or pump malfunction in the hybrid brake-pressure system.
Quick check
- Load-test the 12V battery before scanning.
- Scan ABS and hybrid modules with Toyota/Lexus-capable software.
- Listen for repeated brake pump cycling in READY mode.
- Ask Lexus to print ZLM eligibility and repair history.
Buyer note
An early ES300h with brake warnings needs proof before money changes hands.
Owner note
Do not erase the codes; covered support decisions depend on what the dealer can verify.
Fault 2
Denso low-pressure fuel pump stall risk
Affects
Certain 2018 ES350 vehicles under NHTSA 20V012.
Symptoms
Long crank, rough running, warning lights, stall, no-start.
Typical repair cost
USD 0 under recall; USD 600-1,400 retail.
Codes / scan clues
Fuel-pressure, lean and misfire codes may appear.
Root cause: Fuel pump impeller can deform and stop fuel delivery.
Quick check
- Run the VIN on Lexus and NHTSA systems.
- Confirm the in-tank pump was replaced, not just inspected.
- Cold-start the car after it has sat.
- Drive at steady load and watch for hesitation.
Buyer note
A 2018 ES350 is a good car only after the pump story is closed.
Owner note
If the car stumbles or stalls, check 20V012 before replacing unrelated parts.
Fault 3
2GR-FE water pump seepage and bearing noise
Affects
2013-2018 ES350, especially higher-mile cars.
Symptoms
Pink crust, coolant smell, low coolant, chirp/whine from pump area, heater fluctuation.
Typical repair cost
USD 700-1,500; more if overheating occurs.
Codes / scan clues
Coolant-temperature or misfire codes only after the fault worsens.
Root cause: Mechanical water-pump seal and bearing wear on ageing V6 cooling hardware.
Quick check
- Inspect the pump and lower engine for pink residue.
- Check coolant level cold before the test drive.
- Listen near the belt side for bearing noise.
- Smell for coolant after a full warm drive.
Buyer note
A coolant-smelling ES350 is not a normal Lexus quirk.
Owner note
Repair seepage early; overheating a 2GR costs far more than a pump.
Fault 4
V6 timing-cover oil seepage
Affects
ES350 2GR-FE and related Toyota/Lexus V6 applications.
Symptoms
Oil smell, wet timing-cover edge, oil film on undertray, fresh cleaning around front cover.
Typical repair cost
USD 1,800-4,500+ due to labor access.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none unless oil level drops enough to create pressure or VVT faults.
Root cause: Factory sealant at the large timing-chain cover ages and seeps.
Quick check
- Inspect the timing-cover perimeter with a light.
- Look for cleaned areas near the passenger/front side of the engine.
- Check undertray for old oil film.
- Ask for photos from any previous leak diagnosis.
Buyer note
Minor dry staining can be monitored; wet active oil changes the price.
Owner note
Photograph it at each service so you know whether it is spreading.
Fault 5
Door lock actuator and mirror motor failures
Affects
2013-2018 ES, most often older high-use cars.
Symptoms
One door will not lock/unlock, mirror fold noise, keyless entry works on some doors only.
Typical repair cost
USD 300-900 per actuator/mirror assembly.
Codes / scan clues
Body ECU lock or mirror communication codes may be stored.
Root cause: Small electric motors and plastic gears wear from age and heat.
Quick check
- Lock and unlock the car ten times with fob and door switch.
- Check each door manually from inside and outside.
- Fold mirrors repeatedly if equipped.
- Scan body module if any lock behaves differently.
Buyer note
One lazy lock often means the rest are the same age.
Owner note
Fix failed locks before the car becomes hard to secure or sell.
Fault 6
Infotainment screen, navigation and Bluetooth faults
Affects
2013-2018 ES with Lexus Display Audio or navigation.
Symptoms
Blank screen, rebooting, Bluetooth dropout, frozen navigation, backup camera unavailable.
Typical repair cost
USD 200-600 software/diagnosis; USD 900-2,500 head unit or display.
Codes / scan clues
Navigation, AVC-LAN or body communication codes; many faults do not show on generic OBD.
Root cause: Ageing head-unit hardware, software instability or low-voltage events.
Quick check
- Pair a phone and place a call.
- Use map, radio, camera and media inputs during the viewing.
- Cycle ignition twice and watch for slow boot.
- Load-test the 12V battery.
Buyer note
A dead Lexus screen is a real repair, not a cosmetic annoyance.
Owner note
Start with voltage and software before replacing expensive units.
Fault 7
Front struts, mounts and lower-control-arm wear
Affects
2013-2018 ES, especially rough-road and high-mile cars.
Symptoms
Front clunk, float, uneven tyre wear, vibration over small bumps, wandering alignment.
Typical repair cost
USD 600-1,800 depending parts replaced.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none.
Root cause: Heavy front-drive sedan suspension bushings and struts age quietly.
Quick check
- Drive over small sharp bumps at low speed.
- Inspect tyre shoulders for uneven wear.
- Check strut bodies for oil mist.
- Look at control-arm rear bushings for cracks.
Buyer note
Suspension wear is acceptable only when the price leaves room for it.
Owner note
Replace worn suspension in pairs so the ES keeps its quiet ride.
Fault 8
A/C evaporator, condenser or servo problems
Affects
2013-2018 ES in hot climates and older cars.
Symptoms
Weak cooling, musty smell, clicking from dash, uneven temperatures, foggy windows.
Typical repair cost
USD 300-1,200 for external leak/servo; USD 1,500-3,000+ for evaporator access.
Codes / scan clues
HVAC servo and refrigerant pressure codes on Lexus scan.
Root cause: Refrigerant leaks, blend-door servo wear or evaporator deterioration.
Quick check
- Test A/C at idle and highway speed.
- Check for cold air on both sides.
- Listen for repeated servo clicking.
- Look for dye or recent recharge notes.
Buyer note
A seller saying it just needs gas usually means it has a leak.
Owner note
Repair leaks instead of repeated recharges; compressor damage follows low refrigerant.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
Documents
- Lexus service history and campaign printout.
- ZLM brake-booster record for 2013-2015 ES300h.
- 20V012 fuel-pump completion for affected 2018 ES350.
- Water pump, timing-cover, suspension and infotainment invoices.
Walk around
- Check tyre wear and front ride height.
- Inspect coolant and oil staining before the engine is cleaned.
- Test every door lock, mirror and trunk function.
- Look under carpets and boot trim for dampness.
In the car
- Verify infotainment, camera, Bluetooth and climate controls.
- Confirm ABS/SRS/hybrid lights prove out and go off.
- Load-test the 12V battery.
- Listen for brake pump cycling on ES300h.
Test drive
- Start cold and feel P-R-D engagement.
- Drive light-throttle shifts and highway steady load.
- Test braking feel repeatedly.
- Drive over rough road for front suspension noise.
Scan tool
- Toyota/Lexus scan of ECM, ABS, hybrid and body modules.
- Check brake-booster DTCs on ES300h.
- Check fuel-pressure/misfire history on ES350.
- Read body/infotainment low-voltage history.
Bottom line
Buy: Buy a 2016-2018 ES350 if you want the simplest ownership, or a 2016-2018 ES300h if you want quiet city economy and the hybrid scan is clean. Earlier ES300h cars are fine only with brake-booster paperwork and no warning-light history.
Avoid: Avoid ES300h cars with unresolved brake warnings, any ES350 with active coolant or oil leaks, and final-year cars whose fuel-pump recall status is unclear.
Quick answers
Lexus ES buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Lexus ES 2013-2018 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: ES300h brake booster and pump internal malfunction; Denso low-pressure fuel pump stall risk; 2GR-FE water pump seepage and bearing noise. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Lexus ES years are the best to buy?
2016-2018 stand out in this generation. Buy a 2016-2018 ES350 if you want the simplest ownership, or a 2016-2018 ES300h if you want quiet city economy and the hybrid scan is clean. Earlier ES300h cars are fine only with brake-booster paperwork and no warning-light history.
Which Lexus ES should I avoid?
Avoid ES300h cars with unresolved brake warnings, any ES350 with active coolant or oil leaks, and final-year cars whose fuel-pump recall status is unclear.
Is the Lexus ES 2013-2018 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 7.2/10 (buy with checks). 1 walk-away risk, 2 serious faults, 5 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: es300h brake booster and pump internal malfunction.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Lexus ES guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- static.nhtsa.gov: MC-10165999-9999.pdf
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCMN-20V012-3373.pdf
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCMN-20V012-8958.pdf
- go-parts.com: fuel-pump-toyota-camry-toyota-avalon-lexus-es350-2002-2018
- repairpal.com: es350
- repairpal.com: es300h
- clublexus.com: es-6th-gen-2013-2018-207
- carcomplaints.com: 2013
- NHTSA recall lookup
- Go-Parts Lexus/Toyota water-pump guide
- Consumer Reports ES reliability page
- CarComplaints Lexus ES350 pages