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2016 Lexus ES Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026·Ryan Davis

Overall Score

6.9/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • The service brake system is a critical area to inspect due to a reported failure leading to a crash at approximately 131,000 miles.
  • A recurring engine timing cover seal leak has been reported, with initial repairs at around 85,000 miles followed by a recurrence near 140,000 miles, suggesting potential for costly future repairs.
  • While overall reliability is rated as good, these specific issues indicate potential ownership risks for higher-mileage examples.
  • The absence of recalls is a positive sign, but does not negate the importance of addressing documented complaint areas.
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OverviewPros, Cons & TakeawaysWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2016 Lexus ES

The 2016 Lexus ES presents itself as a comfortable and refined sedan, a hallmark of Lexus's approach to luxury. Under the hood, a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a smooth six-speed automatic transmission delivers a composed driving experience. Fuel economy is respectable for its class, with an EPA-estimated 24 MPG combined. While the vehicle boasts no recalls, a review of owner complaints reveals potential concerns, particularly regarding the braking system and engine seals at higher mileages. Potential buyers should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Critical Failure Risk

A recurring leak from the engine's timing cover seal has been reported. This issue was initially repaired under warranty at 84,785 miles and recurred around 140,000 miles, potentially leading to oil consumption.

Early detection can help you avoid a $600-$1,000 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls0
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

7
Tires1
Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Horsepower
268HP
Torque
248 lb–ftLB-FT
Fuel Efficiency
Combined
24
MPG
City
21
MPG
Highway
31
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

9.3/ 10

Practicality

5.3/ 10

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Verdict: Conditional Buy

Is the 2016 ES worth it?

The 2016 Lexus ES offers a generally good ownership experience, but a critical service brake failure leading to a crash at higher mileage warrants close inspection of the braking system.

Buy it if...

  • buyers seeking a comfortable and quiet sedan with a generally good reputation for reliability, who are willing to perform diligent pre-purchase inspections, particularly focusing on the braking system and engine seals.

Skip it if...

  • drivers who prioritize cutting-edge technology, sporty handling, or those unwilling to invest in thorough pre-purchase inspections and potential future repairs for known issues.

View maintenance guide
Unlock the full report to see 2 more strengths and 2 more watch-outs.
Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Buyers seeking a comfortable and quiet sedan with a generally good reputation for reliability, who are willing to perform diligent pre-purchase inspections, particularly focusing on the braking system and engine seals.

Avoid if

Drivers who prioritize cutting-edge technology, sporty handling, or those unwilling to invest in thorough pre-purchase inspections and potential future repairs for known issues.

2016 Lexus ES Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2016 Lexus ES.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Seating Capacity
5
Horsepower
268 hp
Torque
248 lb-ft
Transmission
Automatic (S6)
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Sedan
EPA Combined MPG
24

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Most Common Issues

1. TIRES

Most reported

Usage: 1 reports

2. Braking System

Usage: 1 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil, Oil Filter)

Est. shop cost: $70 - $120

5,000 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (6 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full pros & cons (4 strengths, 4 watch-outs)
Full specs and trim-level context
Full safety recall details
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2016 Lexus ES reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2016 Lexus ES is 9.3/10. Reliability score is 9.3/10. NHTSA recalls: 0. Owner complaints: 7.

How practical is the 2016 Lexus ES for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 5.3/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 24 MPG. Seating capacity is 5. 4 passenger doors are listed. Boot capacity is 430 litres.

What is the overall score for the 2016 Lexus ES?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2016 Lexus ES is 6.9/10. Overall score is 6.9/10 (Good). Confidence 55%. Maintenance 8.6/10. Tuning 3.0/10. Practicality 5.3/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2016 Lexus ES?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil, Oil Filter) at 5,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $500 - $1,000. Repair prediction highlight: Engine Timing Cover Seal (typical at 140,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $600 • Max: $1,200).

What engine is in the 2016 Lexus ES?▾

Engine specs list V6 • 6 • 3.5. Output is 268 hp • 248 lb-ft.

What transmission does the 2016 Lexus ES use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Lexus ES, transmission is Automatic (S6). The paired drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2016 Lexus ES?▾

EPA combined estimate is 24 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2016 Lexus ES?▾

1 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

What is the fuel economy range for the 2016 Lexus ES?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Lexus ES, fuel economy range is 21-31 mpg combined.

How many people fit in a 2016 Lexus ES?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Lexus ES, seating capacity is 5.

What body style is the 2016 Lexus ES?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Lexus ES, body style is sedan.

What drivetrain does the 2016 Lexus ES use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Lexus ES, drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (S6).

Is the 2016 Lexus ES good for tuning?▾

Tuning potential is rated 3/10. The 2016 Lexus ES prioritizes a refined and comfortable driving experience. While it features a capable 3.

Should I tune the 2016 Lexus ES?▾

The Lexus ES is designed for comfort and luxury, not performance. While there are some aftermarket parts available for aesthetics and minor upgrades, there's limited support for significant engine tuning or performance modifications. The focus is on a smooth, quiet ride, and attempting to modify it for performance would go against its core design principles.

What are the most common tires problems on the 2016 Lexus ES?▾

Top complaint category: tires (1 reports, 14.3% of complaints).

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

Tuning guide

Potential + upgrade path

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Pros, Cons & Takeaways
  3. 03Who This Car Is For
  4. 04Reliability & Problems
  5. 05Vehicle Specs
  6. 06Unlock Full Report
  7. 07FAQ

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