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Lexus · Mid-Size · 2007–2012 Custom Search

Lexus ES XV40

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants · How we rate

Generations

Engine Overview

The Lexus ES XV40 is available with one engine variant at 272 hp.

ES 350 · Petrol· 272 PS
2007 2012

The 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 easily clears 300k+ km. VVT-i oil line (rubber hose) was a recall issue on pre-2010 models. Check water pump and ignition coils from 50k km. One of the most robust engines in its class.

  • !! VVT-i Oil Supply Hose Failure (Service Campaign) from 110,000 km

    The rubber section of the VVT-i oil supply hose degrades from PCV blow-by gases. Develops a pinhole that expands into full rupture. Oil loss at highway speed causes catastrophic engine failure from oil starvation. Lexus issued warranty enhancement program TSB POL-14-02 in July 2014. Revised all-metal replacement part 15678-31010 available but some replacements also fail.

    Symptoms: Oil puddle under engine, low oil pressure warning light, sudden engine noise, oil spray on undercarriage
    200–500 $
    Ad VVT-i oil hose 2GR-FE15678-31010 oil supply pipeVVT oil line Lexus RX 350
  • !! Front Timing Cover Oil Leak from 130,000 km

    The 2GR-FE is notorious for oil leaking from the front timing chain cover where the block, head, and cover converge. RTV sealant fails over time. Repair requires engine and transmission removal on the RX due to tight packaging. Toyota estimates 24 hours labor for a $20 gasket. The leak is cosmetic initially but worsens progressively.

    Symptoms: Oil drip from front of engine, oil on AC compressor area, burning oil smell, oil puddle after parking
    3,000–6,000 $
    Ad timing cover gasket 2GR-FEfront cover reseal Lexus RX 350engine front cover 2GR-FE
  • !! Premature Water Pump Failure from 100,000 km

    Water pump failures are documented across the 2GR-FE family. The internal water pump can leak coolant externally or fail mechanically, causing overheating. Multiple shops report this as one of the most common 2GR-FE repairs. Failure can occur as early as 60,000 miles.

    Symptoms: Coolant leak from pump area, engine overheating, coolant level drops, steam from engine bay
    400–1,200 $
    Ad water pump 2GR-FEwater pump Lexus RX 350 3.5 V616100-39436 water pump

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Dashboard Melting — Worst in Class

The ES 350 XV40 has the most-reported dashboard melting of any Lexus model. Dashboard surface becomes sticky, emits chemical odor, and develops a reflective sheen that can impair visibility. 17 NHTSA complaints for 2007 alone. Covered under warranty enhancement ZLD (expired May 2017). Replacement cost $1,500-$2,500 if not covered.

Symptoms: Sticky dashboard, chemical smell, shiny melted appearance, reflective glare, surface peeling
Ad dashboard replacement Lexus ES 350 XV40dash cover ES 350 2007-2012instrument panel ES 350 melting
 High
iChrome Trim and Door Handle Coating Peeling

Chrome trim on door panels and dashboard separates from substrate. Flakes off especially on interior door handles.

Symptoms: Chrome finish flakes off, sticky surface on trim, wood-grain insert separates
Ad door panel trim strip ES 350chrome trim dashboard Lexus ES
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
1,646 complaints · 2007–2012
  1. 01 Airbags
    1,004 ⚠ 54
  2. 02 Cruise Control
    213 ⚠ 83
  3. 03 Body Structure
    128 ⚠ 8
  4. 04 Other
    101 ⚠ 6
  5. 05 Electrical
    58 ⚠ 7

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Airbags (1004 complaints)
⚠ Cruise Control (213 complaints)
⚠ Body Structure (128 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 11 weaknesses have been documented for the Lexus ES XV40 (2007–2012) — 3 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Interior, Other, Electronics, Suspension.

ES (2GR-FE, 2007–2012) — Be Careful: VVT-i Oil Supply Hose Failure (Service Campaign), Front Timing Cover Oil Leak, Premature Water Pump Failure. Power: 272 PS.

What to watch out for with the Lexus ES? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Lexus ES XV40 have? +
The Lexus ES XV40 has 3 known engine weaknesses and 8 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Lexus ES XV40? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: 2GR-FE (3.5L V6). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the 2GR-FE (3.5L V6).
Which Lexus ES XV40 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Lexus ES XV40 — rated: "Decent". {description} The ES 350 shares its platform with the Camry and makes no apologies. The 3.5L V6 is smooth and reliable. Dashboard melting is the defining issue — the 2007-2008 models are the worst affected. Lexus offered a warranty enhancement program (ZLD) that has since expired. VVT-i oil line recall applies to 2007-2008 models. A post-2009 ES 350 with no dashboard issues and service history is a comfortable, reliable sedan that costs less than a new Corolla.
Is the Lexus ES XV40 worth buying used? +
The Lexus ES XV40 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Lexus ES XV40? +
The Lexus ES XV40 is available with engine variants from 272 to 277 hp. Petrol: 2GR-FE (3.5L V6).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee