Lexus ES XV60
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Lexus ES XV60 is a comfort-focused mid-size sedan that deliberately prioritises a cushioned, serene ride over sporting pretensions. If you want a quiet, relaxed cruiser with excellent long-term quality, this is the right car — anyone chasing driving thrills should look elsewhere. Built on Toyota's Camry platform, the ES benefits from mechanicals proven across millions of vehicles, making it one of the most dependable choices in its class.
Two engines are on offer. The 2GR-FE, a 3.5-litre V6, impresses with a silky-smooth character and outstanding durability, but it carries one known flaw: the timing cover tends to weep oil, and the repair is pricey because of the labour involved in accessing it. The water pump should also be checked regularly, and there was a service campaign covering the VVT-i oil supply hose. The clearly more sensible pick is the 2AR-FXE, the 2.5-litre full hybrid. Shared with the Camry and Avalon Hybrid, this drivetrain is rock-solid and comfortably runs well past 250,000 kilometres. Its most expensive potential issue is the hybrid system's brake actuator, which was subject to a recall — always confirm this has been carried out before buying. The inverter coolant pump can also fail, and the EGR valve tends to coke up under short-trip use.
Away from the powertrain, the weak points are minor and mostly harmless. The touchpad-based infotainment is sluggish and takes getting used to, but poses no reliability risk. More common are noises from the front strut mounts, rattling stabiliser link rods and wind noise at motorway speeds. Front brake pads tend to wear early, and the door lock actuator can quit. Two recalls carry more weight: the low-pressure fuel pump and the brake actuator ABS module.
When buying used, go for the hybrid. Get the recall history confirmed in writing, keep an eye on the brake actuator and fuel pump, and on the V6 look specifically for oil traces around the timing cover. A complete service record is a realistic expectation here, since ES owners tend to look after their cars well.
Bottom line: the ES XV60 is one of the most honest recommendations in the used market. It is not an exciting car, but it is an exceptionally reliable, comfortable companion with low running costs. Its few known weaknesses are well documented and easy to check at purchase. Anyone valuing calm and longevity will struggle to go wrong with this model.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Lexus ES XV60 is available with 2 engine variants — from 205 to 272 hp.
2.5L Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder hybrid — shared with the Camry Hybrid, Avalon Hybrid, and NX 300h. Proven reliable across millions of units. Brake actuator failure is the most expensive ownership risk. Inverter coolant pump service around 75,000 miles is preventive maintenance that is frequently skipped. The e-CVT is essentially maintenance-free. Mild oil consumption under 0.5 quarts per 5,000 miles is considered normal for Atkinson-cycle operation. A fundamentally sound powertrain that asks little and delivers consistent fuel economy.
- !! Brake Actuator Failure (Hybrid System) from 80,000 km
The regenerative braking actuator assembly fails, causing loss of brake assist. 7 NHTSA complaints for the ES 300h alone, including one crash. Lexus extended warranty to 10 years / 150,000 miles for brake booster failures. Replacement cost $1,500-$3,500 depending on model. Regular brake fluid changes per Lexus schedule are critical prevention — contaminated fluid accelerates internal corrosion.
Symptoms: Hissing when braking, hard brake pedal requiring more force, delayed braking, booster pump running every 15 seconds, ABS warning light - !! Inverter Coolant Pump Failure from 120,000 km
Electric coolant pump for the inverter fails, causing hybrid system overheating. Preventive replacement around 75,000 miles is recommended but frequently skipped because the part is buried and labor-intensive to access.
Symptoms: Hybrid system warning, reduced power, inverter overheating codes, power loss during sustained driving - ! EGR valve/cooler clogging from 160,000 km
The cooled EGR circuit of the Atkinson hybrid clogs with age. Valve, cooler and intake passages fill with soot, causing code P0401 (insufficient EGR flow) and rough running. Cleaning usually resolves it.
Symptoms: Check engine light (P0401), rough idle, cold-start rattle, mild loss of power and economy.
This 3.5-litre V6 with traditional port injection ranks among the most durable units in its class — smooth, torquey and free of carbon build-up because the fuel washes the valves. Its best-known weak point is an oil leak at the front timing cover, whose seal tends to weep over the years; the repair is labour-intensive. Check the water pump regularly from around 100,000 km, as it can fail prematurely. Early builds had a vulnerable VVT-i oil supply hose covered by a service campaign. Overall a very reliable engine with a long service life.
- !! 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 - !! 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 - !! 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
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Touchpad Lag Remote Touch interface is slow and unintuitive. Same system as other Lexus models of the era. Design limitation, not a defect. Symptoms: Slow touchpad response, difficult navigation input, cursor overshooting | Low | |
| Door Lock Actuator Malfunction Electric door lock actuator fails. Doors don't lock correctly via remote, strange noises when locking. Symptoms: Central locking unresponsive, clicking without locking, alarm malfunction from 120,000 km | Medium |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 14 weaknesses have been documented for the Lexus ES XV60 (2013–2018) — 6 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Suspension, Body, Brakes.
ES (2GR-FE, 2013–2018) — Be Careful: VVT-i Oil Supply Hose Failure (Service Campaign), Front Timing Cover Oil Leak, Premature Water Pump Failure. Power: 272 PS.
ES (2AR-FXE, 2013–2018) — Be Careful: Brake Actuator Failure (Hybrid System), Inverter Coolant Pump Failure, EGR valve/cooler clogging. Power: 205 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 XV60 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Lexus ES XV60? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Lexus ES XV60 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Lexus ES XV60 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Lexus ES XV60? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee