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Lexus · Mid-Size · 2013–2018

Lexus ES XV60

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The Lexus ES XV60 is available with 2 engine variants — from 197 to 277 hp.

ES 300h · Petrol Hybrid· 205 PS
2013 2018
Be Careful 2 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
ES 350 · Petrol· 272 PS
2013 2018
Be Careful 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Lexus ES 300h (Petrol Hybrid, 205 PS) has the 2AR-FXE (2.5L Hybrid) — rated: "Be Careful", 2 known weaknesses.

The Lexus ES 350 (Petrol, 272 PS) has the 2GR-FE (3.5L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 3 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
●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
Ad infotainment module Lexus ES XV60touchpad controller ES 350
 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
Ad 690400C050 door lock actuator Lexus ES 350lock actuator motor ES XV60
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
142 complaints · 2013–2018
Other
32 ⚠ 3
Brakes
26 ⚠ 10
Electrical
24 ⚠ 1
Cruise Control
16 ⚠ 4
Airbags
13 ⚠ 7

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Other (32 complaints)
⚠ Brakes (26 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (24 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 13 weaknesses have been documented for the Lexus ES XV60 (2013–2018) — 5 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. 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? +
The Lexus ES XV60 has 5 known engine weaknesses and 8 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Lexus ES XV60? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: 2GR-FE (3.5L V6), 2AR-FXE (2.5L Hybrid). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the 2GR-FE (3.5L V6).
Which Lexus ES XV60 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Lexus ES XV60 — rated: "Decent". {description} The XV60 ES 350 fixed the dashboard melting issue and kept everything else. The 3.5L V6, 6-speed automatic, FWD layout — unchanged. The Lexus touchpad infotainment is the main complaint. Strut mount noise past 75,000 miles is documented. The low-pressure fuel pump recall applies to some units. A thoroughly unremarkable car that does everything competently. Annual maintenance under $500.
Is the Lexus ES XV60 worth buying used? +
The Lexus ES XV60 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Lexus ES XV60? +
The Lexus ES XV60 is available with engine variants from 197 to 277 hp. Petrol: 2GR-FE (3.5L V6), 2AR-FXE (2.5L Hybrid).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee