There are no safety recalls for the 2009 Lexus ES, but owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA.
2009 Lexus ES problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Air Bags | 14 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | |
| Structure | 2 | |
| Unknown or Other | 2 | |
| Electrical System | 2 | |
| Suspension | 1 | |
| Equipment | 1 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | |
| Service Brakes | 1 | |
| Engine | 1 | |
| Steering | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. — 1
- Structure › Body — 1
- Structure › Interior Panels › Dashboard — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 88,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2009 Lexus ES complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Electrical System · reported Oct 29, 2025
Experienced unintended acceleration when pulling into a parking space. My vehicle went over the curb and into a ditch. The bushes and embankment of the ditch stopped the vehicle. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of a problem.
Electrical System · reported Oct 27, 2025
On Monday, Oct. 27, 2025 at approximately 11:50 am, my vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. I was pulling into a parking spot and suddenly accelerated and jump the barrier into a ditch. Luckly there were bushes to stop me. I was standing on the brake. There were no prior indications there was an issue.
Vehicle Speed Control · at 25,000 miles · reported Jan 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that the vehicle intermittently accelerated upon releasing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that recently upon entering the garage, the vehicle suddenly accelerated after releasing the brake pedal, almost causing the vehicle to crash into the residence. The struck other materials inside the garage, causing front-end damages to the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle had already been repaired under NHTSA Campaign…
Structure · at 95,000 miles · reported Jun 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2009 Lexus ES350. The contact stated that the dashboard had become sticky and had started to melt. Over time, the contact stated that glare had started to reflect from the windshield onto the dashboard, obstructing visibility while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was acknowledged that the defect was a known failure. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed the contact that the Extended Warranty coverage had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure…
Unknown or Other · reported Jun 29, 2023
Dashboard is sticky, shiny, and melting from the heat. All lint, dust and cloth sticks to the sticky dashboard. Shiny dashboards can pose safety hazards that affect visibility with a glare bouncing off the windshield, and overall health issues since melted dashboards can emit harmful odors. Lexus is saying their Customer Support Program ZLZ expired in 2021. I never received any mail from them about this program even though they claim they mailed it to me in 2018. I have been having my vehicle serviced at Longo Lexus since 2009, with the last maintenance service done on 6/21/23, and the…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2009 Lexus ES have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2009 Lexus ES as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Lexus ES?
Owners report air bags problems most often (14 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 88,000 miles.
Are Lexus recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Lexus dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.