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2013 Lexus ES300H Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 40 complaints about the 2013 Lexus ES300H with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (11) and the acceleration & cruise control (9). Those complaints describe 8 crashes and 5 injuries. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in November 2015 for the crash imminent braking. For comparison, the 2014 has 14.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical ES300H year, for its age

#164 most complained-about 2013 vehicle

Complaints
40
Recalls
1
Crashes
8
Fires
0
Injuries
5
Deaths
0

Most common 2013 Lexus ES300H problems

Share of all 40 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2013 Lexus ES300H recalls 1

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Forward collision avoidance: crash imminent braking

15V72800030,812 vehicles affected

The problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Avalon and Avalon Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 19, 2012 to October 27, 2015 and 2013-2015 Lexus ES350 and ES300h vehicles manufactured June 18, 2012 to July 6, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with a Pre-Collision System (PCS) as optional equipment. In these vehicles, the PCS may unexpectedly activate and apply the brakes when the radar detects a steel joint or plate in the roadway as an object.
The risk
A vehicle that unexpectedly brakes increases the risk of a crash.
The fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain PCS components, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this campaign are F1V and F2E.

What owners say

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40 complaints about the 2013 Lexus ES300H

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.

Brakes

The contact owns a 2013 Lexus ES300 Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a sudden and significant reduction in braking efficiency. The contact stated that the brake pedal became extremely stiff and rigid, requiring excessive force to be depressed to stop the vehicle. Simultaneously, the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 11743520
Brakes

Brakes malfunctioned almost resulted in a life threatening car accident. Car is at the Lexus dealership for repair. The have confirmed problem. Yes there were warning lights moments before needing the brakes and it not working whn pushed.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 11635965
Brakes

While driving on the highway electronic brake boost suddenly failed, leading to brake malfunction. This is common malfunction of this model. This leads to potentially hazardous situation when in emergency or even regular traffic breaking car would not break as expected.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 11613251
Visibility & wipers

Roughly 6-12 months ago the dashboard on my Lexus started to melt and become sticky, creating a glare on my windshield and impeding my ability to see the road causing dangerous situations. Both daytime and nighttime driving have been affected by this defect. I've contacted the local dealership, but they confirmed that no recalls are available and that the only solution is for me to replace the entire dash.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11603755
Brakes

2013 Lexus Es300h driving on [[redacted]] , I felt the brake didn't work during the street. It's hard to push the brake, and I almost hit the car in front. OMG, I was very scared. I saw an ABS brake light, and I tried to turn into a parking lot and find the nearest Pepboys in Birmingham, Alabama to inspect the system. I was informed of a problem with the Brake Booster Assembly. I'm sorry I can't afford to pay the labor, service and parts at this time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 11581147
Electrical systemAcceleration & cruise controlBrakes

I was driving down the highway coming up on a traffic jam put on the brakes and several warning. Lights came on the dash and my power brakes failed. I was barely able to stop the car without hitting someone. From that point forward the brakes did not work properly, the regenerative braking system did not function. also, the cruise control stopped functioning. I took the car to the Lexus dealer, they tested the car and stated it need a new brake booster brake assembly and that there was a safety warranty issue...

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that was extended out 10 years and up to 150,000 miles and although my car only had 79,000 miles on it was three months past the warranty date and the refused. They reset the car brakes apparently and I was able to drive the car for several days while I spoke with Lexus, and then the car brakes failed again.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed control · Service brakesNHTSA 11555537
Electrical system

On my 2013 Lexus ES 350, three out of the four doors do not function properly and will not lock or lock with the key fob. my driver's side front door, my driver's side rear door, and my passenger's side front door does not work. The doors also will not lock or unlock with the interior lock/unlock button. When the all the doors are locked, I must go to the passenger's rear door to unlock the driver's side front door with my cane. The manual door lock from the key fob does not work and will break if I continue...

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turning it. The door locks will not automatically lock when the car goes in motion. These are safety issues trying to get a child or pet out of the car in case of an emergency such as a fire, an accident, or robbery. The power locks are extremely helpful for me. I am a combat disabled veteran who runs the risk of reinjuring myself using the only door that works attempting to open the door with my cane. I have had some of these power locks replaced before. Lexus says this is a mechanical issue associated with the actuators rather than a safety issue. I really believe this is a serious safety and security issue rather than a mechanical issue.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11514204
Other & unknown

Hood latch and cable malfunction in that the hood wouldn't close and warning light and buzzer continuously beeped. Woburn Toyota in Woburn, MA said it was due to overuse and not a defect and not a safety issue! Not so. Hood not opened more than other vehicles I have had without such a problem. Other Lexus owners have posted similar complaints, too.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11479664
Airbags

I entered the VIN and found that my car airbag was an unrepaired recall.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11478900
Other & unknown

The moonroof suddenly shattered (it sounded like an explosion) while I was driving on the freeway in 70 degree weather. Initially I had no idea what it was but realized subsequently that I was shedding glass shards behind me. There were no overpasses where someone could have dropped something, I did not see a rock or other projectile, and - when I parked the car - I found nothing that from outside seemed to have struck it and/or stayed behind in the cavity.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11464373
Electrical system

The automatic door locks have stopped working. I have had to replace 3 out of the 4 door lock actuators in the car. When they go out I am unable to use the door lock sensors and have to manually lock my doors. It also affects my ability to use the key fob remote to lock and unlock my door. I replaced 2 in 2018 and 1 in 2021

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11429552
Fuel system

Engine stalls when turning left reducing power steering boost until driver lifts foot from gas pedal and repushes to regain power steering boost on city streets at low speed from stopped position.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11388921
Brakes

The pcs (pre collision system) warning icon flashed in the display indicating that the pcs was temporarily unavailable. The vehicle was being driven on a highway. Pulled over to look in the owners manual only to find that the manual told me to stop. We proceeded to return home without experiencing any adverse handling. I really don't feel safe driving the car not knowing if the pcs system will fail.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · Service brakesNHTSA 11362293
Brakes

My 2013 lexus es 300h has got a weak brakes, sometimes would make squeaking noise when you hold them and few times wouldn't brake when braking on a bit rough road. I was afraid for my safety and went to lexus dealer to perform diagnostic. They said that my car needs a brake actuator to be replaced which is very expensive procedure. However, people in a dealership admitted that it's a common problem for these cars and my research on the internet confirmed it as well. Also, lexus issued extended warranty for an abs...

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failure but somehow you are qualified only when your abs fail. That's sounds very dangerous and unsafe. I did more research and found that in 2016 in australia lexus has recalled 2013 and above lexus es models because of brake actuator and abs module malfunction. I don't understand why are the same models not being recalled in usa for the same very common problem.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 11307461
LightsAirbagsBody, doors & structureCrash1 injury

The lexus es 350, was turning left onto side street within a sub division, and ran up the curb and hit a tree with the right front side of the vehicle. Significant damage done to the car, and so much damaged that the car has been totaled by insurance company. Driver unsure if vehicle accelerated on its own or just lost control. The greater issue or concern was not what caused the accident, but that the air bags did not deploy after the impact and the driver broke their nose and has been treated 3 times in er...

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since crash. In speaking with repair shop, they informed me that there are 2 air bag sensors at the front of the car, and both are near the headlights. He was surprised that given the damage and impact of the collision (to right front of car by headlight, pictures attached), that the air bags did not deploy.

Filed Incident Exterior lighting · Air bags · StructureNHTSA 11296969
Other & unknown

Door locks do not lock via key fob on 3 doors. Lexus wants $800 per door to fix. Have manually locked car for one year; now cannot manually lock door as the manual lock no longer locks. This is safety issue as car remains unlocked at all times.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11253807
Wheels & tires

Recently acquired listed pre-owned, certified vehicle. Bought wheel and tire coverage. Hand washed car after 4-days of ownership and discovered broke wheel. Dealer says the style wheel on the vehicle is routinely repaired by them (not replaced.) Dealer rep (wesley peters, sewell lexus, dallas) wheel is commonly damaged by improper torqueing of lug nuts. Lexus drivers I know do not know the torque specs nor do they carry a torque wrench. Have a flat? Good luck you do not break a wheel while changing flat! Sewell...

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lexus is now repaying the wheel not honoring the wheel and tire coverage and replacing it! Writer has contacted lexus north america concerning the problem. Dealer rep peters also stated the firm routinely repair all styles of lexus wheels and writer should not be concerned. Could the nhtsa please look into why lexus wheels should require repair before someone bounces of the highway with a broke wheel.

Filed Incident WheelsNHTSA 11186863
Brakes

Abs brake failure code c1391 brakes failed to function during emergency stop while in motion dry city street, lucky there was no accident. Cost of repair $ 5000.00 By lexus dealer. This is an ongoing issue with both lexus and toyota vehicles. Also cruise control function does not work after this happened as the abs system is now disabled. ``````````````````

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 11152308
Transmission & drivetrainAcceleration & cruise controlCrash

The vehicle was parked facing uphill in my driveway. I started the car and set the gear shift/selector (automatic transmission) to drive position while checking that the backup camera was not engaged. I released the emergency break with my foot on the break and confirmed that the gear shift was in drive and that the backup camera had not engaged. I released the break and accelerated to go up the hill. The car accelerated in reverse. I hit the breaks and confirmed again that the gear shift was clearly in drive position even though I had now reversed and crashed into the garage door that had been behind me. I then set the gear shift to park position and turned off the car.

Filed Incident Power train · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11110641
Electrical system

Vehicle door locks aren't working properly. Issue causes vehicle the ability to lock with key fob inside and doors not to lock upon exiting vehicle.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11066900
Acceleration & cruise controlCrash

The car experienced an unintended acceleration event while pulling into a parking spot at a low rate of speed. While the driver's foot was on the brake the car began accelerating out of control and bounced over a curb, down a hill, striking a pick up and a tree.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10995042
Electrical system

Cpo 2013 es350 bought january 2, 2016 at lexus dealership, which has been kept in an in-door garage, and is lightly driven. Mid-april 2017 battery was dead, jump started but then battery died the next day. I brought vehicle to another lexus dealership on may 20, 2017. They claimed battery not warrantied. I discovered the original owner who bought car october 2012 had replaced the battery in 2015 which made me curious as to why it was replaced so soon, and why it didn't last very long. The service manager then...

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mentioned that I needed a computer component which he hoped was under my warranty and they would call me when the part came in. I researched this part, and apparently lexus has known problems with this component, which was probably defective causing battery problems by not going into "sleep mode" and slowly draining and killing batteries. There seems to be many other complaints similar to mine on blogs (one of which is attached).

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10990881
Electrical systemFuel system

I am not sure it it is engine or fuel but my problem is as follows: while driving and with no warning my 2013 lexus es 350 hesitates to the point of almost stopping in the middle of driving on local and highway roads. It seems to be getting worse and I have taken my car to the dealer and was told they did not find anything wrong with it. In researching this problem I have come across two similar complaints on www.Carcomplaints.Com. This is a dangerous issue when you lose acceleration when it is most needed.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10985812
Acceleration & cruise controlBrakesCrash1 injury

I was parking my car on a commercial complex. I am pressing on the brake as the car slows down. When I further pressed on the brake, the car instead of taking a complete stop, accelerated. It hit the building in front of me. When trying to back up, it accelerated again in reverse. I pressed the brake really hard then it stopped.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · Service brakesNHTSA 10970855
SteeringTransmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Was driving in west sacramento , when the check engine, check hybrid system alarms went off.Within 1 minute , the car went dead, no power, no steering. If I was on an express way , it would have been a guaranteed fatality for me, my family and other cars involved. The dealership , lexus of sacramento told me the computer failed in the car. The car has only 55,000 miles on it. I am concerned about the quality of parts used by lexus. *Tr

Filed Incident Steering · Power train · EngineNHTSA 10947604

Lexus ES300H: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20171000Transmission & drivetrainA
20167020BrakesC
20156110Fuel systemC
201414130Electrical systemF
201340180BrakesF
All ES300H years

2013 Lexus ES300H vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2013 Lexus ES300H

Does the 2013 Lexus ES300H have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2013 Lexus ES300H: crash imminent braking (November 2015). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Lexus ES300H?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (11), acceleration & cruise control (9), electrical system (7).

How many complaints has the 2013 Lexus ES300H had?

40 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 7, 2013 and the latest on June 11, 2026. Of these, 8 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 5 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2013 Lexus ES300H a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 6 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Lexus ES300H year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Lexus ES300H years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2013 Lexus ES300H has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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