Photo: Daniel R. Tobias (username Dtobias [commons, en, etc.]) / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2006 Lexus ES: common problems and reliability
An average ES year.
79 owner complaints, most about air bags. No recalls.
Should I buy a 2006 ES?The 2006 Lexus ES has 79 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and vehicle speed control. Owners most often flag vvt gear rattle on startup: specifically noted for 2008 models and toyota engines from 2006-2012/13.
Safety record for the 2006 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2006 Lexus ES vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other ES years only. How we score it
Is 2006 a good year for the ES?
Across the 29 ES model years we track, complaint volume runs from 15 (2018) to 664 (2007). With 79 complaints, the 2006 ES sits above the model's median of 56.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability, low operating costs, and a comfortable, quiet, and refined driving experience.
- IsolatedVVT gear rattle on startup
Specifically noted for 2008 models and Toyota engines from 2006-2012/13.
Owner insights cover all generations of the ES. See the full ES owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used ES listings typically run $43,225–$47,448.
Other ES model years
Compare every ES year side by side to see how 2006 ranks against the rest.
Compare the ES against its rivals
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