VIN REPORT

JTHBW1GG6G21196842016 LEXUS ES300h

6of 100
Low Risk
Buyer Risk Score
Recalls
Clear
No open recalls
Safety Grade
B-
80/100 composite
Complaints
8
NHTSA filed
Vehicle Age
10 yrs
Made in JAPAN
BUYPurchase Verdict

2016 LEXUS ES was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 8 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.

Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2016 LEXUS ES

2016 LEXUS ES was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. 8 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.

  • Complaint rate is accelerating — issues appear to be getting worse, not better
Owner Complaint Intelligence

8 owner complaints filed — top areas: Other (50%), Brakes (25%), Engine/Powertrain (13%). 1 crash reported.

6
of 100
Low Risk
Low risk profile — minor signals only, likely routine.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
1 Contributing Risk Factor
Accelerating complaint trend — problems increasing over time
+6
Critical Alerts

Title Brand Check

Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle

Vehicle Specifications

Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database

Make
LEXUS
Model
ES
Year
2016
Trim / Series
300h
Body Style
Sedan/Saloon
Vehicle Type
PASSENGER CAR
Drive Type
4x2
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
4-cyl 2.5L 156 hp
Doors
4
Manufacturer
TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
Assembly
MIYAWAKA, FUKUOKA, JAPAN
GVWR
Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Electrification
Strong HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle)

Assembly Plant Quality

Plant: MIYAWAKA, FUKUOKA

CQuality55/100
Standard📍 MIYAWAKA, FUKUOKA

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety

Safety Intelligence

Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data

B-
Score: 80/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety30/30
Complaint History30/30
0/100Clear

✓ No high-risk recall components found

2/100
Basic
1 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning, Electronic Stability Control
None
  • Electric/hybrid vehicle — monitor for battery thermal events

Driver Assistance Features

ADAS equipment data from NHTSA vPIC database

Forward Collision Warning?Unknown
Automatic Emergency Braking?Unknown
Pedestrian AEB?Unknown
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure Warning?Unknown
Lane Keep Assist?Unknown
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring?Unknown
Rear Cross Traffic Alert?Unknown
Adaptive Cruise Control?Unknown
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High Beam?Unknown
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup Camera?Unknown
Electronic Stability Control?Unknown
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Direct
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification?Unknown
Dynamic Brake Support?Unknown
Keyless Ignition?Unknown
Recalls

Deferred Failure Risk

Components and defects approaching or past their known service milestones

55/100
Warning Deferred Risk
5 maintenance items are approaching or past their service milestones. Address these before purchase or negotiate the cost into the sale price.
No odometer data on record. Mileage is estimated at ~120,000 mi based on average annual driving. Items marked EST. OVERDUE may already be due — verify service history with the seller. Items marked OVERDUE are confirmed past-due based on vehicle age alone.
EST. OVERDUECriticalWater Pump
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 10 yr · Past due by age
Service Water Pump immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
EST. OVERDUEHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 10 yr · Past due by age
Service Transmission Fluid / Service immediately — already past the 60,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
EST. OVERDUEHighCoolant Flush
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 10 yr · Past due by age
Service Coolant Flush immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
EST. OVERDUEHighBattery Coolant System
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 10 yr · Past due by age
Service Battery Coolant System immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
EV battery thermal management coolant degrades over time. A failing cooling system accelerates battery degradation and can cause thermal events. Service per manufacturer schedule.
EST. OVERDUEModerateEV Reduction Gear Fluid
Service interval: 8 yr · Vehicle age: 10 yr · Past due by age
Service EV Reduction Gear Fluid immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 8 yr interval
Electric drive units use gear oil that degrades with age. Neglected fluid causes bearing wear in the reduction gear. Replacement is typically $50–$150.

NHTSA Safety Recalls

CLEAR
0found
No Recall Campaigns Found
NHTSA has no active or historical recalls for this 2016 LEXUS.
Complaints8

Complaint Intelligence

8 complaints analyzed across 4 system categories

Other
4
Brakes
1 crash2
Engine/Powertrain
1
Suspension/Wheels
1
2023
1
2024
2
2025
2
2026
3
133% trend in recent years (increasing complaints)
Accelerating +200%
6
Last 24 months
2
Prior 24 months

⚠ Complaint rate is accelerating — issue may be getting worse

Brake failure1
Engine stalling1
Tire blowout1
Conditions Reported
Highway/high-speed (2)

Owner Complaints

HIGH VOLUME

8 safety complaints filed with NHTSA

8found
1
Crash
ODI #11734232SERVICE BRAKES

The brake actuator and/or brake booster pump assembly failed on my 2016 Lexus ES300h. This is a known issues for this vehicle's braking system and results in a sudden loss of power braking assistance. The failure requires increased pedal pressure and eventually brkaing failure, creating a significant safety hazard and increasing the risk of collision. The dashboard displays multiple warning lights, including Braking Power Low and Brake Override Malfunction. Lexus has acknowledged this defect through an extended warranty and consumer warranty program, but Lexus is alleging my vehicle (despite showing issues prior to 150,000 miles) is now over 150,000 miles and not eligible. I am reporting this because a critical safety component should not have a "timer" on it when it involves primary braking of the vehicle.

ODI #11718814UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While driving at highway speeds on Interstate and without warning my standard size sunroof exploded. This event caused loud noise and shattered glass. I was not under overpass or around any other vehicles. This event caused immediate panic due to noise and not understanding what occurred until a visual inspection was conducted roadside. The vehicle has been inspected by dealership for repair resulting in $2800 repair utilizing insurance.

ODI #11716143UNKNOWN OR OTHER

On 2/3/2026 i was sitting at a light and out of no where i heard a bang or what sounded like a explosion i get out of the car and my panoramic sunroof is completely shattered but it looked like it exploded from the inside out. My sunroof was closed the cover was shit and i have no idea what would have caused it. I asked the driver that was directly behind me at the light if they saw anything hit the car they said no nothing i dont understand how this happens and the dealership says they wont warranty it i dont know what to do

ODI #11652155POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

In April 2022, the timing cover seal on my 2016 Lexus ES 350 was replaced due to a leak. This was completed under warranty at approximately 84,785 miles. In February 2025, less than three years and roughly 56,000 miles later, I was informed by the same Lexus dealership during a routine service that the exact same issue—leaking from the timing cover—had reoccurred. There were no warning lights, engine performance issues, or visible signs of oil loss leading up to this. During my prior service appointment in December 2024, I was told the car was in excellent condition with no issues. I service my vehicle at every Lexus-recommended interval and maintain a full history of service records. The dealership has confirmed the new timing cover leak but has not been able to explain why the seal failed again. This is a major engine component that should not require a second repair within such a short time frame. I am now being asked to pay a significant portion of a nearly $5,000 repair despite a prior warranty fix, and despite having done nothing to cause or accelerate the failure. Lexus offered a partial goodwill credit, but no root cause has been identified. I am concerned that either poor workmanship or substandard parts contributed to the premature failure, and that it may happen again. Given the cost, critical nature of the part, and the lack of answers, this feels like more than just an isolated incident. I have complete service documentation and before-and-after video footage of the most recent repair. The vehicle is currently in my possession and available for inspection upon request. I purchased a Lexus because I believed in the brand’s commitment to long-term reliability and quality. That confidence has been shaken. I respectfully ask NHTSA to investigate this recurring failure and assess whether this is part of a larger issue.

ODI #11634569SERVICE BRAKESCRASH

The contact owned a 2016 Lexus ES. The contact stated while at a stop sign, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to engage and the vehicle unintentionally accelerated which caused the front driver's side of the vehicle to crash into another vehicle. There was severe cosmetic damage however, no injuries was sustained. The air bags was deployed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was totaled. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000. 

ODI #11611327TIRES

The contact owns a 2016 Lexus ES350 equipped with General Tires, Tire Line: ReliaTrek, Tire Size: 225/45/R18, DOT Number: VY4FWJ85. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The contact pulled over and called Roadside Assistance. The Roadside Assistance technician made the contact aware of a blowout of the driver's side rear tire. The contact was shown that the entire sidewall had detached from the tread. The spare tire was installed by Roadside Assistance. The contact stated that the tires had recently been purchased by the previous owner however, the contact was unsure of the failure mileage on the tires. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The failure was not diagnosed nor was the tire replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 100,000.

ODI #11596512UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Pearl white paint peeling

ODI #11533014UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Front door locking mechanisms fail over time making it dangerous to open doors and leave it parked in public areas. Door lock actuators failed on both driver and passenger sides.

Complaint & Reliability Timeline

Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red

Annual complaints and reliability score for LEXUS ES — recall years marked in red
0230501002023202420252026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 8 NHTSA complaints on file for the LEXUS ES — a relatively low volume that spans from 2023 to 2026.

The amber reliability line is declining — recent years score around 92/100, lower than earlier in the vehicle's life. This pattern indicates issues are accumulating over time rather than being resolved, which is a concern for used buyers.

Red dots on the amber line flag 2025, a year when complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.

Details & Analysis
Financial

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation

$36,614
~$610/mo over 5 yrs
$0.3/mi
cost per mile
Fuel (hybrid)
$7,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$15,500
Repair Risk Buffer
$1,500
Depreciation
$5,114

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $36,614 (~$610/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile. Hybrid powertrain reduces fuel costs via regenerative braking.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Tailored for the 2016 LEXUS ES — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list

MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: SERVICE BRAKES
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.

Recall Probability Forecast

Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals

20%
18-month
36%
2-year
Moderate Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 36%

20% estimated recall probability — some indicators present but not alarming.

  • Accelerating complaint rate — increasing pressure on NHTSA to act

Maintenance Schedule

OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions

Auction History

Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators

Searching Public Auction Records

Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for JTHBW1GG6G2119684. Results appear automatically when found.

Insurance Cost Estimate

Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings

Full Coverage
$1,450–$1,850/yr
~$121–$154/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
10-year-old vehicle: −18% (depreciated ACV lowers full-coverage cost)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

State-Specific Legal Protections

What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Complete Data Table

All decoded fields in a single flattened view

Vehicle Identity

VINJTHBW1GG6G2119684
Model Year2016
MakeLEXUS
ModelES
Trim300h
SeriesGSV60L/AVV60L
Vehicle TypePASSENGER CAR

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSedan/Saloon
Doors4
Drive Type4x2
Fuel TypeGasoline

Engine

Engine Cylinders4
Displacement (L)2.5
Horsepower156

Manufacturer

ManufacturerTOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
Assembly CityMIYAWAKA
Assembly CountryJAPAN

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)JTH
Check Digit (Char 9)6
Model Year Code (Char 10)G
Plant Code (Char 11)2
Sequence (Chars 12–17)119684

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count0
NHTSA Complaint Count8

VIN Structure Decode

ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number

J
1
T
2
H
3
B
4
W
5
1
6
G
7
G
8
6
9
G
10
2
11
1
12
1
13
9
14
6
15
8
16
4
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
J
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
T
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
H
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
BW1GG
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
6
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
G
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
2
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
119684
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Japan
From VIN position 1 (J)
Model Year Character
"G" → 2016
Could also be 1986
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm
Research This Model

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 6/30/2026, 7:49:55 AM.