Engine
3.3L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Speed control
51 complaint records1 fire report23 crash reports
"2005 LEXUS ES 330. CONSUMER STATES UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse speed control parts in the directory →
Power train
43 complaint records1 crash report
"ALMOST COLLISION. WHILE PULLING INTO TRAFFIC, CAR HESITATES, CREATING HAZARD. TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Air bags
18 complaint records8 crash reports
"TAMARA RECALL ON MY AIRBAGS,NEVER REPAIRED. I GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT AND AIRBAGS DIDN'T COME OUT. HAVE TO REPLACE BRAKES EVERY FEW MONTHS ON THIS CAR ALSO..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP05002 opened Aug 2005 | closed Jan 2006 | Vehicle Speed Control | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL IN A LETTER DATED JULY 8, 2005, AND AFTER EXPERIENCING TWO INCIDENTS (AND ONE CRASH) WHERE HE ALLEGES HIS MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002 CAMRY ACCELERATED WITHOUT DRIVER INPUT, MR. |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11V539000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AVALON VEHICLES; 2004 AND 2005 CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA, HIGHLANDER, AND SIENNA VEHICLES, 2006 HIGHLANDER HYBRID; 2004 AND 2005 LEXUS ES330 AND RX330; AND 2006 LEXUS RX400H... | Normally free |
| 04V595000 | Seat Belts | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT PASSENGER POWER SEAT, WHEN INSTALLING CERTAIN REAR-FACING INFANT CHILD SEAT BASES ONTO THE SEAT WITH AN EXCESSIVELY HIGH SEATBELT TENSION, IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO UNSEAT... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011397 2011-11-09 | Steering | 23,003 | On certain vehicles equipped with a 1MZ-FE or 3MZ-FE V6 engine, the crankshaft pulley may fail. The outer ring may become misaligned, or it may not properly rotate, causing noise and/or illumination of the discharge warning light. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety Recall 22 Apr 2022 | Equipment | Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022 | |
| L-SB-0004-22 Feb 2022 | Air Bags | TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. | |
| Lexus PRO19-02 - Jan 2022 | Wheels | POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. | |
| L-SB-0002-20 Rev Aug 2020 | Engine | TSB: Vehicles may display evidence of a fluid leak or fluid seep from powertrain components. This bulletin explains how to determine the differences between a fluid leak versus a fluid seep. Cases that are determined to be a ?leak? | |
| L-SB-0023-20 Jun 2020 | Wheels | TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. ST004-01, SU001-08, and L-SB-0174-08. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. |
Show 53 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| L-SB-0174-08 Obs Jun 2020 | Steering | TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE June 23, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0023-20. | |
| Lexus Safety Re May 2020 | Equipment | Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements | |
| L-SB-0008-20 Apr 2020 | Equipment | TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, PG002-90, L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003 93, and PG002-90. | |
| L-SB-0179-17 Obs Apr 2020 | Equipment | TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates | |
| L-SB-0021-14_Obs Jan 2018 | Equipment | TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2018: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0001-18. | |
| L-SB-0001-18 Jan 2018 | Power Train | TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-SB-0021-14. * Applicability has been updated to include applicable 2018 models and 2016 * 2018 model year RC 300 and 2015 * 2018 model year RC 350 vehicles. | |
| L-SB-0048-08 Obs Dec 2017 | Equipment | TSB: Replacement Certification Labels. OBSOLETE NOTICE November 28, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0179-17. | |
| L-SB-0021-14 Rev Sep 2016 | Equipment | TSB: Revision Notice: Applicability section has been updated to include 2016-2017 applicable model year Lexus vehicles. The Repair Procedure section, Required Tools & Equipment section, and the Repair Procedure section has been updated. | |
| L-SB-0025-14 Jul 2015 | Equipment | TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. | |
| L-SB-0066-11 Rev Apr 2015 | Electrical System | LSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. | |
| L-SB-0025-14 Rev Nov 2014 | Equipment | TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. | |
| L-SB-0021-14 Rev Oct 2014 | Power Train | TSB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. | |
| L-SB-0082-14 Oct 2014 | Power Train | TSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or transmission damage. | |
| L-SB-0007-11 Rev Oct 2014 | Power Train | TSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle assembly replacement. | |
| L-SB-0041-11 Rev Oct 2014 | Power Train | TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE-October 16, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0082-14. | |
| LSB008214 Oct 2014 | Power Train | Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions | |
| L-SB-0025-14 Rev Jul 2014 | Equipment | TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. | |
| LSB002514A Jul 2014 | Equipment | Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset | |
| LSB002514B Jul 2014 | Electrical System | Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset | |
| LSB002514 Jul 2014 | Electrical System | Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset. | |
| L-SB-0021-14 Jun 2014 | Electrical System | TSB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. | |
| L-SB-0015-10 Rev Jun 2014 | Unknown Or Other | TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE-June 12, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete. | |
| LSB002114 Jun 2014 | Electrical System | Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure. | |
| L-TT-0111-13 Jan 2014 | Air Bags | Lexus vehicles are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. | |
| L-SB-0092-13 Dec 2013 | Visibility | The following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance. | |
| L-BO-004-05 Obso Dec 2013 | Visibility | This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0092-13. | |
| LSB009213B Dec 2013 | Visibility | Windshield Wiper Blade Maintenance and cleaning | |
| L-SB-0143-11 Rev Nov 2013 | Seats | Beginning in 1998, Lexus introduced side airbags as optional equipment. Lexus does NOT recommend replacement of original seat covers with non-Lexus leather or other seat cover materials on vehicles due to the following: Seat covers NOT recommended by Lexus may affect side airbag... | |
| L-TT-0031-10 Nov 2013 | Equipment | Adhesive & sealant cross reference Information | |
| LTT014513 Nov 2013 | Visibility | Spots in Window Glass - vehicle exterior | |
| L-TT-0095-12 Oct 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | If a customer states there is an unpleasant odor in the vehicle from the HVAC system, there are various factors that may be involved. | |
| L-SB-0041-11 Rev Oct 2013 | Power Train | This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0082-14. | |
| L-TT-0031-10 Rev Jul 2013 | Equipment | Certain service publications, Technical Service Bulletins, Service Campaign Technical Instructions and Service & Parts Operation Communication Bulletins may reference specifically required adhesives and sealants | |
| L-TT-0068-11 Rev Jul 2013 | Tires | Prior to tire rotation use the quick reference chart below to verify the size of the lug nut and the lug nut torque specifications. The quick reference chart is applicable to current generation vehicles only. | |
| L-SB-0090-08 Rev Apr 2013 | Visibility | If a creak, tick, or rattle noise is heard at the top or bottom of the windshield, the source of the noise may be the two windshield stoppers bonded to the top of the windshield or the windshield retainers bonded to the lower edge of the windshield. | |
| L-TT-0116-13 Feb 2013 | Electrical System | Navigation/ Multi Info Display Day Mode Operation | |
| LEXUS SERVICE Feb 2013 | Fuel/Propulsion System | Fuel Delivery Pipe Replacement | |
| L-SB-0010-13 Feb 2013 | Parking Brake | A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system. This bulletin references the correct method for installing the Brake Pedal Force Gauge. | |
| LSB001013 Feb 2013 | Service Brakes | Brake Pedal Force Gauge SST for Parking Brake Inspection. | |
| Lexus Floor Mat Jan 2013 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | In the recent Bi-annual Floor Mat reminder letter distributed November, 2012, Lexus indicated that we were developing support materials that will help remind dealership customers and associates of the importance of proper floor mat usage. | |
| L-SB-0015-10 Rev Jan 2013 | Electrical System | Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. | |
| L-SB-0066-11 Rev Jan 2013 | Electrical System | When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. | |
| L-TT-0111-13 Jan 2013 | Air Bags | Lexus vehicles are equipped with SRS, including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pretensioner devices did not per | |
| LSB-0143-11 Nov 2011 | Seats | LEXUS: INFORMATION REGARDING THE SEAT COVER REPLACEMENT, EQUIPPED WITH SIDE AIR BAGS, THE MODIFICATIONS THAT MIGHT NEGATIVELY AFFECT SIDE AIR BAG PERFORMANCE CAN RESULT IN SEVERE INJURIES. *PE | |
| LSB-0015-10 Feb 2010 | Electrical System | LEXUS: TECHSTREAM ECU FLASH REPROGRAMMING PROCEDURE. FLASH REPROGRAMMING ALLOWS THE ECU SOFTWARE TO BE UPDATED WITHOUT REPLACING THE ECU. FLASH CALIBRATION UPDATES FOR SPECIFIC VEHICLE MODELS/ECUS ARE RELEASED AS FIELD FIX PROCEDURES DESCRIBED IN INDIVIDUAL SERVICE BULLETINS. *PE | |
| 01905 Nov 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0171, P0174,P2195, OR P2197. *AK | |
| 01105 Nov 2005 | Seat Belts | THE REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE TETHER STRAP HAS BEEN MODIFIED TO IMPROVE THE EASE OF USE FOR THE CUSTOMER. *TS | |
| 00105 Apr 2005 | Steering | CLUNK, POP, OR KNOCK TYPE NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. *TT | |
| 00605 Mar 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0346 (CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR A CIRCUIT/RANGE). *TT | |
| 00205 Feb 2005 | Electrical System | PASSENGER AIRBAG INDICATOR LAMP MAY SWITCH FROM ON TO OFF FOR FRONT SEAT PASSENGERS WEIGHING APPROXIMATELY LESS THAN 100 POUNDS. LEXUS *TT | |
| 00305 Feb 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0031, P0051, P2238, AND/OR P2241. *TT | |
| TC00403 Aug 2003 | Power Train | ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) CALIBRATION - SHIFTING ENHANCEMENT - REVISED. *TT 2ND REVISION. *TT | |
| 00401 Dec 2001 | Steering | REPAIR MANUAL SUPPLEMENT - VEHICLE PULLING TO ONE SIDE. ALL LEXUS 2002 - 2006 MODELS. *TT ALL '02 - '07 MODELS. LEXUS. *TT |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Test the throttle response and the cruise control on an open road.A surge, a hang in engine speed after lifting off, or cruise that will not set or cancel cleanly are the speed-control complaints on this vehicle.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Lexus Es330 →