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How many miles will a 2013 Lexus ES 350 last?

With regular maintenance, a 2013 Lexus ES 350 can reasonably reach 200,000 miles or more, and many examples push past 250,000 miles; some well cared-for units have reported 300,000 miles or more.


The lifespan of a used ES 350 from this era depends on maintenance history, driving conditions, climate, and how well wear parts were addressed over the years. The 3.5-liter V6 uses a timing chain, which helps longevity, but routine service—oil changes, cooling-system care, transmission fluid changes, brake work, and other wear-item upkeep—remains essential to reach high mileage.


Projected mileage ranges for a well-maintained ES 350


Here are the mileage outcomes you might see in the real world for a 2013 ES 350 that has received regular maintenance and careful driving.



  • Common lifetime range: about 200,000 to 250,000 miles for a car with consistent upkeep and typical driving conditions.

  • High-mileage examples: 250,000 to 300,000 miles, observed in cars with thorough maintenance and favorable use patterns.

  • Best-case extremes: some well-maintained vehicles exceed 300,000 miles, with reports of 320,000 miles or more; occasional examples reach or surpass 350,000 miles.


In short, the 2013 ES 350 can be very durable, but achieving the upper end depends on attentive maintenance and driving conditions.


What drives longevity and how to maximize it


Maintaining a Lexus ES 350 from 2013 to maximize miles hinges on consistent care. Owners and technicians point to a few core practices that correlate with longevity:



  • Follow the factory maintenance schedule, using synthetic oil and changing it at recommended intervals.

  • Keep the cooling system in good condition: coolant changes, radiator, hoses, water pump as needed to prevent overheating.

  • Change transmission fluid per schedule and inspect the drive train for wear; the ES 350 uses a modern automatic transmission that benefits from regular servicing.

  • Inspect and replace brake components, tires, suspension parts, and steering components to prevent uneven wear and maintain safety.

  • Replace spark plugs and ignition components as recommended and monitor timing chain/tensioner wear, though the chain typically lasts longer than a belt in this engine family.

  • Address rust and body integrity, especially in regions with harsh winters or road salt, to preserve chassis longevity.


With these maintenance pillars, many ES 350 owners can extend the usable life of their vehicle well into the 200,000s and beyond.


Used purchase considerations for longevity


Buying a used 2013 ES 350 with longevity in mind means scrutiny of service history and current condition. Look for thorough maintenance records, signs of major repairs, and a clean mechanical baseline before purchase.



  • Full service history including timing chain/tensioner checks where applicable

  • Evidence of regular oil changes with synthetic oil

  • Cooling system service records, including coolant changes and radiator/thermostat status

  • Transmission service history and any abnormal shifting or fluid leaks

  • Inspection for rust, particularly on the frame and underbody, in harsher climates


Cars with complete, verifiable maintenance histories and no major mechanical problems typically offer longer potential lifespans than those with gaps in care.


Summary


The 2013 Lexus ES 350 is built to endure, and with proactive maintenance and careful use, it can routinely run well past 200,000 miles. Real-world data show a broad spread: most surviving examples land around 200,000–250,000 miles, with many reaching 250,000–300,000 miles and a minority surpassing 300,000. The key to turning those miles into years is disciplined maintenance, smart driving, and timely attention to wear items. For prospective buyers, a complete service history and sound mechanical condition are the strongest predictors of long life.

What is the average lifespan of a Lexus ES 350?


A Lexus ES 350 can last for well over 200,000 miles, with many owners reporting over 250,000 to 300,000 miles or more with proper maintenance. Its longevity is highly dependent on regular and diligent care, such as consistent oil changes, using the correct oil type (synthetic), and following the manufacturer's recommended service schedule for other components like transmission fluid and coolant. 
Factors influencing the lifespan

  • Routine maintenance: This is the most critical factor. Keeping up with oil changes, fluid flushes, and other scheduled services is key to maximizing the engine's life. 
  • Quality of parts: Using genuine OEM parts and high-quality synthetic oil can help ensure longevity. 
  • Driving habits: A history of smooth, consistent driving versus harsh, stop-and-go city driving can also affect wear and tear. 
  • Specific model year: Some model years may have specific known issues. For example, early models (2006-2007) had some issues with the 3.5L V6 engine, as noted by some users on Reddit. 

Real-world examples
  • Some owners have reported their ES 350s reaching close to 300,000 miles or even higher without major mechanical failures. 
  • One owner on Facebook noted their 2016 ES 350 had over 340,000 miles. 



What year to stay away from Lexus ES 350?


You should avoid the 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2015 Lexus ES 350 models due to common issues like melting dashboards, engine/transmission problems, and other mechanical failures. While some later years also have specific reported problems, such as a hollow door design on some 2019 models that causes noise, the 2007-2015 period contains the most widely cited issues.
 
Years to avoid and common problems

  • 2007–2009: Prone to oil leaks, engine issues like blown head gaskets, and AC problems from a defective evaporator core. The 2007 model is particularly known for its melting dashboard. Transmission problems like rough shifting and hesitations are also common. 
  • 2011: Has a high number of complaints for various problems, including engine and transmission issues, as well as other mechanical failures. 
  • 2013–2015: Reportedly have issues with exploding sunroofs, engine stalls when turning, and door lock malfunctions. Some of these years also saw problems with ventilated seats and powertrain fluid leaks. 
  • 2019: Some owners reported that the doors feel hollow and let in a lot of road noise, a problem that was reportedly fixed around the 2020-2021 model years. 

Years that are generally considered more reliable
  • 2012: Often mentioned as a good year to buy. 
  • 2017–2019: Generally considered reliable with modern features. 
  • 2020 and later: The years following the 2019 model year are generally considered more reliable, with some specific minor issues such as the hollow doors on 2019 models being addressed in later models. 



How many miles can a 2013 Lexus ES 350 last?


The burning question for potential buyers, whether considering a new or used Lexus ES 350, is how many miles this vehicle can go. On average, a Lexus ES 350 can last between 220,000 and 250,000 miles.



How reliable is the 2013 Lexus ES 350?


The 2013 Lexus ES 350 is a highly reliable car, benefiting from Toyota's strong reliability record, but some owners have reported specific issues. Common problems include noises and leaks, exhaust system issues, and problems with the keyless entry system, though many consumers rate the car's overall reliability very highly. Like any luxury vehicle, it can have expensive repairs, so pre-purchase inspections are recommended.
 
This video discusses the reliability and common issues of the 2013-2018 Lexus ES 350: 1mDiscerning CarsYouTube · Aug 23, 2023
Common problems and considerations

  • Noises and leaks: Some owners have reported squeaks, rattles, and air or water leaks from various seals and weather stripping. 
  • Exhaust system: Issues with the muffler, catalytic converter, or heat shields can occur. 
  • Keyless entry: A reported problem is that the rear driver's side door lock does not work electronically. 
  • Potential for costly repairs: While reliable, parts like the starter, alternator, and power steering pump can be expensive to repair, so a pre-purchase inspection is wise. 
  • Melting dashboard: Some models have experienced issues with the dashboard material melting. 
  • Infotainment system: There have been reports of infotainment system problems, including electrical damage to the sound system. 

Reliability and longevity
  • High consumer ratings: Many reviews rate the 2013 ES 350 very highly for reliability, with ratings often at 4.7 out of 5 or higher. 
  • Long lifespan: On average, a Lexus ES 350 can last between 220,000 and 250,000 miles. 
  • Dependable powertrain: The 2013 model uses a reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, which is a solid combination. 
  • Benefits from Toyota engineering: The car benefits from its parent company, Toyota, which is known for its strong reliability. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.