How much is maintenance on a 2007 Lexus ES 350?

Maintenance for a 2007 Lexus ES 350 typically runs about $500 to $900 per year for routine service, with occasional larger repairs pushing average annual costs higher (roughly $1,000 to $1,500 in years with bigger work). Costs vary by location, mileage, and how well the car has been maintained.

What drives maintenance costs on a aging ES 350

As with any older luxury sedan, ongoing upkeep depends on mileage, prior service history, local labor rates, and the availability of parts. The ES 350 uses a timing chain rather than a timing belt, which affects major replacement costs, but other aging components—such as the water pump, brakes, tires, and filters—become more likely to require attention as the car accrues miles.

Before you review the cost breakdown below, note that the numbers are typical ranges and can vary by region and shop.

Routine maintenance costs

Costs listed here reflect common services you’ll incur year to year when keeping a 2007 ES 350 in regular service.

• Oil change and filter: conventional oil typically $40–$70; synthetic oil $70–$120.


• Tire rotation and balance: $15–$40.


• Engine air filter replacement: $20–$60.


• Cabin air filter replacement: $25–$60.


• Brake pad replacement (per axle): $150–$300.


• Brake rotor replacement or resurfacing (per rotor): $100–$300.


• Serpentine belt replacement: $80–$150 (if applicable).


• Transmission fluid change: $150–$300.


• Coolant flush or drain/fill: $100–$150.


• Spark plug replacement (V6): $150–$400.


• Battery replacement: $100–$200.


• Tire replacement (set of four): $500–$1,000+ depending on brand and tire type.

Routine maintenance costs tend to be predictable and manageable if you follow the recommended service schedule and shop around for parts and labor. Staying with a trusted local shop or a dealership can influence price, as can the choice between OEM and aftermarket parts.

Major service milestones and potential costs

Beyond routine items, aging components can lead to more substantial expenditures as the car approaches and passes the 60,000–100,000 mile range. The exact costs depend on what needs to be repaired or replaced and labor rates in your area.

Before diving into the list, here is a concise overview of big-ticket items you might encounter on a 2007 ES 350 as the odometer climbs:

Common major repairs and their potential costs

• Water pump replacement: $500–$900 (labor-intensive; often done with other cooling system work).


• Timing chain/tensioner/guide service (if issues arise): $1,000–$2,000.


• Major brake overhaul (pads + rotors beyond ordinary wear): $300–$800 per axle depending on rotor condition and parts.


• Suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings): $400–$1,200 total depending on parts replaced.


• Air conditioning service or refrigerant recharge: $150–$600 depending on whether there’s a leak or compressor work is needed.


• Radiator or cooling system work (coolant hoses, radiator, thermostat): $150–$500.


• Engine or transmission fluid flushes (as part of neglected maintenance): $150–$350.

Costs for major repairs can vary widely based on parts availability, labor rates, and whether multiple components are addressed in one visit. Budgeting for eventual major maintenance is wise when owning an older luxury sedan.

Summary

For a 2007 Lexus ES 350, expect roughly $500–$900 per year in routine maintenance, with the potential for higher annual costs if major repairs are needed. Regular oil changes, tire care, brakes, and filters are the primary ongoing expenses. As mileage increases, plan for less frequent but more expensive items such as water pumps, timing-chain related components, or suspension work. A proactive maintenance plan and careful budgeting can help keep ownership costs predictable for this aging luxury sedan.

How much is an oil change for a 2007 Lexus ES350?

The average cost for a Lexus ES350 Oil Change is between $176 and $208. Labor costs are estimated between $69 and $101 while parts are typically priced around $107. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.

Does a 2007 Lexus ES 350 have a timing belt or a timing chain?

The 2007 Lexus ES 350 uses a timing chain, not a timing belt. This is a significant difference because timing chains are designed to last the life of the engine and do not have a scheduled replacement interval like timing belts, which typically require replacement around 90,000 miles. 

• Timing Chain: The 2007 ES 350 has a timing chain, which is more durable and is generally expected to last the life of the engine with proper maintenance, especially regular oil changes. 
• Maintenance: While replacement isn't scheduled, a timing chain can eventually stretch over time. If this happens, it may cause a check engine light or excessive engine noise, and in rare cases, a broken chain will prevent the engine from starting. 
• Serpentine Belt: Do not confuse the timing chain with the serpentine belt, which drives accessories like the water pump and power steering pump and does require periodic replacement. 

Is a 2007 Lexus ES 350 a reliable car?

The 2007 Lexus ES 350 is considered a highly reliable car, but it does have a few known issues, especially with age, that are important to check before buying. Common problems include the sticky/cracked dashboard plastic, a potential oil cooler pipe leak (which can be replaced proactively), and sometimes rough shifting in the transmission that may be fixed with an ECU reflash. Despite these potential issues, the ES 350 is generally praised for its comfort, quiet ride, and overall dependability, with many owners reporting many trouble-free miles.
 
Reliability positives
This video discusses the reliability of the 2007 Lexus ES 350: 59sDiscerning CarsYouTube · Mar 12, 2022

• Strong overall reputation: Lexus is a very reliable brand, and the ES 350 is no exception. Many owners consider it one of the most dependable vehicles they've owned. 
• Durable engine: The engine is generally very reliable, though some issues can arise over time. 
• Comfortable and quiet: Owners frequently praise its smooth and quiet ride. 
• Good crash test ratings: The 2007 model received high safety ratings, including five stars in frontal crash tests. 

Common issues to check
This video provides a closer look at potential issues with the 2007 Lexus ES 350, including the sticky dashboard: 59sThe Car Care NutYouTube · Apr 16, 2025

• Dashboard: The plastic dash is known to crack or become sticky with age and heat. Replacement covers are available. 
• Oil cooler pipe: The oil cooler pipe that connects the engine to the radiator for oil cooling can burst. It is recommended to proactively replace it with an improved metallic version. 
• Transmission: Some owners report rough shifting or hesitation. This may be resolvable with a transmission ECU reflash. 
• Other potential repairs: Other issues that may arise include power locks failing, valve gaskets leaking, wheel bearings, and struts/shocks. 
• Timing chain: While the timing chain is designed to last longer than a belt, it may need replacement around 120,000 miles. Check maintenance records to see if it has been replaced if the car has high mileage. 

Before you buy

• Have a pre-purchase inspection: It's essential to have a mechanic check the vehicle thoroughly, as the cost of repairs can add up without a warranty. 
• Check for codes: Use a scan tool to check for any stored codes in the check engine light, as this can reveal issues even if the light isn't on. 
• Inspect the interior: Carefully check for cracking or stickiness on the dashboard. 
• Review maintenance history: Ask for service records, especially to confirm if the timing chain has been replaced and if the transmission's fluid has been changed. 

Is Lexus ES 350 expensive to maintain?

No, the Lexus ES 350 is not considered expensive to maintain, especially when compared to other luxury vehicles. While luxury cars can have high costs, the ES 350 is known for its reliability, which results in lower average annual maintenance and repair costs than many competitors. Following the recommended maintenance schedule is key to keeping costs down. 
Maintenance cost comparison

• Lower than average: The average annual repair and maintenance cost for a Lexus ES 350 is around $468, which is well below the average for luxury midsize cars and the overall average for all cars. Lexus as a brand costs about $551 annually, significantly less than brands like BMW ($968) or Mercedes-Benz ($908). 
• Lower chance of major repairs: The ES 350 has a lower probability of requiring a major repair compared to similar vehicles, though you may have to visit the shop more often for minor issues. 

Factors to consider

• Routine maintenance: Following the recommended schedule for oil changes, fluid checks, and other routine services is crucial to prevent larger, more expensive problems down the line. 
• Model year: Older models, especially from the 2007-2012 generation, can be a good value if purchased with a thorough inspection and with a budget set aside for potential repairs. 
• Driving habits and location: Your personal driving style and where you live will impact costs. Living in an area with a higher cost of labor or having a lead foot will increase the expenses. 

What to expect

• Initial costs: In the first year or two, maintenance costs may seem high due to initial services like oil changes and inspections. However, these costs will fluctuate and decrease in the following years, and the overall cost to own the vehicle over five years is relatively competitive. 
• Long-term costs: The ES 350 is built to last, and with proper care, it should have lower repair and maintenance costs than many other luxury vehicles in the long run.