Is the Lexus ES 350 made in Japan?

Most Lexus ES 350 sedans are built in Japan, though some units have been assembled in North America to meet regional demand. The exact manufacturing location can vary by model year and market.

This article explains where the ES 350 is produced, how production locations have changed over time, and how you can verify the origin of a specific vehicle. We’ll also discuss why knowing the plant of origin can matter to buyers and collectors.

Where the ES 350 is produced

The Lexus ES 350’s production footprint has historically been centered in Japan, with additional regional assembly to support demand in North America. Production location can shift based on market needs, supply chain considerations, and plant capacity, so there isn’t a single fixed factory for all ES 350 units.

Key points about production locations include:

• Japan remains a primary production hub for many ES 350 units destined for global markets.


• North American demand has, at times, been supported by assembly work in North American facilities to reduce lead times and import costs.


• Some markets may rely on locally produced ES 350 units where permitted by local manufacturing agreements or joint ventures.


• The exact factory and country of origin can vary by model year, trim, and production run; VIN and window stickers provide the definitive answer for a given vehicle.

In summary, while Japan serves as the main origin for the ES 350, production is distributed to accommodate regional demand, and there isn’t a single universal factory for every ES 350 sold worldwide.

How to verify a specific car’s origin

To determine the exact country or plant where a particular ES 350 was built, use a combination of official documentation and on-vehicle indicators.

1. Locate the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the dashboard, door jamb, or vehicle registration documents. The VIN is a unique code that encodes manufacturing information.


2. Decode the VIN’s World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) portion, which identifies the country or region of manufacture and the factory code. If you’re unsure how to interpret the WMI, consult a VIN decoder or your dealer.


3. Check the Monroney window sticker (for US-market vehicles) or the European/Canadian equivalents, which typically include a “Made in” line indicating the country of origin.


4. Review the vehicle’s build sheet or contact the dealer or Lexus customer service for an official origin certification tied to that exact VIN.

If you bought from a dealer, you should be able to obtain the window sticker or a copy of the build sheet, which will explicitly state whether the car was built in Japan or another country. A VIN lookup through Lexus or a trusted automotive data service is also a reliable way to confirm origin.

Why production location matters

Where a car is built can affect certain details that buyers care about, including manufacturing standards, supply chain timelines, and historical resale value. Some enthusiasts prefer vehicles produced at traditional Japanese plants, while others value regional assembly for reasons such as updated features, warranty logistics, or regional market alignment.

Summary

The Lexus ES 350 is predominantly produced in Japan, with production in other regions occurring to satisfy market demand in North America and potentially other markets. Because production locations can vary by year and model, the surest way to know where a specific ES 350 was built is to check the VIN’s WMI code and the vehicle’s window sticker or build sheet. Always verify with official VIN decoding resources or Lexus customer support if exact origin is important to you.

What is the common problem in Lexus ES 350?

Common problems reported for the Lexus ES 350 include oil leaks, issues with the infotainment and navigation systems, a melting dashboard, and potential engine problems like blown cylinder head gaskets, especially in certain model years. Owners have also noted problems with brakes, window or sunroof malfunctions, and steering issues.
 
Engine and mechanical issues

• Oil leaks: Leaks from the engine area, often due to faulty gaskets or seals, are frequently reported. 
• Engine problems: Issues such as blown cylinder head gaskets (particularly in 2007-2009 models), ticking or knocking sounds, and general engine problems can occur. 
• Brakes: Some owners report premature wear on brake pads and rotors, as well as vibration or pulsation during braking. 
• Steering: Problems with the steering system have also been cited.
• Transmission: Major transmission issues have been reported in some cases.

Electrical and infotainment problems 

• Melting dashboard: This is a well-known issue on some models, where the dashboard material degrades and melts. 
• Infotainment and navigation: Common complaints include issues with the infotainment system, GPS failures, and software problems. 
• Windows and sunroofs: Some owners have reported that windows or the sunroof can open on their own. 
• Airbags: There have been recalls for airbag issues, such as the passenger front airbag not deploying as needed. 

Other issues

• Intended acceleration: Some drivers have experienced unintended acceleration. 
• Wind noise: Intrusive wind noise, particularly at highway speeds, is noted by some owners of newer models. 

Which Lexus is made in Japan?

Many Lexus models, including the LS, IS, GX, LX, and RC, are made in Japan. Other models such as the ES, LC, and UX are also produced in Japanese plants, depending on the specific model and trim. Some Lexus models like the RX and ES are built in both Japan and North America. 
Lexus models manufactured in Japan 

• LS: Tahara Plant
• IS: Tahara and Miyata Plants
• GX: Tahara Plant
• LX: Tahara and Yoshiwara Plants
• RC: Tahara Plant
• LC: Motomachi Plant
• UX: Kyushu Plant
• ES: Miyata Plant and Kyushu Plant
• NX: Kyushu Plant 

How to tell if a Lexus is built in Japan?

You can tell if a Lexus was built in Japan by checking the first character of the VIN. A "J" at the beginning of the VIN indicates the vehicle was manufactured in Japan. Alternatively, you can look at the sticker in the driver's side door jamb, which may explicitly state the manufacturing location.
 
Using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) 

• Find the VIN: The VIN is a 17-character serial number found on the dashboard (visible through the windshield) or on the driver's side door jamb. 
• Check the first character: The first character of the VIN indicates the country of origin. 
• Look for "J": If the VIN starts with the letter "J," the vehicle was assembled in Japan. 
• Other letters: Other letters or numbers at the start of the VIN indicate manufacturing in other countries. For example, a "2" or "5" can mean the vehicle was assembled in North America (Canada or the U.S.). 

Using the door jamb sticker 

• Locate the sticker: Open the driver's side door and look for a sticker on the door jamb.
• Read the label: This sticker often contains a phrase like "Manufactured by Honda in Japan" or "Built in Japan by Honda," leaving no doubt about its assembly point. 

Where are Lexus ES models made?

The Lexus ES is made in multiple locations, including Georgetown, Kentucky, USA, and various plants in Japan. Production of the ES has been in Kentucky since 2015, and some sources indicate production may also be shifting to Japan for newer models.
 

• United States: The Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) plant in Georgetown, Kentucky, assembles the Lexus ES sedan. 
• Japan: The Lexus ES is also manufactured in Japan at the Toyota Miyata Plant in Miyawaka, Fukuoka. Additionally, the Toyota City plant in Aichi, Japan, also produces the ES. 
• Production shifts: Some reports indicate that production of the Lexus ES may be shifting back to Japan before the end of 2025, ceasing production at the Kentucky plant.