Sell your 2016 Lexus ES for cash

The 2016 Lexus ES is a midsize car that came with a choice of 2.5L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl engines. At 10 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.

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2016 Lexus ES at a glance

Body styleMidsize Cars
Engines2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
TransmissionsAutomatic (AV-S6), Automatic (S6)
DriveFront-Wheel Drive
FuelRegular Gasoline
Fuel economy21–40 city / 31–39 highway / 24–40 combined MPG
EPA annual fuel cost$1,700–$2,800 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles)
Tailpipe CO₂223–363 grams per mile
EPA fuel economy score5–9 out of 10
EPA greenhouse gas score5–9 out of 10
Curb weight (NHTSA test vehicle)3,593 lb
Gross vehicle weight rating4,700–4,740 lb
Versions tested by EPA2 configurations: ES 300h, ES 350
Age10 years

Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; weights from NHTSA crash-test records. Your car's exact equipment may differ.

What affects its junk value

  • Age: at 10 years old, a 2016 ES is newer than most junk cars, so working parts like the engine, transmission and body panels are in demand from rebuilders and parts buyers.
  • Weight: NHTSA's crash-test 2016 ES weighed 3,593 lb at curb weight. Scrap value is largely priced by weight, so this is a good starting point. See how scrap prices by weight work.
  • Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
  • Recalls: NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 ES. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
  • Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the unknown or other, typically around 32,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.

How junk car offers are calculated

2016 Lexus ES recalls

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 2016 Lexus ES. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)Apr 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V198000

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 30, 2015, to February 3, 2016, 2016 Lexus RX350 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2015, to February 8, 2016, and 2016 Lexus ES350 vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015, to February 29, 2016. These…

Risk: Insufficient brake fluid pressure may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Common 2016 ES problems

Owners have filed 37 complaints about the 2016 Lexus ES with NHTSA. 5 reports involved a crash. Owners reported 1 injury.

Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.

Most-reported components

  • Unknown or Other15
  • Service Brakes9
  • Air Bags4
  • Engine4
  • Electrical System3
  • Vehicle Speed Control3

Typical mileage when problems were reported

  • Unknown or Other32,000 mi
  • Service Brakes49,000 mi
  • Air Bags17,000 mi
  • Engine1,000 mi
  • Electrical System2,000 mi
  • Vehicle Speed Control19,000 mi

2016 Lexus ES crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Lexus ES.

VersionOverallFrontal crashSide crashRolloverRollover risk
4 Dr, FWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆11.1%

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP). Ratings from different model years or rating systems aren't directly comparable.

2016 Lexus ES service bulletins

Manufacturers have filed 154 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2016 Lexus ES. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.

Most common bulletin topics

  • Equipment40
  • Structure16
  • Electrical System15
  • Equipment12
  • Equipment10
  • Equipment8

Recent bulletins

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 2025 · L-SB-0030-24 Rev2

    Some 2005 - 2026 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to re

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 2025 · L-SB-0043-23 Rev1

    The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this S

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 2025 · L-SB-0017-19 Rev1

    Some 2010 - 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 2025 · L-SB-0017-19 Rev1

    Some 2010 - 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 2022 · 19LE05 Dealer Pa

    DP: Customer Support Program 19LE05 expired December 1, 2022.

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 2022 · 19LE05 Technical

    TI: 19LE05 Expired December 1, 2022

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA opened 1 defect investigation covering the 2016 Lexus ES.

Electrical SystemDP22005 · opened Jan 2023, closed Aug 2023Led to recall 22V063000

Pedestrian alert sounds

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pe

Selling a 2016 ES: questions

How much is a 2016 Lexus ES worth for junk?

It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.

Can I junk a 2016 ES that doesn't run?

Yes. We buy 2016 ESs that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.

Can I sell a 2016 ES with open recalls?

Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2016 Lexus ES; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What paperwork do I need to sell my 2016 ES?

Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.

Sources

Data retrieved October 2026.

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