The 2024 ES 350 is too new for meaningful failure patterns, but its 2GR-FKS V6 and 8-speed auto share DNA with 2019-2023 ES models that show specific weaknesses around carbon buildup, transmission cooler lines, and oil consumption on higher-mileage examples.
Direct Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: rough idle or misfire codes (P0300-P0306), hesitation on acceleration from stop, reduced fuel economy by 2-3 mpg
Fix: Walnut blasting intake ports, 4-6 hours labor depending on experience. Some shops pull the intake manifold for better access, adding time. Catch-can install during service is smart preventive.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: pink/red fluid drips under engine bay center-left, transmission temp warning on dash, burnt ATF smell after highway driving
Fix: Cooler lines rust at crimp points where they meet steel hardlines near radiator. Replace both feed and return lines as a pair, 2-3 hours. Flush ATF system afterward. Ignoring this grenades the transmission.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Excessive Oil Consumption (Piston Ring Wear)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: burning 1 qt per 1,000-2,000 miles, blue smoke on cold start or deceleration, fouled spark plugs on cylinders 1, 3, 5
Fix: 2GR-FKS engines on some VINs have soft piston rings. Toyota had a TSB (0094-19) for warranty claims. Repair is full teardown: pistons, rings, hone cylinders. 18-24 hours labor. Some shops short-block swap instead at similar cost.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
Transmission Mount Degradation
Common · low severityTypical onset: 70,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: clunk or thud when shifting from Park to Drive/Reverse, vibration at idle in Drive with brake applied, excessive engine movement visible when revving in Park
Fix: Rear transmission mount fails first due to torque load. Front engine mounts often fine longer. Replace rear mount, 1.5 hours. OEM fluid-filled mount recommended over aftermarket solid.
Estimated cost: $350-600
VVT-i Gear Rattle on Cold Start
Occasional · low severityTypical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: brief rattle/buzz for 2-3 seconds on cold start, sounds like marbles in a can, goes away when warm, no codes, no performance loss
Fix: VVT-i cam gears on bank 1 and 2 wear internal lock pins. Toyota knows about it, usually not a failure item unless it persists warm. Replacement requires cam cover removal, timing work. 6-8 hours labor per bank if you do both.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
Solid luxury sedan if maintained, but the 2GR-FKS has known oil consumption and carbon issues that turn expensive past 100k—buy CPO or with full records, avoid neglected high-milers.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.