During a test drive of a 2019 ES 350 at a dealership (not a Lexus dealership), things were going fine until the sales rep and I got on a stretch of open road and I floored it (smoothly, in normal mode). The car accelerated for about two seconds and then went into reduced power mode and the check engine light came on. We immediately pulled over and the following errors were showing on the dash:

EPB Malfuction

Secondary Collision Brake System Malfunction

Check Engine, Reduced Power

Parking Support Brake Malfunction

It limped back to the dealer (about 1/8mi away) and they said they'd have a tech take a look at it and call me tomorrow. Hard pass.

Anyone have an idea of what might have happened? Obviously I'm not buying this vehicle and I'm not ruling out a different ES 350, but what the actual ****?

 

EPB and other brake messages are not related to braking system in this case so the problem may be a engine sensor or something like that.

 

How many miles were on that car?

 

I'd run---and never look back!!

 

Honestly, I love my car. These cars drive very smooth. I’ve had mine for 3 years now and it’s the best car I’ve ever had. I guarantee it’s due to the cold weather. My car is actually driving fine. I can still accelerate to whatever speed, however I just noticed that it won’t let me change the gear to anything after 5.

 

It's good advice to have any used car checked by a knowledgeable shop for prepurchase inspection. Less than $200. Even if everything seems fine. I wouldn't assume this car is junked. It can be repaired.

 

So glad it happened then and not shortly after you bought it! I’m glad you ran the other way but don’t hold it against all 7 Gen 350’s, even used ones. By and large, they’re very well made and reliable cars.