In my research of the new ES I see numerous threads all over the internet, from Reddit, to this forum, to Edmunds about the ML audio system and people requesting a TSB be made as they say it is faulty and broken in its design.

I have a 2017 IS350 with the ML and find it to be fine. It is front biased but ok by me as I sit in the front. Music is very very clear and bass hits hard when I need it to.

I would imaging the new ML in the new ES should be an improvement over my current IS and its ML.

Are the complaints with the ML in the new ES an actual hardware issue that are affecting certain VIN number ranges or is it just tuned a certain way that the owners aren't understanding how to dial it in and in turn going back to the dealerships to complain.

These are two different issues and before I buy an ES I am curious what to look for when testing the ML during my test drive and if it seems like a TSB or warranty recall is likely coming.

Again, a manufacturer defect is a much different issue than a user error in tuning. But the problem seems so widespread and widely documented that I am starting to believe it is a design defect.

If it appears to be a design defect (which is hard to believe knowing ML as a company and Lexus) then I can always just opt out and go for the base stereo as Lexus calls the base stereo a "premium" 10 speaker system...not sure what speaker brand the base system has.

Thanks

 

There are no defects or design flaws, it works exactly as intended.

The best thing to do is to take a flash drive or CD and go listen to it yourself.

 

Perfect advice! The system functions as designed it is just that some buyers wanted something different. For me, it recreates a concert sound and is great. I don't sit in the middle of an orchestra, so I don't expect to hear a lot of music from behind me. Try it and see if it fits your desires.