Lexus ES problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 272 owner complaints and 4 recalls on file for the Lexus ES (2005–2025). The 2019 ES has the most serious complaints, most often about fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion.

Complaints
272
Recalls
4
Model years
21
Worst year
2019

Complaints by model year

7200513820071692009161220111221201345201593201753320191828202111102023952025
NHTSA complaints per Lexus ES model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Lexus ES years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2019 Lexus ES — 33 complaints, 6 crashes; top problem: Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
  2. 2007 Lexus ES — 38 complaints, 5 crashes; top problem: Visibility & Wipers
  3. 2021 Lexus ES — 28 complaints, 1 crash; top problem: Airbags

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2006 (1 complaints).

Every Lexus ES model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2025 ES52101Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2024 ES92002Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
2023 ES103002Brakes
2022 ES110000Wheels & Tires
2021 ES281011Airbags
2020 ES183041Airbags
2019 ES336061Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
2018 ES51020Airbags
2017 ES30000Lighting
2016 ES92010Brakes
2015 ES52020Airbags
2014 ES40010Brakes
2013 ES212010Brakes
2012 ES122030Airbags
2011 ES122020Body & Structure
2010 ES162010Body & Structure
2009 ES92000Body & Structure
2008 ES161010Electrical System
2007 ES385060Visibility & Wipers
2006 ES10000Airbags
2005 ES70000Suspension

Most common Lexus ES problem areas (all years)

  • Airbags
    63 complaints
  • Brakes
    32 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    29 complaints
  • Electrical System
    27 complaints
  • Engine
    22 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    21 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    19 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    18 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    14 complaints
  • Steering
    14 complaints

Complaint trend

20202021202220252026
Complaints about the Lexus ES received by NHTSA each month.

Lexus ES recalls

  • Recall 25V744000Oct 30, 20251,024,407 vehiclesModel years 2023–2025

    Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 24V124000Feb 21, 202418,616 vehiclesModel years 2023–2024

    Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 23V865000Dec 20, 2023999,901 vehiclesModel years 2020–2021

    Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

  • Recall 19V288000Apr 10, 2019564 vehiclesModel years 2019

    Risk: In the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury if the knee air bag does not deploy properly.

Other Lexus models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology