Lexus ES reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 860 complaints about the Lexus ES with NHTSA since 2010, most often about airbags and other or unspecified. Lexus has filed 11 warranty extensions and 8 service campaigns for it, and there are 16 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Lexus ES? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the ES a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 860
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 11
- Filed by Lexus
- Service campaigns
- 8
- Filed by Lexus
- Safety recalls
- 16
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the ES with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | Automatic emergency braking and collision warning (40%) | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | 9 | Lane keeping (22%) | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 | 12 | Other or unspecified (25%) | 2 | 2 |
| 2022 | 16 | Automatic emergency braking and collision warning (19%) | 1 | 2 |
| 2021 | 35 | Airbags (71%) | 1 | 4 |
| 2020 | 24 | Airbags (46%) | 3 | 5 |
| 2019 | 40 | Fuel and propulsion (30%) | 4 | 7 |
| 2018 | 15 | Other or unspecified (27%) | 2 | 3 |
| 2017 | 26 | Other or unspecified (15%) | 1 | 4 |
| 2016 | 37 | Other or unspecified (41%) | 1 | 4 |
| 2015 | 27 | Other or unspecified (33%) | 1 | 5 |
| 2014 | 46 | Electrical system (30%) | 1 | 6 |
| 2013 | 70 | Brakes (23%) | 1 | 7 |
| 2012 | 120 | Airbags (80%) | 3 | 10 |
| 2011 | 199 | Airbags (86%) | 3 | 10 |
| 2010 | 179 | Airbags (72%) | 4 | 10 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single ES model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Lexus
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Lexus filed with NHTSA for the ES, in its own words. A warranty extension means Lexus pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionDec 2024· Engine· model years 2019–2021
In our continuing efforts to ensure the best in guest satisfaction, Lexus is announcing a Customer Support Program to provide coverage for Flow Shut-off Valve Coolant Leak on Certain 2019 – 2021 Model Year ES300H, Certain 2021 Model Year ES250, and Certain 2019 –2020 Model Year…
- Warranty extensionDec 2024· Engine· model years 2019–2021
Frequently Asked Questions CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM 24LE01 Certain 2019 -2021 Model Year ES300H Certain 2021 Model Year ES250 Certain 2019 -2020 Model Year UX200 Coverage for Flow Shut-off Valve Coolant Leak
- Warranty extensionFeb 2023· Fuel system· model years 2018–2020
On December 20, 2022, a settlement of claims for certain low pressure fuel pumps was approved by the federal court.
- Warranty extensionJul 2022· Airbags· model years 2010–2012
CSP: On July 30, 2018, a settlement of claims for Economic Loss related to Takata airbag inflators was approved for full implementation.
- Warranty extensionAug 2020· Mobility equipment· model years 2010–2017
Ti: Technical instructions for limited service campaign klg customer support program 19LE05 safety connect system ? Vehicle location inaccurate
- Warranty extensionOct 2019· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2017
Area Letter: The Data Communication Module (DCM) in the subject vehicles is equipped with software to identify the location of the vehicle using the Global Positioning System (GPS) to support features of the Safety Connect system.
- Warranty extensionOct 2019· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2014
Technical instructions: Technical instructions for limited service campaign klg customer support program 19LE05 safety connect system ?
- Warranty extensionSep 2019· Brakes· model years 2013–2015
In our continuing efforts to ensure the best in customer satisfaction, Lexus is announcing a Customer Support Program to provide coverage for Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assemblies on certain 2013-2015 Model ES 300h vehicles.
- Warranty extensionNov 2018· Electrical system· model years 2010–2012
Dealer Packet: November 14 , 2018 The inspection application is now available.
- Warranty extensionOct 2018· Electrical system· model years 2010–2012
Customer Support Program Bulletin: Lexus has received reports indicating that a combination of high humidity, high temperatures, and light intensity may cause the surface of the Dashboard (Instrument Panel) and/or certain interior trim panels in some of the subject vehicles to…
- Warranty extensionSep 2018· Electrical system· model years 2010–2012
Dealer Email: Lexus has received reports indicating that a combination of high humidity, high temperatures, and light intensity may cause the surface of the dashboard (instrument panel) and/or certain interior trim panels in some of the subject vehicles to become cracked and/or…
- Service campaignApr 2025· Engine· model years 2019
SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN 25LC01 Certain 2019 Model Year ES 300h Vehicles Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Frequently Asked Questions
- Service campaignOct 2024· Other or unspecified· model years 2023
The subject vehicles were delivered with only one (1) Smart Key on select models since October 2022 due to a global semiconductor shortage impacting certain microchips. The affected vehicles were delivered with one (1) Smart Key and a second mechanical key.
- Service campaignJun 2024· Electrical system· model years 2023
Technical instructions for special service campaign 24LC02 data communicaton module (dcm) update certain 2023 ES250, ES300H, ES350, LS500, RX350, RX350H, RX500H, RZ450E, UX250H
- Service campaignAug 2022· Engine and cooling· model years 2022
TI: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN 22LC02 Crankcase Case Vent
- Service campaignApr 2022· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2022
Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
- Service campaignJul 2021· Fuel system· model years 2019
Ti: Technical instructions for special service campaign 21LC01 low-pressure fuel pump
- Service campaignOct 2019· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2021
Region Letter: Lexus plans to conduct Safety Recall/Special Campaign follow-up notifications to owners whose vehicles have not yet had the following Safety Recall/Special Service Campaign repairs completed. Please note the following information for Area associates.
- Service campaignJul 2013· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2013
Certain service publications, Technical Service Bulletins, Service Campaign Technical Instructions and Service & Parts Operation Communication Bulletins may reference specifically required adhesives and sealants
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every ES model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Airbags460 (53%)
- Other or unspecified87 (10%)
- Electrical system65 (8%)
- Brakes60 (7%)
- Body and structure43 (5%)
- Cruise control and speed control37 (4%)
- Fuel and propulsion27 (3%)
- Engine25 (3%)
Safety recalls
16 recalls cover at least one ES model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse.
Due to incorrect programming of the parking-assist electronic control unit (ECU) software, the rearview camera image may not immediately display within a couple of seconds after the shifter is placed into reverse.
A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Porosity in the engine castings may result in cracks than can allow coolant to leak internally and/or externally.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS…
These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design.
The brake booster pump may fail causing a deactivation of the Vehicle Stability Control system and a loss of braking assist.
These vehicles are equipped with a driver knee air bag assembly mounted to the lower instrument panel (IP) that may have been improperly installed, possibly affecting the deployment of the knee air bag in the event of a…
Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus…
VI or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010 Scion xB, Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, 4Runner, Lexus IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, ES350, IS-F, GX460, and Pontiac Vibe vehicles sold, ever registered, in…
The right-hand side tie rod lock nut may loosen over time.
Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2009 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Yaris HB, Scion xB, Pontiac Vibe, Lexus, ES350, IS250, IS350, and…
Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 Scion xB and Lexus IS F, 2007-2008 Toyota Yaris, 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and Lexus IS350 and…
These vehicles are equipped with an ABS actuator that may have a damaged O-ring which could result in improper brake fluid pressure control during ABS, Traction Control, or Stability Control activation.
And 1 more recall on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- DP22005Defect petition· opened Jan 2023, closed Aug 2023· Electrical system· model years 2013–2022
Pedestrian alert sounds
Led to recall 22V063000.
- EA21002Engineering analysis· opened Sep 2021, still open· Airbags· model years 2010–2012
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
NHTSA's own page for the 2027 Lexus ES has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the Lexus ES reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 860 owner complaints, 11 warranty extensions and 8 service campaigns Lexus filed, and 16 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2011 (199), 2010 (179), 2012 (120). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Lexus ES?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name airbags (53%), other or unspecified (10%), electrical system (8%). Lexus has filed 11 warranty extensions covering the ES, listed on this page.
Which ES model years have the most complaints?
2011 (199), 2010 (179), 2012 (120). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the ES with each other rather than with other models.
Has Lexus extended the warranty on the ES?
Yes: engine (model years 2019–2021); engine (model years 2019–2021); fuel system (model years 2018–2020), and 8 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a ES?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 16 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.