Lexus ES years to avoid
More than twice the ES's typical complaint count for a model year.
Best Lexus ES years
Fewest owner complaints among the last 20 model years, counting only those with at least four years on the road.
Lexus ES complaints by model year
Owner complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so expect them to grow.
Most common Lexus ES problems
All model years combined.
- Airbags227
- Body74
- Electrical59
- Transmission57
- Acceleration56
- Engine55
- Brakes51
- Visibility37
- Fuel system36
- Steering25
- Driver assistance22
- Suspension17
Lexus ES problems year by year
Tap a year to see its problems, recalls and what owners say.
| Year | Score | Complaints | Top problem | Typical mileage | Recalls | Crashes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | - | 5 | Driver assistance | 1 | 2 | ||
| 2024 | - | 9 | Driver assistance | 2 | 2 | ||
| 2023 | - | 10 | Brakes | 2 | 3 | ||
| 2022 | 86 | 11 | Driver assistance | 0 | 0 | Fewest complaints | |
| 2021 | 68 | 28 | Airbags | 1 | 1 | ||
| 2020 | 77 | 18 | Airbags | 1 | 3 | ||
| 2019 | 58 | 34 | Fuel system | 11,000 | 1 | 7 | |
| 2018 | 92 | 5 | Airbags | 0 | 1 | ||
| 2017 | 94 | 3 | Engine | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2016 | 88 | 9 | Brakes | 0 | 2 | Fewest complaints | |
| 2015 | 91 | 6 | Airbags | 0 | 2 | ||
| 2014 | 93 | 4 | Brakes | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2013 | 61 | 34 | Brakes | 45,000 | 0 | 3 | |
| 2012 | 61 | 31 | Airbags | 67,632 | 0 | 5 | |
| 2011 | 50 | 46 | Airbags | 47,000 | 0 | 6 | |
| 2010 | 54 | 41 | Airbags | 70,000 | 0 | 2 | |
| 2009 | 68 | 28 | Airbags | 88,000 | 0 | 4 | |
| 2008 | 36 | 68 | Airbags | 67,000 | 0 | 7 | Avoid |
| 2007 | 14 | 125 | Airbags | 80,123 | 0 | 9 | Avoid |
| 2006 | 86 | 12 | Airbags | 115,000 | 0 | 0 | Fewest complaints |
| 2005 | 38 | 60 | Transmission | 8,850 | 0 | 13 | Avoid |
| 2004 | 78 | 16 | Acceleration | 89,000 | 0 | 5 | |
| 2003 | 69 | 23 | Acceleration | 68,000 | 0 | 9 | |
| 2002 | 62 | 27 | Engine | 104,000 | 0 | 8 | |
| 2001 | 95 | 2 | Tires | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2000 | - | 6 | Electrical | 140,000 | 0 | 0 | |
| 1999 | - | 8 | Acceleration | 85,000 | 0 | 1 | |
| 1998 | - | 1 | Electrical | 0 | 0 | ||
| 1997 | - | 2 | Seats | 0 | 0 | ||
| 1996 | - | 1 | Engine | 0 | 0 |
Recalls 4
Lexus ES warranty extensions
Repairs the manufacturer covers beyond the normal warranty. Check whether your car and mileage qualify before paying for one of these.
- Although the flow shut-off valve is covered by Lexus’ New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 48 months or 50,000...
- Customer support program 24LE01
- Although the flow shut-off valve is covered by Lexus’ New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 48 months or 50,000...
- In our continuing efforts to ensure the best in guest satisfaction, Lexus is announcing a Customer Support...
- Frequently Asked Questions CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM 24LE01 Certain 2019 -2021 Model Year ES300H Certain...
- Although the flow shut-off valve is covered by Lexus’ New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 48 months or 50,000...
Questions about the Lexus ES
What years of the Lexus ES should you avoid?
2005, 2007 and 2008. Each has more than twice the Lexus ES's typical number of owner complaints for a model year; 2007 alone has 125, mostly about airbags and body.
What is the best year for a used Lexus ES?
2016, 2022 and 2006 have the fewest owner complaints among model years that have been on the road for at least four years (9, 11 and 12).
What is the most common problem with the Lexus ES?
Airbags, with 227 complaints across all years, followed by body (74) and electrical (59).
How many recalls does the Lexus ES have?
4 recalls between 1996 and 2025. The 2024 model year has the most, with 2.
VIN decoder
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Buying a used Lexus ES?
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