Last updated: 2026-05-13
Lexus ES Reliability by Year
The Lexus ES averages 83/100 across 8 model years, rated excellent.
Lexus ES Reliability Overview
The Lexus ES, spanning model years 2018 to 2025, achieves an average reliability score of 83/100, indicating excellent reliability by Auto Reliability Index standards. Common issues reported by owners include problems with the fuel propulsion system, engine, and airbags, with notable occurrences in the 2019 and 2020 models. Repair costs are rated as good (4/5), making the Lexus ES a suitable option for those prioritizing reliability, though potential buyers should be aware of specific model-year concerns such as airbag and electronic system reliability.
Current generation: 7th gen (2019–2023), facelifted 2021.
Best & Worst Lexus ES Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Lexus ES Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Lexus ES year is 2022 with a reliability score of 88/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2021 (88/100) and 2025 (83/100).
Lexus ES Years to Avoid
No Lexus ES years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Lexus ES maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Lexus ES Reliability Score Trend
Lexus ES reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 83/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 80/100 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 83/100 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 88/100 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 88/100 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 80/100 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 80/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 83/100 | Excellent |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2025 Lexus ES
1 recalls · 4 complaints
The 2025 Lexus ES has excellent reliability. There are 1 recall and 4 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Lexus ES. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Service Brakes (1), Electrical System (1), Fuel Propulsion System (1).
2024 Lexus ES
4 recalls · 9 complaints
The 2024 Lexus ES has excellent reliability. There are 4 recalls and 9 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Lexus ES. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Air Bags (2), Lane Departure (2), Back Over Prevention (1).
2023 Lexus ES
4 recalls · 18 complaints
The 2023 Lexus ES has excellent reliability. There are 4 recalls and 18 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Lexus ES. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (2), Electrical System (2), Lane Departure (2).
2022 Lexus ES
0 recalls · 16 complaints
The 2022 Lexus ES has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 16 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Lexus ES. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Tires (4), Wheels (3), Engine (2).
2021 Lexus ES
0 recalls · 0 complaints
The 2021 Lexus ES has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Lexus ES.
2020 Lexus ES
1 recalls · 5 complaints
The 2020 Lexus ES has excellent reliability. There are 1 recall and 5 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Lexus ES. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Air Bags (2), Electrical System (2), Vehicle Speed Control (1).
2019 Lexus ES
3 recalls · 33 complaints
The 2019 Lexus ES has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 33 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Lexus ES. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Fuel Propulsion System (7), Engine (4), Air Bags (4).
2018 Lexus ES
2 recalls · 10 complaints
The 2018 Lexus ES has excellent reliability. There are 2 recalls and 10 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Lexus ES. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (2), Engine (2), Vehicle Speed Control (2).
Found Your Lexus ES? Check Its History
Every Lexus ES has a different past. Before you buy, a VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, and open recalls.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
Lexus ES Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
4/5
Lexus ES Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Lexus Models
Compare all Lexus models by reliability
Compare Lexus ES With Similar Sedans
The Lexus ES competes with other midsize sedans such as BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Acura TLX.
BMW 5-Series reliability
8 years tracked · 330 complaints
Mercedes-Benz E-Class reliability
8 years tracked · 469 complaints
Acura TLX reliability
8 years tracked · 361 complaints
Volvo S60 reliability
6 years tracked · 65 complaints
Tesla Model 3 reliability
9 years tracked · 3948 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Lexus ES reliable?
- Yes, the Lexus ES is considered reliable with an average score of 83/100, rated excellent. Most model years show consistent reliability with below-average problem rates.
- What is the best year for the Lexus ES?
- The best year for the Lexus ES is 2022 with a reliability score of 88/100, rated excellent. It has 0 recalls and 16 owner complaints on record. See full 2022 Lexus ESanalysis →
- What are the Lexus ES years to avoid?
- No Lexus ES years in our database are statistical outliers — all tracked model years score consistently within the model average. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Lexus ES?
- Annual maintenance cost estimates are not available for the Lexus ES. Based on its reliability score and complaint patterns, check individual year pages for repair cost details when available.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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