Last updated: 2026-10-10
2018 Lexus ES Reliability Report
The 2018 Lexus ES rates excellent for reliability, well above other 2018 sedans. Main concerns: cabin fumes and adaptive cruise behavior.
Recalls
2
Complaints
10
Complaint Rate
N/A
Est. Repair Cost
$551
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,500
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Middle of the pack among scored ES years, with excellent reliability, a 5-star federal crash rating, two fuel system recalls and few owner complaints.
Top Issues to Watch
- ENGINE (2)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)
- AIR BAGS (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2018 is 2 years after the 2016 facelift refresh.
- Year 6 in the Sixth generation (XV60) (2013–2023).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 6th generation ES (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2013: Sixth generation (XV60) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2016: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2018: This Model Year
2018 is 2 years after the 2016 facelift refresh.
Should You Buy the 2018 Lexus ES?
Reliability is excellent for this model year, well above average among 2018 sedans. Within the ES lineup it sits in the middle of eight scored years. The 2019 rates good, about the same, with more complaints and recalls on file. Federal crash testing gave this year 5 of 5 stars.
Complaints are few. One describes a chemical irritant coming through the vents, causing face itching, coughing and throat trouble that needed medical care. Dealer cleaning did not stop it from returning. Another reports the engine shutting off while driving and restarting 5 to 10 seconds later. Owners also describe adaptive cruise control that stops braking at around 25 mph, and unintended acceleration at low speed. Federal records show 2 recalls, both for the gasoline fuel system.
Ask the seller for proof that both fuel system recalls were completed. On a test drive, find out which adaptive cruise version the car has, since it may not brake to a full stop.
Compared to the 2019 Lexus ES, which scored 2 points lower.
Pros
- +Strong reliability score
- +Low recall count
- +Low complaint frequency
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
- +Well-established generation
Cons
- −ENGINE: Chemical irritant enters the cabin through the ventilation system (2 complaints)
Compare 2018 Lexus ES With
2018 BMW 5 Series
Reliability: 59/100
2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Reliability: 55/100
2018 Acura TLX
Reliability: 71/100
2018 Tesla Model 3
Reliability: 46/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)
- ENGINE (2)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2018 Lexus ES carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
10
complaintsSafety Incidents
2
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2018 Lexus ES Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Lexus ES. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
Buying a used 2018 Lexus ES? Check its history first
Engine problems lead owner complaints about the 2018 Lexus ES, and 2 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2018 Lexus ES NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 11.1%
Safety Technologies
Lexus ESRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$551
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2018 Lexus ES Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Anti-lock Brake System Inspect | $137 – $201 |
| Ignition Coil Replacement | $445 – $607 |
| Transmission Leak Inspection | $76 – $112 |
| Coolant Change | $149 – $195 |
| Cruise Control Switch Replacement | $272 – $310 |
| Engine Oil Level Sensor Replacement | $547 – $661 |
| Steering Knuckle Replacement | $764 – $892 |
| Door Mirror Replacement | $955 – $1,083 |
| Check Engine Light Diagnosis & Testing | $153 – $224 |
| Intake Manifold Gasket Replacement | $493 – $671 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
24 MPG
Running cost: $3,050/yr
Fuel + repair
21 city / 30 hwy MPG
Hybrid
40 MPG
Running cost: $2,050/yr
Fuel + repair
40 city / 39 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES 350 3.5L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 21 | 30 | 24 | $2,500 |
Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES 300h 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 40 | 39 | 40 | $1,500 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Lexus ES.
Drive on the highway with windows closed and ventilation running, and note any chemical smell, itching, or coughing.
Check service records for repeat cabin cleaning or cabin air filter changes tied to odor or irritation complaints.
Confirm which adaptive cruise system the car has and whether it brakes to a full stop or releases near 25 mph.
Ask for service records of any visits for stalling, engine shutoff, or unintended acceleration.
Make slow turns through a parking lot and watch for surging or sudden acceleration.
Inspect the windshield for cracks, then run the A/C at full cold and recheck the glass.
2018 Lexus ES Common Problems by Component
10 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsSomething in the cabin causes face itching and coughing within minutes of sitting in the car, and it gets worse on the highway. Passengers report the same reaction, and breathing problems have led to a hospital visit. Repeated dealer visits for cleaning and cabin air filter changes do not fix it. These reports match the ventilation complaint filed under engine, and both involve the hybrid ES300h. A separate report describes the windshield splitting in half when the A/C came on during a very hot day.
ENGINE
2 complaintsA chemical irritant enters the cabin through the ventilation system. It causes face itching, coughing, and throat trouble serious enough to need medical care. Dealer cleaning does not stop it from coming back. A separate report describes the engine shutting off while driving and restarting 5 to 10 seconds later. That sudden loss of power carries crash risk. The dealer could not find a cause. Data from the car's computer showed both pedals pressed at once, which the driver disputes. Only 2 complaints are on file.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsAdaptive cruise control stops braking at around 25 mph instead of bringing the car to a full stop. A driver who expects it to stop for traffic is left with very little distance to brake, which creates a real risk of rear-end crashes. The complaint calls this behavior by design and notes that two versions of the system exist, so owners may not know which one they have. A separate report describes unintended acceleration at low speed while turning, ending when the engine shut off. The dealer could not duplicate it.
AIR BAGS (1 complaints)
AIR BAGS
1 complaintSafety-relatedTL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 LEXUS ES300H. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING THE FREEWAY AT ABOUT 50 MPH, UNABLE TO SEE VERY WELL DURING NIGHT TIME, THE CONTACT WENT OFF THE PAVEMENT AND ONTO THE GRASS. THE CONTACT WAS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE GUARDRAIL AND REALIZED HE WAS OFF THE ROAD THEN ATTEMPTING TO SLOW DOWN BUT THE VEHICLE SLID ON THE GRASS. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE WALL. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE JAMMED INWARD TO THE DASHBOARD CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO ENCOUNTER HIS CHEST. ALL THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED BUT THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG UNINFLATED RAPIDLY AFTER DEPLOYMENT. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN DUE TO BEING JAMMED FROM THE ACCIDENT. THE 'INFORM DEVICE' NOTIFIED AUTHORITIES THAT THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE CONTACT WIGGLED UNTIL HE WAS RELEASED. A PASSER BY STOPPED TO ASSIST AND OPENED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND ASSISTED THE CONTACT WITH EXITING THE VEHICLE. THE EMS AND THE POLICE ARRIVED TO THE SCENE. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE CONTACTS CHEST PAIN, TWO BLOOD PRESSURE EXAMS, AND ECHOCARDIOGRAM ON THE SCENE. THE FOLLOWING MORNING THE CONTACT SOUGHT FURTHER MEDICAL ATTENTION AT A HOSPITAL WHERE HE WAS KEPT FOR 1 DAY. DURING HIS HOSPITAL STAY THERE WERE X RAYS AND CT SCAN WERE PERFORMED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED (CASE NUMBER: 19263125, POLICE OFFICER'S BADGE NUMBER 12). THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE NORTH PARK LEXUS OF SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS DEALER (210-308-8900, LOCATED AT 611 LOCKHILL SELMA RD, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78216) TO INFORM THEM OF THE INCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 36,000.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaintWHEN DRIVING THE LOW BEAMS ON MY LEXUS ES 300H ILLUMINATE A MAXIMUM 4 DIVIDING LINES ON A ROAD AND THAT'S EQUAL TO 120 FEET. MY AUTO HIGH BEAMS COME ON FREQUENTLY AS THE LOW BEAM LIGHTS AT NIGHT ARE VERY LIMITED . I HAVE A 2019 CAMRY AND THOSE LIGHTS WHICH ARE SIMILAR ILLUMINATE AT LEAST 200 FEET AND AT LEAST 8 DIVIDING LINES. MY DEALER CHECKED AND STATED THEY ARE CORRECT.
SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
1 complaintI WAS TOLD BY A CUSTOMER SERVICE AGENT THROUGH EMAIL THAT "THE LATCH SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR REAR FACING CHILD SEATS." THIS IS COMPLETELY SHOCKING TO ME AS THERE ARE NO INDICATIONS IN THE MANUAL THAT THIS IS THE CASE. WE HAVE BEEN DRIVING WITH OUR DAUGHTER FOR MONTHS USING THE LATCH SYSTEM FOR HER REAR FACING CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN EASY ENOUGH TO INSTALL WITH THE SEAT BELT INSTEAD.
STRUCTURE (1 complaints)
STRUCTURE
1 complaintSafety-relatedI WAS AT A STOPLIGHT AND THERE WERE A COUPLE VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME. THE LIGHT WAS RED. I WAS A CAR LENGTH AND A HALF AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME. AS SOON AS THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I SAW THE VEHICLES IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME PROCEED TO MOVE FORWARD, AND THE DRIVER IN FRONT OF ME TOOK HIS FOOT OFF OF HIS BRAKES, SO I THOUGHT HE WAS MOVING FORWARD AS WELL. SO THEN I DECIDED TO ACCELERATE TO ABOUT 5-10 MPH. BY THE TIME I REALIZED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME WASN'T MOVING FORWARD, MY CAR HIT HIS TRAIL-HITCH" (NOT HIS BACK BUMPER) AND THE FRONT OF MY CAR WAS DAMAGED, BUT I COULD DRIVE IT FROM THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT. THE BRAKE ASSIST OF MY 2018 LEXUS ES350 DID NOT ENGAGE. I THINK THE BRAKE ASSIST FUNCTION ON MY VEHICLE WAS FAULTY AND IT SHOULD'VE BEEN RECALLED AND FIXED, AS IT WOULD'VE STOPPED ME FROM GETTING INTO A CAR ACCIDENT IN THE FIRST PLACE HAD IT ENGAGED AND WORKED PROPERLY.
Best & Worst Lexus ES Years
Best Lexus ES Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreLexus ES Years to Avoid
No Lexus ES years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 78 and 88 across 8 scored model years.
Lexus ES Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
Lexus ES Reliability Compared to Other Years
2018 Lexus ES Common Questions
10 questions from 2018 Lexus ES owners.
BTTERY REPLACEMENT
* I PARKED MY CAR OUTSIDE OF GARAGE FOR TWO MONTHS AND NOW IT DOES NOT START AFTER JUMP IT START FINE DO I NEDD TO REPLACE BATTERY?
Engine check light on
Engine check light and VSC and TRAC Off On A few days
Coolant low on Lexus LS500
The coolant is low. The car is low mileage, 34k. No leak, no overheating, no in car messages. Just i saw two small pink dots in under carriage, NOT under the car. What is this. Can it be just i fill it then its fine? Started today
Where are Fuses for a/c 2015 lexus gs350
Where are the fuses for a/c 2015 lexus gs350
Hot air blows
So I have two problems my ac isn't getting cold and hot air always pours into the cabin so that's probably the blend door actuator but will that make it so my ac doesn't work Hot air always blows More than a year
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Lexus ES reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Lexus ES?
Does the 2018 Lexus ES have adaptive cruise control problems?
Has the 2018 Lexus ES been recalled?
Is the 2018 Lexus ES better than the 2019?
Don’t buy a 2018 Lexus ES without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2018 Lexus ES
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Lexus ES.
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