Last updated: 2026-10-10
2019 Lexus ES Reliability Report
The 2019 Lexus ES rates good and beats most 2019 sedans, but fuel pump stalling and hesitation make it the weakest ES year.
Recalls
3
Complaints
33
Complaint Rate
N/A
Est. Repair Cost
$551
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,300–$2,400
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
Weakest of the eight scored ES years, with fuel pump stalling complaints and three recalls, though it still rates well above other 2019 sedans.
Top Issues to Watch
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (7)
- ENGINE (4)
- AIR BAGS (4)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is 3 years after the 2016 facelift refresh.
- Year 7 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.
2019: This Model Year
2019 is 3 years after the 2016 facelift refresh.
Should You Buy the 2019 Lexus ES?
Good, with a catch. This model year rates well above average among 2019 sedans, but it is the weakest of the eight scored Lexus ES years. The 2018 rates about the same. The 2020 rates better and has far fewer complaints. The federal crash-test rating is 5 of 5 stars.
The fuel system is the main worry. Owners describe pressing the gas at a stop or while merging and getting no response, then a sudden lunge. Some cars stall at lights and will not restart until the engine is cycled. Most reports point to a low-pressure fuel pump, and owners say dealers had no parts or remedy, leaving them waiting for months. Federal recall records list three recalls: two for the gasoline fuel system and one for air bags. Other complaints describe automatic braking that engaged on its own.
Ask for proof that every recall repair was done, especially the fuel system ones. If you have the choice, the 2020 is the safer pick.
Compared to the 2020 Lexus ES, which scored 5 points higher. See also the 2018 Lexus ES for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Low complaint frequency
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
Cons
- −Moderate recall count
- −FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM: Stalling and weak throttle response are the main complaints (7 complaints)
- −AIR BAGS: Airbags failing to deploy in a crash is the common complaint, including a hard... (4 complaints)
Compare 2019 Lexus ES With
2019 BMW 5 Series
Reliability: 62/100
2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Reliability: 54/100
2019 Acura TLX
Reliability: 69/100
2019 Volvo S60
Reliability: 72/100
2019 Tesla Model 3
Reliability: 49/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (7)
- ENGINE (4)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2019 Lexus ES. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
33
complaintsSafety Incidents
6
Crashes
0
Fires
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Lexus ES Recall Details
3 recalls have been issued for the 2019 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.
AIR BAGS
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Lexus ES vehicles. 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 crash.
Consequence
In the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury if the knee air bag does not deploy properly.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driver knee air bag assembly, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 8, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are KLD and KLE.
Buying a used 2019 Lexus ES? Check its history first
Fuel/propulsion system problems lead owner complaints about the 2019 Lexus ES, and 3 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
2019 Lexus ES NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 10.5%
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.
2019 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
25–26 MPG
Running cost: $2,850–$2,950/yr
Fuel + repair
22 city / 31–33 hwy MPG
Hybrid
44 MPG
Running cost: $1,900/yr
Fuel + repair
43 city / 45 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 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES 350 3.5L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 22 | 33 | 26 | $2,300 |
| ES 350 F Sport 3.5L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 22 | 31 | 25 | $2,400 |
Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES 300h 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 43 | 45 | 44 | $1,350 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Lexus ES.
Run the VIN for open recalls and ask for dealer records showing completed fuel pump work.
Accelerate from a full stop several times and walk away if the car hesitates, revs without moving, or lunges.
Make several left and right turns from a yield and check for power loss or a hard downshift.
Drive through traffic and park in a tight lot, watching for automatic braking with nothing in the way.
Brake firmly from 55 mph and feel for vibration or a bumping noise.
Watch the dash for brake, power steering, or pre-collision warnings during startup and the whole test drive.
Leave the SOS system untouched during the drive and confirm it never places emergency calls on its own.
On a high-mileage hybrid, check the oil level and look under the car for oil leaks.
2019 Lexus ES Common Problems by Component
33 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
7 complaintsStalling and weak throttle response are the main complaints. Drivers describe pressing the gas at a stop or while merging and getting no response, then a sudden lunge when they press harder. Some cars stall at lights and will not restart until the engine is cycled. Most reports tie this to a low-pressure fuel pump and say dealers had no parts or remedy, leaving owners waiting for months or driving loaners. Owners call a stall in traffic or at highway speed a serious crash risk.
ENGINE
4 complaintsStalling and failure to move from a stop show up most often. Drivers press the accelerator at a stop sign or light and the car does not go, or it stalls when pulling into traffic. One car stalled in a driveway. Dealers often just run diagnostics. The most severe report describes a hybrid that lost all power after a loud thump at 128k miles, with oil pouring out and a seized engine. Stalling in traffic creates real collision risk.
AIR BAGS
4 complaintsSafety-relatedAirbags failing to deploy in a crash is the common complaint, including a hard side impact at the driver door. Three of the four reports involve crashes, with five people injured in total. In two of those crashes the trouble started elsewhere: a brake pedal that sank to the floor while parking, and a car that surged forward with the driver's foot on the brake. The fourth complaint is about a long wait for a fuel pump recall remedy, not the airbags.
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaintsSafety-relatedUnintended or failed braking drives these complaints, and two of the three involve crashes. The pre-collision and automatic emergency braking systems are blamed for braking hard on their own, in one case on a highway, causing a spin across lanes into the median. Another driver saw an error message, the car did not stop, and it rear-ended the vehicle ahead. Automatic braking also kicks in while reversing into parking spaces. One car had vibration and a bumping noise braking from 55 mph at about 2,000 miles.
POWER TRAIN (3 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
3 complaintsSudden loss of power when accelerating is the core problem. Drivers floor the pedal during a turn and the car barely creeps along, or it hesitates, then downshifts hard and surges toward the car ahead. Others say the car revs as if in neutral while in Drive or Reverse and only moves again after being shut off and restarted. Reports start within the first year of ownership, often at intersections where hesitation puts the car in the path of oncoming traffic.
FUEL SYSTEM (3 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
3 complaintsThese complaints are about a recall repair delay, not breakdowns. Owners received fuel system recall notices, but dealers confirmed the replacement parts were not available and could not say when they would arrive. None of these owners reported an actual failure. Several say the wait went past a reasonable time, and one dealer told an owner the car was not safe to drive, so it sat in the garage until parts came in.
STRUCTURE (2 complaints)
STRUCTURE
2 complaintsSafety-relatedLoss of control at highway speed is the only detailed report. The car drifted left at 60-65 mph with no lane departure warning, the steering felt tight, and neither braking nor steering seemed to respond. The automatic braking did not engage, the car hit a concrete barrier, spun, and the airbags did not deploy. Afterward the car would not start. The second complaint in this category gives no usable detail.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsTwo very different faults appear. In one, the emergency SOS calling module gets stuck in a loop and calls the call center every few minutes while driving, which pulls the driver's attention off the road. In the other, brake, check engine, power steering, parking support brake, and pre-collision warnings all light up at once and the car slows to a stop even with the gas pedal floored. An earlier episode cleared after the owner cleaned the sensors.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsA sunroof that blows out on the freeway is the one distinct failure here, and it caused one injury. The other entry repeats the low-pressure fuel pump problem seen elsewhere: warning lights and messages, a rough-running engine, then a stall, and sometimes a car that will not restart. Either one can happen at speed with no warning.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaintI bought a 2019 Lexus ES350 F Sport in October 2023 with 41,000 miles. Almost a year later to the day I went to a touchless car wash and now have excessive condensation in both headlights. Lexus shows these lights at $2500 a piece, plus labor to install. With modest investigating for a remedy I see I’m not alone in this predicament. Due to high cost of replacement I believe this warrants looking into whether it should be a recall or at least a safety bulletin as moisture in an electric environment will quickly become a major issue.
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
2019 Lexus ES Common Questions
10 questions from 2019 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 2019 Lexus ES reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Lexus ES?
Does the 2019 Lexus ES have fuel pump problems?
How many recalls does the 2019 Lexus ES have?
Is the 2019 Lexus ES better or worse than the 2020?
Don’t buy a 2019 Lexus ES without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2019 Lexus ES
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2019 Lexus ES does best on repair costs (80/100) and worst on recall impact (75/100). 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.
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