Last updated: 2026-05-13

2019 Lexus ES Reliability Report
The 2019 Lexus ES scores 78/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 33 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
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
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
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?
At 78/100, the 2019 Lexus ES lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2019 is 3 years after the 2016 facelift refresh.
Owners log 33 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to fuel propulsion system (7). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
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: Defective fuel pump (7 complaints)
- −ENGINE: Issues with the 2019 Lexus ES's engine, including stalling and complete engine... (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
Every 2019 Lexus ES has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- 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.
Inspect headlights for condensation after car wash
Verify fuel pump recall completion and parts availability
Test for hesitation or stalling during acceleration
Check for any unusual noises or vibrations when braking
Ensure airbags deploy in crash tests or inspections
Test DCM for repeated emergency calls
Confirm engine power consistency during test drive
2019 Lexus ES Common Problems by Component
33 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
7 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2019 Lexus ES related to the fuel/propulsion system, particularly involving a defective fuel pump. Complaints frequently mention that the vehicle hesitates or fails to accelerate after stopping, sometimes requiring the engine to be turned off and restarted. This issue is noted to occur during city driving and can lead to stalling, which poses a risk of crashes, especially when merging or crossing intersections. Several owners express frustration with the lack of available parts to address the recall, and some describe safety concerns, particularly at high speeds on highways. These issues are reported to occur relatively early in the vehicle's life, with incidents noted as early as mid-2020.
ENGINE
4 complaintsOwners report issues with the 2019 Lexus ES's engine, including stalling and complete engine failure. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle stalling during acceleration or while at a stop, causing potential delays in entering traffic. One owner describes a severe incident where the engine lost all power due to a hole in the engine block, resulting in a seized engine at 128,000 miles. Safety implications include the risk of stalling in traffic, which may affect the driver's ability to maneuver safely. Buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly at higher mileages, as they may indicate potential reliability concerns.
AIR BAGS
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Lexus ES frequently report issues with airbag non-deployment during crashes. In three out of four complaints, airbags fail to deploy in collisions, including a T-bone accident and incidents involving unintended acceleration and brake failure. These incidents resulted in a total of five injuries. Complaints also describe failures in vehicle systems such as electrical warning sensors and parking brake assist, with failure mileages noted at approximately 3,636 and 18,400 miles. These reports suggest potential safety implications due to airbag and system malfunctions during critical situations.
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several issues related to the braking system of the 2019 Lexus ES. Two complaints involve crashes: one describes unintended braking on the highway leading to a loss of control and collision with the median, while another describes a failure to stop at an intersection, resulting in a rear-end collision. A third complaint mentions automatic braking engaging without warning while reversing and a separate issue of vibration and noise when braking at higher speeds, which was diagnosed as needing rotor resurfacing. These problems have been noted at low mileages, with one case occurring at approximately 2,000 miles. The safety implications include loss of control and collision risks, which potential buyers should consider.
POWER TRAIN (3 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
3 complaintsOwners report experiencing power train issues with the 2019 Lexus ES, particularly involving sudden loss of power or hesitation during acceleration. Complaints frequently mention situations where the vehicle fails to accelerate as expected, often described as feeling like the car is in neutral despite being in gear. These issues typically arise during low-speed maneuvers such as turning or slowing down, and can occur on both local roads and highways. Some incidents have occurred within the first year of ownership, and owners note the lack of error messages or diagnostic codes when these events happen. Safety implications are significant, with reports of near-collisions due to unexpected power loss, highlighting potential risks for prospective buyers.
FUEL SYSTEM (3 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
3 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Lexus ES350 report issues related to recall repairs for the fuel system, specifically concerning the unavailability of necessary parts. Complaints frequently mention that despite receiving recall notifications, parts for the repairs are not available at dealerships, leaving vehicles unrepaired. Some owners indicate that the manufacturer has taken an extended period to provide the parts, with one owner noting that their vehicle has been deemed unsafe to drive and remains unused in their garage since March 2020. No failures, crashes, or other safety incidents are reported in these complaints, but the inability to perform recall repairs may be a consideration for potential buyers regarding vehicle maintenance and safety.
STRUCTURE (2 complaints)
STRUCTURE
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Lexus ES report issues related to vehicle structure, with one complaint detailing a crash. In this incident, the owner describes the vehicle drifting left at highway speeds without any vibration warning from the steering wheel, suggesting a potential issue with lane departure systems. The owner also notes an unresponsive steering and braking system, and a failure of the auto brake to engage, resulting in a collision with a concrete barrier. Additionally, the airbags did not deploy during the crash, and the vehicle failed to restart afterward. These issues appear at highway speeds, indicating potential safety implications for drivers.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsOwners report two primary issues with the 2019 Lexus ES's electrical system. The first involves the DCM (Data Communication Module) malfunctioning, where the SOS emergency button repeatedly contacts the call center every few minutes, creating significant distractions while driving. The second issue involves multiple malfunction indicators, such as brake system warnings and engine malfunction lights, appearing simultaneously, which leads to the vehicle unexpectedly decelerating and stopping despite acceleration attempts. These incidents occur at various times, including one noted instance in mid-July 2022. Safety implications are evident as the unexpected deceleration and stopping could lead to potential accidents, particularly on busy roads and highways.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsOwners report two distinct issues with the 2019 Lexus ES. The first involves a low-pressure fuel pump that may stop operating, leading to warning lights on the instrument panel, rough engine performance, and potential vehicle stalling with an inability to restart. The second issue describes an incident where the sunroof unexpectedly shatters while driving, resulting in an injury. These complaints highlight potential safety implications, including vehicle stalling and physical harm from glass breakage, which prospective buyers should be aware of.
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.
When Do 2019 Lexus ES Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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. 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?
How many recalls does the 2019 Lexus ES have?
Is the 2019 Lexus ES expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 Lexus ES without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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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