Last updated: 2026-10-10
2020 Lexus ES Reliability Report
The 2020 Lexus ES has excellent reliability and few owner complaints, but two reports of air bags not deploying in crashes deserve a close look.
Recalls
1
Complaints
5
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
Excellent reliability with only a handful of complaints, far fewer than 2019, though two crash reports say air bags did not deploy.
Top Issues to Watch
- AIR BAGS (2)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is 4 years after the 2016 facelift refresh.
- Year 8 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.
2020: This Model Year
2020 is 4 years after the 2016 facelift refresh.
Should You Buy the 2020 Lexus ES?
Reliability is excellent for this model year. It sits well above average among 2020 sedans and among the stronger of the eight scored ES years. Owners filed just 5 complaints, against 33 for the 2019 model, and the car holds a 5 of 5 federal crash-test rating.
The complaints that matter involve safety. Two owners say air bags did not deploy in serious crashes, citing 4 injuries between them. One describes a high-speed freeway impact in a brand new car where the seatbelts did not lock and automatic braking did not respond. Another owner reported the car lurching forward from reverse into drive, in a dealer loaner, with no cause confirmed. A DCM also stayed dead after a dealer update and reset. No report gives a mileage. The one recall covers the gasoline fuel system.
Ask a Lexus dealer to confirm from the VIN that the fuel system recall was completed. The 2021 shows no complaints or recalls, but it has had less time to collect them.
Compared to the 2021 Lexus ES, which scored 5 points higher. See also the 2019 Lexus ES for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Strong reliability score
- +Low recall count
- +Low complaint frequency
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
- +Well-established generation
Cons
- −AIR BAGS: Airbags fail to deploy in serious collisions, according to both complaints in... (2 complaints)
Compare 2020 Lexus ES With
2020 BMW 5 Series
Reliability: 67/100
2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Reliability: 56/100
2020 Acura TLX
Reliability: 71/100
2020 Volvo S60
Reliability: 72/100
2020 Tesla Model 3
Reliability: 54/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
MODERATE- AIR BAGS (2)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2020 Lexus ES carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
5
complaintsSafety Incidents
3
Crashes
0
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Lexus ES Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2020 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.
Buying a used 2020 Lexus ES? Check its history first
Air bags problems lead owner complaints about the 2020 Lexus ES, and 1 recall was 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
2020 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.
2020 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 / 31–32 hwy MPG
Hybrid
44 MPG
Running cost: $1,900/yr
Fuel + repair
43 city / 44 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 2020 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 | 32 | 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 | 44 | 44 | $1,350 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Lexus ES.
Run the VIN through federal recall records and confirm all open campaigns are completed.
Confirm the airbag warning light comes on at startup and then goes out.
Pull each seatbelt sharply and confirm it locks every time.
Test radar cruise control on a highway and confirm it slows and stops for traffic ahead.
Shift between reverse and drive several times in an empty lot and watch for lurching or engine revving.
Ask the seller to demonstrate connected services and confirm the DCM responds.
2020 Lexus ES Common Problems by Component
5 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedAirbags fail to deploy in serious collisions, according to both complaints in this category. Both reports involve crashes and together cite 4 injuries, including a high-speed freeway impact in a car described as brand new. One report says the seatbelts did not lock at impact. It also says the radar cruise control and automatic braking did not respond before the crash. Neither excerpt gives a mileage. The sample is small, but the failure carries direct injury risk to everyone in the car.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsSafety-relatedThe car lurches forward when shifted from reverse into drive in one crash-related report, and the driver suspects sudden unintended acceleration. That car was a dealer loaner, and no cause is confirmed. A separate complaint describes a DCM that still does not work after the dealer updated and reset it. With only 2 complaints, the reports share no clear pattern, and neither one gives a mileage. The lurching report carries some risk of a low-speed collision.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaintI always use cruise control whenever i drive because this would always makes me put on a safety automatic brake whenever i get close to the car next to me. But it seems like my automatic emergency brake is defective which Lexus Dealership denies on the inspection when i complain. A lot of times the automatic emergency brake does not work when i use it even when im backing up it suppose to stop but a lot of times im almost at thr brink of hitting something so i have to manually brake. I also texted this to my Lexus Assistant Manager in Lexus Glendale California branch and had it inspected by them but they’ve sit my car in the dealership and at the end of the day told me that its normal. Is it normal to hit a car next to you when youre expecting your car to stop automatically and it does not stop? Why do i have this feature and it doesnt work? I hope you can help me becaus ethis car is very expensive and yet it does not guarantee safety!
Best & Worst Lexus ES Years
Best Lexus ES Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2022
2021
2020
(Current Model)
Lexus 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
2020 Lexus ES Common Questions
10 questions from 2020 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 2020 Lexus ES reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Lexus ES?
Does the 2020 Lexus ES have air bag problems?
Has the 2020 Lexus ES been recalled?
Is the 2020 Lexus ES better than the 2019 or 2021?
Don’t buy a 2020 Lexus ES without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2020 Lexus ES
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2020 Lexus ES does best on recall impact (88/100) and worst on repair costs (80/100). 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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