Last updated: 2026-05-13
2020 Lexus ES Reliability Report
The 2020 Lexus ES scores 83/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 1 recall and 5 owner complaints.
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
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
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?
The 2020 Lexus ES earns an Excellent 83/100 reliability score. 2020 is 4 years after the 2016 facelift refresh.
Across 1 recall and 5 owner complaints, the ownership picture is dependable.
A solid choice for buyers prioritizing dependability, new or used.
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: Owners of the 2020 Lexus ES report airbag non-deployment in two separate crash... (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
Every 2020 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
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.
Test for unintended acceleration by shifting between drive and reverse
Verify functionality of automatic emergency braking system
Inspect airbag deployment system during a diagnostic check
Check seatbelt locking mechanisms for proper function
Ensure cruise control with radar functionality operates correctly
Test data communication module (DCM) for connectivity issues
2020 Lexus ES Common Problems by Component
5 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Lexus ES report airbag non-deployment in two separate crash incidents, each resulting in two injuries. In both cases, occupants describe that the airbags failed to deploy during significant impacts: one involving a collision with a big rig and another during a failure of the vehicle's radar and brake sensor systems. These incidents occurred during normal driving conditions, with one owner specifically noting that other safety features like seatbelt locking mechanisms also did not function as expected. Complaints do not specify mileage at the time of incidents, but they highlight critical safety implications, including crashes and injuries due to non-deployment of airbags. These reports suggest potential concerns for used car buyers regarding the reliability of the airbag system in crash situations.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Lexus ES report issues primarily related to unintended acceleration and problems with the data communication module (DCM). One owner details an incident where the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated while the brake pedal was pressed, leading to a crash involving a landscaped island and a metal pole. This incident occurred shortly after a similar experience, suggesting a potential pattern of sudden unintended acceleration. Another owner reports a persistent issue with the DCM not functioning despite updates and resets by the dealership. These complaints highlight potential safety implications, particularly with the unintended acceleration, and indicate that electronic system malfunctions may occur at various times and conditions.
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
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
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?
How many recalls does the 2020 Lexus ES have?
Is the 2020 Lexus ES expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2020 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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