Last updated: 2026-05-13
2021 Lexus ES Reliability Report
The 2021 Lexus ES scores 88/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints.
Recalls
0
Complaints
0
Complaint Rate
N/A
Est. Repair Cost
$551
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,150–$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.
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is 5 years after the 2016 facelift refresh.
- Year 9 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.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is 5 years after the 2016 facelift refresh.
Should You Buy the 2021 Lexus ES?
The 2021 Lexus ES earns an Excellent 88/100 reliability score. 2021 is 5 years after the 2016 facelift refresh.
Across 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints, the ownership picture is dependable.
A solid choice for buyers prioritizing dependability, new or used.
Compared to the 2022 Lexus ES, which scored the same. See also the 2020 Lexus ES for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Strong reliability score
- +No recalls issued
- +Low complaint frequency
- +5-star NHTSA crash rating
- +Well-established generation
Cons
No recurring complaint themes yet.
Compare 2021 Lexus ES With
2021 BMW 5-Series
Reliability: 66/100
2021 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Reliability: 56/100
2021 Acura TLX
Reliability: 71/100
2021 Tesla Model 3
Reliability: 48/100
Recall Overview
0
recalls on record
No recalls are on record for the 2021 Lexus ES — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
0
complaintsSafety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
Buying a used 2021 Lexus ES? Check its history first
Every 2021 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
2021 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.
2021 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
25–28 MPG
Running cost: $2,700–$2,950/yr
Fuel + repair
22–25 city / 31–34 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 2021 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES 250 AWD 2.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 25 | 34 | 28 | $2,150 |
| 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 |
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).
2022
2021
(Current Model)
2025
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
2021 Lexus ES Common Questions
10 questions from 2021 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 2021 Lexus ES reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Lexus ES?
How many recalls does the 2021 Lexus ES have?
Is the 2021 Lexus ES expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2021 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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Lexus ES.
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