Last updated: 2026-10-10

2022 Lexus ES
RELIABILITY SCORE: 88/100 (EXCELLENT)

2022 Lexus ES Reliability Report

The 2022 Lexus ES rates excellent for reliability and has no recalls. Early tire wear and sudden automatic braking are the complaints to check.

Recalls

0

Complaints

16

Complaint Rate

N/A

Est. Repair Cost

$551

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,150–$2,400

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint SeverityN/A

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact100/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue DiversityN/A

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Buy

Excellent standing with no recalls, though owners report early tire wear and unexpected automatic braking, while the 2023 model has four recalls.

Top Issues to Watch

  • TIRES (2)
  • WHEELS (2)
  • ENGINE (1)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2022 is 6 years after the 2016 facelift refresh.

  • Year 10 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.

2022: This Model Year

2022 is 6 years after the 2016 facelift refresh.

Should You Buy the 2022 Lexus ES?

Buy this one with confidence, after a few checks. Reliability is excellent and well above average among 2022 sedans. Within the ES line, it sits among the stronger of eight scored years. Owners filed 16 complaints, and federal recall records show none.

The complaints are few but specific. Two owners describe factory tires wearing until belts and cords show on all four, even with tread left. One found it at the 30,000 mile service, and the dealer warned of a possible highway blowout. Another had a tire pressure light that stayed on at the required 35 PSI, and the dealer never found the cause. Two more complaints cover noise and a wobbly rear wheel at highway speed after routine service, and sudden automatic emergency braking on the highway and at lights.

Inspect all four tires closely, including the inner edges, and ask for service records on any wheel work. On a test drive, watch for unexpected braking. The 2021 model rates about the same, with no complaints or recalls on file. The 2023 rates worse, with four recalls.

Compared to the 2023 Lexus ES, which scored 8 points lower. See also the 2021 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

  • −TIRES issues reported (2 complaints)

Compare 2022 Lexus ES With

Common Problem Categories

Other

HIGH RISK
  • TIRES (2)
  • WHEELS (2)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

0

recalls on record

No recalls are on record for the 2022 Lexus ES — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

16

complaints
LowAvgHigh
Very Low

Safety 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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2022 Lexus ES? Check its history first

Tires problems lead owner complaints about the 2022 Lexus ES, and 0 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2022 Lexus ES NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 10.5%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (N/A)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Lexus ESRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based 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.

2022 Lexus ES Example Repair Prices

National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.

Common repair costs and price estimates
RepairEstimated 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 2022 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
ES 250 AWD 2.5L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)253428$2,150
ES 350 3.5L 6-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)223226$2,300
ES 350 F Sport 3.5L 6-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)223125$2,400
Hybrid trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
ES 300h 2.5L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AV-S6)434444$1,350

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2022 Lexus ES.

  • Inspect all four tires closely for exposed belts or cords, even if the tread depth looks fine.

  • Set every tire to 35 PSI, then drive and confirm the tire pressure warning light stays off.

  • Ask for service records showing repeat dealer visits for tire pressure warnings that were never resolved.

  • Drive over speed bumps and back up slowly, listening for new noises from the wheels.

  • At highway speed, feel for wobble or vibration from the rear wheels, especially after recent tire or wheel service.

  • Drive on the highway and through traffic lights, watching for sudden automatic emergency braking with nothing ahead.

2022 Lexus ES Common Problems by Component

16 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

2
2
1
1
1
1
1
TIRES (2)WHEELS (2)ENGINE (1)SERVICE BRAKES (1)SEAT BELTS (1)BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)

TIRES

2 complaints

Factory tires wear through until belts and cords show in several spots on all four tires, even while the tread looks like it has life left. In one report this surfaced at the 30,000 mile service, and the dealer warned that a blowout at highway speed was possible. The other complaint covers a tire pressure warning light that keeps coming on with the tires set to the required 35 PSI. Repeated dealer visits did not find whether the sensors or the tires were at fault. Only 2 complaints are on file.

2 complaints total

WHEELS

2 complaints

Noise and wobble after routine service make up one pattern. Owners describe a car that rides rougher and louder than normal, with noise over speed bumps, in reverse, and in the driveway, and a rear wheel that felt wobbly at highway speed. The other complaint in this category is really about automatic emergency braking. The car stops suddenly on the highway and at lights for no reason, which creates a real collision risk. The behavior repeated at the dealer. Only 2 complaints are on file.

2 complaints total

ENGINE

1 complaint
2025-12-09

There is already a service bulletin for the vacuum pumps on these cars, but it should be made into a recall because these pumps generate the vacuum needed by the brake system. I took it to the Lexus dealer for replacement out of warranty, which I had to pay out-of-pocket, since service bulletins only apply to cars under warranty, and they still installed another replacement vacuum pump that was impacted by the service bulletin and still had the issues. It wasn’t until a field technician came out and confirmed that they installed the old vacuum pump style (2019-2023), which was the one they should have avoided installing. Failure of this part could impact the braking system and cause an accident.

SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint
2025-09-19

While the vehicle was parked and no one was pressing the brake pedal, the ABS actuator pump continued to run and made a constant buzzing/whirring noise. This suggests that the actuator is cycling excessively to maintain brake pressure. I am concerned this could eventually lead to loss of ABS function or reduced brake assist, increasing the risk of an accident. No dashboard warning lights are currently illuminated, but the problem happens repeatedly and can be reproduced. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the dealer, but I am aware other Toyota/Lexus hybrid models have had similar brake actuator issues in the past.

SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint
2022-08-24

The contact owns a 2022 Lexus ES300 Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the driver's side seat belt would not extend out and the driver was unable to access and latch the seat belt. The contact indicated that the failure was intermittent and during the failure, audible alarms were activated and warning messages were displayed. After restarting the vehicle the failure had self-corrected. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the seat belt assembly but the failure continued to occur. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 50.

BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaints)

BACK OVER PREVENTION

1 complaint
2023-09-10

I purchased my car approximately four months ago, and the lights on my dash began blinking there was a warning to clean parking sensors. I went to the dealership to see what this meant. They stated I have a missing sensor and immediately stated it was not covered under warranty. I haven’t had any wrecks or bumps on my car. I asked if it could be a default with the glue that holds the sensor in place. The manager said that’s not possible someone had to push the sensor out. He continued to state they have had several cars come in with the same issue and people are pushing them out. This has caused warning lights to come on in the vehicle due to this default the dealership stated it was a wear and tear and would not be covered under warranty. It also causes the car to beep as if you are going to hit something every time you start he car. Even if you turn off the system, it still beeps and blinks as if your car will shut down. the parking sensors are defective in the sense that they are not secure and being installed which is causing repair approximately $900-$1000. I stated it has been extremely hotter than normal with a consistent temperature oaf 102+ in Arkansas. He was not open to the fact and basically said pay or leave. He refused to give me an estimate on the cost unless I paid the $100 diagnostic fee. I feel that if several people have been in for the same reason it’s should definitely mean there is something defective with the front bumper sensors. I have not even drove 10000 miles and now there is a repair not to my fault that I am having to pay as if the car is t expensive enough. I believe there needs to be some sort of recall on. This section with how they are installed. He said they glue them on the back side and glue does melt..please look into this.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint
2022-11-09

The left headlight projects three dark shadows on the road surface along the left edge and middle of the road in front of the vehicle Someone walking or standing on the side might not be visible and when the vehicle is turning to the right the shadows flow along the very edge of the roadway obscuring anything in its path. The car has been to the dealership twice and they verified that the shadows due exist and are operating as intended.

Best & Worst Lexus ES Years

Best Lexus ES Years to Buy

Top Pick
88
Excellent

2022

(Current Model)

0Recalls
16Complaints
88
Excellent

2021

0Recalls
0Complaints
83
Excellent

2020

1Recalls
5Complaints

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.

Lexus ES reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201880/100Excellent
201978/100Good
202083/100Excellent
202188/100Excellent
202288/100Excellent
202380/100Excellent
202480/100Excellent
202583/100Excellent

Lexus ES Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202583/100+3Excellent14
202480/1000Excellent49
202380/100-8Excellent418
2022(selected)88/1000Excellent016
202188/100+5Excellent00
202083/100+5Excellent15
201978/100-2Good333
201880/100—Excellent210

2022 Lexus ES Common Questions

10 questions from 2022 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?

VisitorApr 22, 2026

Engine check light on

Engine check light and VSC and TRAC Off On A few days

VisitorApr 10, 2026

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

VisitorApr 5, 2026

Where are Fuses for a/c 2015 lexus gs350

Where are the fuses for a/c 2015 lexus gs350

VisitorMar 19, 2026

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

VisitorMar 16, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2022 Lexus ES reliable?
Yes. Its reliability standing is excellent and well above average among 2022 sedans. It is also among the stronger of the eight scored ES years. Owners filed only 16 complaints, federal recall records list none, and it earns a 5 of 5 star federal crash-test rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Lexus ES?
Tires and wheels lead the complaints, with two reports each. Owners describe tires wearing to the cords while tread remains, a tire pressure light that will not clear, and noise or wobble after service. One wheel-category report is really about sudden automatic emergency braking.
Does the 2022 Lexus ES have tire problems?
Some owners say so. One reported belts and cords showing in several spots on all four factory tires, found at the 30,000 mile service. Another could not clear the pressure warning light at 35 PSI. Only two tire complaints are on file, so check your own tires.
Does the 2022 Lexus ES have any recalls?
No. Federal recall records list zero recalls for this model year. That differs from the 2023 ES, which has four. A clean record here does not rule out problems, so still ask the seller for service history and inspect the car.
Is the 2022 Lexus ES better than the 2023?
On the data, yes. Both years have excellent reliability standing, but the 2023 rates worse, with 18 complaints and four recalls against 16 complaints and none for the 2022. The 2021 rates about the same as the 2022 and has no complaints or recalls on file.

Don’t buy a 2022 Lexus ES without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2022 Lexus ES

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2022 Lexus ES does best on recall impact (100/100) 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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