Is the Lexus ES more reliable than the Tesla Model 3?

Based on our data, the Lexus ES is more reliable with an average score of 83/100 compared to 55/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.

Which has more recalls, the Lexus ES or the Tesla Model 3?

The Tesla Model 3 has more recalls (113) compared to the Lexus ES (15). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the Lexus ES or the Tesla Model 3?

The Lexus ES has fewer owner complaints (95) versus 3948 for the Tesla Model 3. Note that models with higher sales naturally generate more complaints.

Last updated: 2026-07-17

Lexus ES vs Tesla Model 3: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Lexus ES

Excellent

Tesla Model 3

Mixed

Choosing between the Lexus ES and the Tesla Model 3? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize sedans.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Lexus ES currently leads with an average score of 83/100 compared to 55/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Lexus ES and Tesla Model 3 Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Tesla Model 3 is in its second generation, last redesigned in 2024, with a facelift in the same year. Being relatively early in its generation cycle, the Model 3 may still experience typical first-year issues that can arise with new platforms. On the other hand, the Lexus ES is in its seventh generation, introduced in 2019, with a facelift in 2021. Its mature platform suggests that many initial issues have likely been addressed, contributing to its reputation for reliability. Comparing these, the Lexus ES's well-established platform may offer more reliability assurance to buyers wary of newer model teething problems.

Verdict

The Lexus ES is more reliable than the Tesla Model 3, scoring 83/100 vs 55/100.

The Lexus ES demonstrates superior reliability with an average score of 83/100 compared to the Tesla Model 3's 54/100. The Lexus ES has had only 15 recalls in 8 years, significantly fewer than the Model 3's 113 recalls over 9 years. Tesla's owner complaint rate stands at 28.7 per 10,000 units sold, indicating more frequent issues compared to Lexus's lower overall complaint numbers, despite lacking normalization data. Key differentiators include Tesla's recurring problems with forward collision avoidance and electrical systems, whereas Lexus's issues are less frequent and less severe, making the ES a more reliable choice.

Key Differences

1Lexus ES has 98 fewer total recalls
2Lexus ES scores 28 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

2Lexus ES

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0Tesla Model 3

Reliability ScoreTotal Recalls

Lexus ES vs Tesla Model 3: Which Is More Reliable?

Lexus ES vs Tesla Model 3 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Lexus ES	Tesla Model 3
Reliability Score	83/100	55/100
Years Tracked	8	9
Total Recalls	15	113
Total ComplaintsRaw count — varies with sales volume	95	3948
Year Wins	8	0

What Are the Common Problems With the Lexus ES and Tesla Model 3?

The Tesla Model 3 exhibits a significantly higher volume of complaints compared to the Lexus ES, with a particular concentration in Forward Collision Avoidance (841 complaints, 33 crash-linked) and Vehicle Speed Control (511 complaints, 67 crash-linked) issues. These areas indicate potential safety concerns, as a substantial number of complaints are linked to crashes. In contrast, the Lexus ES has a notably lower total complaint count, with the most significant safety-related concern being Air Bags (8 complaints, 5 crash-linked). While the Tesla Model 3's issues are more numerous and frequently crash-related, the Lexus ES displays a more dispersed problem profile with fewer severe incidents.

Lexus ES vs Tesla Model 3 common problem areas comparison
Component	Lexus ES	Tesla Model 3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—	841
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	2	511
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	4	411
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	6	391
STEERING	—	356
SERVICE BRAKES	5	290
AIR BAGS	8	230
SUSPENSION	—	224
POWER TRAIN	3	76
STRUCTURE	2	64
LANE DEPARTURE	2	40
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—	22
ENGINE	6	6
SEAT BELTS	—	9
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	7	—
FUEL SYSTEM	3	—
BACK OVER PREVENTION	—	3
TIRES	2	—
WHEELS	2	—

Raw complaint counts aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports. Counts vary with sales volume.

How Does Lexus ES vs Tesla Model 3 Reliability Compare by Year?

Lexus ES vs Tesla Model 3 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Lexus ES	Tesla Model 3	Edge
2025	83/1001R / 4C	67/1003R / 87C	Lexus ES
2024	80/1004R / 9C	62/1004R / 183C	Lexus ES
2023	80/1004R / 18C	57/10010R / 386C	Lexus ES
2022	88/1000R / 16C	50/10016R / 729C	Lexus ES
2021	88/1000R / 0C	48/10020R / 626C	Lexus ES
2020	83/1001R / 5C	54/10020R / 416C	Lexus ES
2019	78/1003R / 33C	49/10021R / 569C	Lexus ES
2018	80/1002R / 10C	46/10018R / 951C	Lexus ES

Best years to cross-shop: The 2022 Lexus ES scored 88/100 and the 2025 Tesla Model 3 scored 67/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Lexus ES vs the Tesla Model 3?

If you prioritize reliability and peace of mind, the Lexus ES is your best choice. With a high reliability score of 83/100 and only 15 recalls, this model offers a dependable driving experience. The Lexus ES also has fewer owner complaints, totaling just 95, indicating a smoother ownership journey. This vehicle is ideal if you want to minimize unexpected issues and enjoy a well-regarded reputation for quality. Conversely, if you're drawn to innovation and are willing to navigate potential reliability challenges, the Tesla Model 3 may appeal to you. Despite its lower reliability score of 54/100 and a significant number of recalls (113), the Model 3's cutting-edge technology and electric performance can be enticing. However, with 28.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, be prepared for potential issues, particularly with systems like forward collision avoidance and vehicle speed control. Choose the Model 3 if you're excited by its tech features and are comfortable with potential maintenance needs.

Lexus ES vs Tesla Model 3: Common Questions

Is the Lexus ES more reliable than the Tesla Model 3?: Based on our data, the Lexus ES is more reliable with an average score of 83/100 compared to 55/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Lexus ES or the Tesla Model 3?: The Tesla Model 3 has more recalls (113) compared to the Lexus ES (15). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Lexus ES or the Tesla Model 3?: The Lexus ES has fewer owner complaints (95) versus 3948 for the Tesla Model 3. Note that models with higher sales naturally generate more complaints.

More Lexus ES comparisons

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More Tesla Model 3 comparisons

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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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