Last updated: 2026-10-10

Lexus ES

Lexus ES Years to Avoid

8 scored model years (2018–2025) · model average 83/100

No model year of the ES is one to avoid, because none sits well below the model's own average. What changes from year to year is the number of complaints and recalls, with 2019 drawing the most complaints and 2023 and 2024 carrying the most recalls. The 2022 is the year to buy.

Verdict

Avoid
No outlier years
Buy
2022 88/100
Model average
83/100
See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Lexus ES Problems?

AIR BAGS

8 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2024, 2020

2019: Airbags failing to deploy in a crash is the common complaint, including a hard side impact at the driver door.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

7 complaints

Most reported in 2019

2019: Stalling and weak throttle response are the main complaints.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 complaints

Most reported in 2023, 2019, 2018

2023: Audio sometimes cuts out completely at high volume.

ENGINE

6 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018

2019: Stalling and failure to move from a stop show up most often.

SERVICE BRAKES

5 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2023

2019: Unintended or failed braking drives these complaints, and two of the three involve crashes.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaints

Most reported in 2020, 2019

2020: The car lurches forward when shifted from reverse into drive in one crash-related report, and the driver suspects sudden unintended acceleration.

Best Lexus ES Year to Buy Instead

88
ExcellentReliability score: 88 out of 100, rated Excellent

2022 Lexus ES

The 2022 has no recalls on file and 16 owner complaints, mostly about tires and wheels rather than stalling or engine trouble. The 2019 has 33 complaints and three recalls, and the 2024 has four recalls. The 2022 has also been on the road long enough to build a fair record.

Score: 88/100 (Excellent)0 recalls16 complaints
View full 2022reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2022 Lexus ES has 0 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

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

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Lexus ES Years by Generation

Lexus ES Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Lexus ES years should I avoid?
None. Our analysis found no year well below the model's own average. The 2019 and 2024 rate lowest, but both are still good or excellent. Compare complaints and recall counts for the specific car you are looking at.
Which Lexus ES years are the weakest?
The 2019 and 2024 rate lowest. The 2019 has 33 owner complaints and three recalls, with the fuel and propulsion system the top complaint area. The 2024 has four recalls and 9 complaints, including airbags and lane departure.
Is the 2019 Lexus ES a bad year?
No, but it is the year to check most carefully. It rates good rather than excellent and has the most complaints of any year. Fuel and propulsion problems lead, along with engine and air bag reports. Ask about the car's repair history.
Are the 2024 and 2025 Lexus ES safe picks?
Treat them with care. The 2024 has four recalls, and the 2025 has one fire report. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so a short list does not prove they are better. A 2022 has a longer record and is the site's pick.
Is the 2021 Lexus ES better than the 2022?
The 2021 rates as high as the 2022 and has no recalls or complaints on file. An empty record is hard to read, though. The 2022 has no recalls and 16 complaints, mostly tires and wheels, which gives you something concrete to check. The site picks the 2022.

How we score every Lexus ES model year

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue