Last updated: 2026-05-13

Lexus ES

0 Lexus ES Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Lexus ES average of 83/100

All Lexus ES years score consistently around the model average of 83/100 — no years are statistical outliers. The best year is 2022 88/100 and the weakest is 2019 78/100.

Verdict

All Lexus ES years score consistently around the model average of 83/100 (78–88 range) — no years are statistical outliers. The best is 2022 88/100 and the weakest is 2019 78/100.

See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Lexus ES Problems?

Top reported issues across all Lexus ES model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

AIR BAGS

8 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2024

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

7 complaints

Most reported in 2019

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

6 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2023

ENGINE

6 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019

SERVICE BRAKES

5 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020

Best Lexus ES Year to Buy Instead

83
ExcellentReliability score: 83 out of 100, rated Excellent

2020 Lexus ES

The 2020 Lexus ES has excellent reliability. There are 1 recall and 5 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Lexus ES. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Air Bags (2), Electrical System (2), Vehicle Speed Control (1).

Score: 83/100 (Excellent)1 recalls5 complaints
View full 2020reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Lexus ES year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Lexus ES Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Lexus ES Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Lexus ES years should you avoid?
All Lexus ES years in our database score consistently around the model average of 83/100. No years are statistical outliers, though some are stronger than others.
What is the best year for the Lexus ES?
The best year for the Lexus ES is 2022, with a reliability score of 88/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 16 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Lexus ES have?
Across all years in our database, the Lexus ES has a total of 15 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Lexus ES worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2022 model year, which scores 88/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 83/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Lexus ES problems?
The most common Lexus ES problems are air bags (8 complaints), fuel/propulsion system (7 complaints), unknown or other (6 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Lexus ES reliable long-term?
The Lexus ES has an average reliability score of 83/100 across all model years in our database, rated "excellent". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Lexus ES generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Lexus ES generation is the Sixth generation (XV60) with an average score of 83/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
Is the 2022 Lexus ES a good used buy?
Yes, the 2022 Lexus ES is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 88/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 16 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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