Lexus ES Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)
The Lexus ES years to avoid are 2011, 2012, 2019, and 2025, based on NHTSA complaint index scores of 87, 93, 100, and 80 respectively. The 2016 and 2022 model years score lowest for reported problems (complaint index 20 and 13) and are rated Best.
- Model years
- 16
- 2010–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 289
- Recall campaigns
- 4
- Crashes reported
- 39
- Fires reported
- 2
- Top problem area
- Airbags
ES Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Lexus ES problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Caution | 53 | 41 | 2 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | — | — |
| 2011 | Avoid | 87 | 46 | 6 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | — | — |
| 2012 | Avoid | 93 | 31 | 5 | 1 | 0 | Airbags | — | — |
| 2013 | Caution | 60 | 33 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | 40 | — |
| 2014 | No verdict | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | 40 | — |
| 2015 | Good | 33 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | 40 | — |
| 2016 | Best | 20 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | 40 | — |
| 2017 | No verdict | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System | 40 | — |
| 2018 | Good | 27 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | 40 | — |
| 2019 | Avoid | 100 | 34 | 7 | 0 | 1 | Fuel System | 44 | — |
| 2020 | Caution | 73 | 18 | 3 | 0 | 1 | Airbags | 44 | — |
| 2021 | Caution | 67 | 28 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Airbags | 36 | — |
| 2022 | Best | 13 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 36 | — |
| 2023 | Good | 40 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 2 | Brakes | 36 | — |
| 2024 | Good | 47 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 2 | Airbags | 36 | — |
| 2025 | Avoid | 80 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | 36 | — |
ES years to avoid: what went wrong
2019 Lexus ES Index 100 · 34 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2019 ES ranks worst of all years with a complaint index of 100 and 34 complaints. Fuel system problems lead at 35% of complaints with a median mileage at failure of just 11,000 miles, followed by engine issues at 29% (median 9,450 miles). Owners reported brake pedals traveling to the floor and unintended acceleration while parking. NHTSA recorded seven crashes and seven injuries, plus one airbag recall (19V288000) covering a defective driver knee airbag assembly.
2012 Lexus ES Index 93 · 31 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2012 ES carries a complaint index of 93, the second highest of any year, with 31 total complaints. Airbags make up 61% of reported problems, with a median mileage at failure of 51,500 miles; owners described airbags deploying unexpectedly during low-speed parking incidents. Electrical system complaints, including melting dashboard vinyl, follow at 16% with a median mileage of 76,750 miles. NHTSA recorded five crashes and one fire for this year, with no recalls issued.
2011 Lexus ES Index 87 · 46 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2011 ES has a complaint index of 87 and ranks 3rd worst of all years covered. Airbags account for 59% of complaints for this year, with a median mileage at failure of 50,200 miles. Owners also reported structure and body issues, including sudden loss of steering control and unexpected acceleration while parking, at a median of 38,000 miles. Six crashes and four injuries were reported for this year, though NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2011 ES.
2025 Lexus ES Index 80 · 5 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2025 ES has a complaint index of 80 and ranks 4th worst despite only 5 total complaints. Collision avoidance and camera problems and fuel system issues each make up 40% of complaints. Owners reported pre-collision systems braking without cause and a garage filling with gasoline odor after driving. NHTSA issued one recall (25V744000) for a panoramic view monitor software update, and one report involved a fire after an automatic braking failure.
Most common Lexus ES problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Airbags114 (39%)
- Other35 (12%)
- Electrical System34 (12%)
- Brakes32 (11%)
- Engine28 (10%)
- Structure & Body28 (10%)
- Fuel System23 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires16 (6%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras12 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers12 (4%)
Frequently asked questions
- What Lexus ES years should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2011, 2012, 2019, and 2025 Lexus ES years are rated Avoid, with complaint index scores of 87, 93, 100, and 80 respectively, the highest among all 16 model years covered.
- What is the best Lexus ES year?
- The 2016 and 2022 Lexus ES are rated Best, with complaint index scores of 20 and 13, the lowest among the 16 model years with data.
- Does the 2019 Lexus ES have a recall?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 19V288000 covers a driver knee airbag assembly on the 2019 Lexus ES that may have been improperly manufactured.
- What is the most common problem on the Lexus ES?
- Across all years, airbags are the top complaint category, accounting for 114 of 289 total complaints, or 39%, followed by electrical system issues at 12% and brakes at 11%.
- Is the 2025 Lexus ES reliable?
- The 2025 ES has a complaint index of 80 and is rated Avoid relative to other ES years, with a recall for panoramic view monitor software and reports of fuel odor and unexpected automatic braking.