2021 Lexus ES Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
67/100
#6 most-complained of 16 ES years
The 2021 Lexus ES has 28 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 67, and ranks 6th worst of 16 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Airbags dominate complaints (89% share) tied to one recall, 23V865000.
- Complaints
- 28
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 36
- 34 city / 39 hwy
Top 2021 Lexus ES problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags25 (89%)
- Steering2 (7%)
- Brakes1 (4%)
- Other1 (4%)
What owners report
- Owners report the steering wheel unexpectedly pulled to one side after a vehicle notification system malfunction message appeared, in one case leading to a crash at 38,000 miles.
- Some drivers describe a power steering warning with a red steering wheel icon, along with reduced ability to turn the wheel in either direction.
- Multiple owners describe receiving recall notices for a passenger airbag that may not deploy, but say dealers had no repair parts or timeline available.
- Owners express concern about driving with a child passenger while the airbag recall remedy remained unavailable for months.
2021 Lexus ES recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V865000Dec 20, 2023Airbags999,901 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
2021 Lexus ES fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 34 MPG
- Highway
- 39 MPG
- Combined
- 36 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,875
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other ES years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Lexus ES reliable?
- NHTSA lists 28 complaints for the 2021 Lexus ES with a complaint index of 67, ranking it 6th worst out of 16 model years and earning a Caution verdict relative to other ES years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2021 Lexus ES?
- Airbags are the top problem area, accounting for 89% of complaints (25 of 28), mostly tied to recall 23V865000 covering a passenger airbag that may not deploy.
- Does the 2021 Lexus ES have an airbag recall?
- Yes. Recall 23V865000, reported December 20, 2023, covers 2020-2021 ES350 and other Toyota/Lexus models for a sensor issue; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2021 Lexus ES compare to other ES years?
- The 2021 model's complaint index of 67 is higher than 2020 (73 is close but Caution too), 2022 (13, Best), and 2018 (27, Good), but lower than 2019 (100, Avoid) and 2011/2012 (87/93, Avoid).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Lexus ES?
- EPA rates the 2021 Lexus ES at 36 mpg combined (34 city / 39 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,875.