2021 Lexus ES Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2021 Lexus ES has a complaint index of 65 and ranks 8th worst out of 21 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Airbags dominate complaints at 89% share, tied to a 2023 recall for a passenger airbag sensor issue with delayed parts availability.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 65/100
- #8 of 21 ES years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 28
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 36
- 34 city / 39 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2021 Lexus ES problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags25 (89%)
- Steering2 (7%)
- Brakes1 (4%)
- Other1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the steering wheel unexpectedly turning to one side after a vehicle notification system malfunction message appeared.
- Some drivers experienced power steering failures with a red steering wheel warning light and reduced ability to turn the wheel.
- Multiple owners were notified of an airbag recall for a sensor issue but found no repair part or remedy available at their dealer.
- Owners expressed concern about passenger airbag non-deployment while waiting months for a recall fix.
- Dealers reportedly could not give owners a timeline for the airbag recall repair, with some pushed to later in the year.
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 data shows the 2021 ES has a complaint index of 65 and ranks 8th worst among 21 model years, giving it a Caution verdict relative to other ES years.
- What is the main problem with the 2021 Lexus ES?
- Airbags are the top problem area, making up 89% of complaints, mostly tied to a 2023 recall for a passenger airbag sensor issue.
- Does the 2021 Lexus ES have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists one recall, campaign 23V865000, covering an airbag sensor issue affecting multiple Toyota and Lexus models including the 2021 ES350.
- How does the 2021 ES compare to other Lexus ES years?
- The 2021 ES's complaint index of 65 is worse than years like 2018 and 2022, which earned Best verdicts with indexes of 20 and 15, but better than 2007's index of 100.
- 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 annual fuel cost of $1,875.