The Lemon Index2018 Lexus ES.
The 2018 Lexus ES is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 9 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 18, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 24 to 40 mpg combined. The best Lexus ES year is 2020.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 15 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Lexus ES year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 0K to 18K miles on the car (10 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- fuel system, gasoline 2020
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- fuel system, gasoline 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500,…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Lexus told dealers about
Lexus sent dealers 107 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- In some cases, customers may report the engine coolant temperature gauge on the combination meter
- When used in conjunction with the Repair Manual, these Blind Spot Monitor, Forward Recognition…
- When adjusting the Forward Recognition Camera on vehicles with Lexus Safety Sense, it can be…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus ES300H 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Lexus ES350 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1600–2700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Lexus ES reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 5.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 18; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Lexus ES year by this measure is 2020.
What are the most common 2018 Lexus ES problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (22%), speed control (11%) and seat belts (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Lexus ES have?
2 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Lexus ES get?
24 to 40 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Lexus ES safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2018 Lexus ES have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 Lexus ES cost in fuel a year?
About $1600 to $2700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Lexus ES have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Lexus ES year is better than the 2018?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2020, 2012 and 2018.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works