The Lemon Index

All cars · Lexus ES · 2018

2018 Lexus ES. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index18100 = average car
Complaints9NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold48,484U.S. model year
Per 100K sold19complaints
Year rank#3 of 21#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 2

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
2.5L 4-cyl hybridAuto (AV-S6)FWD40 / 39 / 40Regular$1,550
3.5L 6-cylAuto (S6)FWD21 / 30 / 24Regular$2,600

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 100 and 18,800 miles. Median 5,200, from 10 complaints with a mileage.

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Engine22%
Speed control11%
Seat belts11%
Lights11%
Airbags11%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
1530302

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 2

  • 20V682000 Nov 2020 Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Fuel Pump

    Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus

    Risk. If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota cust

  • 20V012000 Jan 2020 Fuel System, Gasoline / Delivery / Fuel Pump

    Defect. 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, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014

    Risk. If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
ClosedPedestrian alert sounds20232023

Manufacturer communications 107

Lexus filed 107 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • 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…

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Lexus ES300H 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Lexus ES350 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardStandardStandard

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
2015211464,969Brakes
2016301858,299Brakes
2017321851,398Body structure
201818948,484Engine
2019502651,336Fuel or ev drive system
202012543,292Airbags
2021462045,406Airbags

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

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