The Lemon Index2020 Lexus ES.
The 2020 Lexus ES is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 5 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 12, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 25 to 44 mpg combined. It's the best Lexus ES year we track.
One of the most reliable. 8.3× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2007
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 24 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Lexus ES year. 2020 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.
Recalls 2
- airbags 2023
A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
- fuel system, gasoline 2020
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus ES 300h 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Lexus ES 350 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1450–2550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
The DCM not working.. i did update and rest the DCM my Dealership and still not working
2020 Lexus ES owner · NHTSA complaint 11438783
Quick answers
Is the 2020 Lexus ES reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 8.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 12; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2020 Lexus ES problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (40%), electrical (40%) and automatic emergency braking (40%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Lexus ES have?
2 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Lexus ES get?
25 to 44 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 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 2020 Lexus ES have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2020 Lexus ES cost in fuel a year?
About $1450 to $2550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Lexus ES have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
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