The Lemon Index2021 Lexus ES.
The 2021 Lexus ES is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 20 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 46, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 1 recall, and it gets 25 to 44 mpg combined. The best Lexus ES year is 2020.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 35 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Lexus ES year. 2021 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 1
- airbags 2023
A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
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 139 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the…
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 ES 250 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Lexus ES 300h 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
This vehicle has a recall for the passenger side airbag OCS sensors NHTSA 23V865 as of December 2023 and there is still no remedy available per NHTSA. This is not being remedied in a timely manner.
2021 Lexus ES owner · NHTSA complaint 11623443
More owner reports
I called into my local dealer to schedule an appointment to have this issue resolved and was told there has been no remedy for this situation as of right now. I have a 12 year old daughter and I am now concerned about her safety.
NHTSA complaint 11607992
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Lexus ES reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 46; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Lexus ES year by this measure is 2020.
What are the most common 2021 Lexus ES problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (55%), automatic emergency braking (15%) and wheels (10%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Lexus ES have?
1 safety recall (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Lexus ES get?
25 to 44 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 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 2021 Lexus ES have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Lexus ES cost in fuel a year?
About $1450 to $2550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Lexus ES have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Lexus ES year is better than the 2021?
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