The Lemon Index

All cars · Lexus ES · 2021

2021 Lexus ES. Advanced data.

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

Lemon Index46100 = average car
Complaints20NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold45,406U.S. model year
Per 100K sold44complaints
Year rank#12 of 21#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 3

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
2.5L 4-cylAuto (S8)AWD25 / 34 / 28Regular$2,200
2.5L 4-cyl hybridAuto (AV-S6)FWD43 / 44 / 44Regular$1,400
3.5L 6-cylAuto (S8)FWD22 / 32 / 26Regular$2,400

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

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Airbags55%
Automatic emergency braking15%
Wheels10%
Steering10%
Body structure5%

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

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
3520102

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 1

  • 23V865000 Dec 2023 Air Bags / Sensor / Occupant Classification

    Defect. 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 Le

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
ClosedPedestrian alert sounds20232023

Manufacturer communications 139

Lexus filed 139 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the…

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Lexus ES 250 4 DR AWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Lexus ES 300h 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardNoStandard

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
201818948,484Engine
2019502651,336Fuel or ev drive system
202012543,292Airbags
2021462045,406Airbags
2022211141,735Automatic emergency braking
2023–1239,117Electrical
2024–943,156Lane assist

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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