Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2026
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability, low operating costs, and a comfortable, quiet, and refined driving experience.
8 problems reported (1 recurrent, 7 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentInfotainment touchpad interface
Described as annoying, difficult to use; preference for post-2022 touchscreen models.
- IsolatedSteering rack leaks
Noted on higher-mileage examples (e.g., 2010 model with 137k miles).
- IsolatedCV axle boot leaks
Reported after extended high-speed driving.
+ 5 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedStrut and engine mount wear
Expected high-mileage maintenance items (e.g., on a 2010 model with 137k miles).
- IsolatedIntermittent electrical/starting issues
Clicking relays, failure to start (e.g., 2019 model).
- IsolatedVVT gear rattle on startup
Specifically noted for 2008 models and Toyota engines from 2006-2012/13.
- IsolatedDashboard melting
Cited as a known issue for 2007 models.
- IsolatedRough idle
Noted in some low-mileage loaner vehicles.
The version owners recommend
The hybrid model (ES 300h) is frequently recommended for its significant fuel economy gains (approximately 40 city / 39 highway mpg cited) over the V6, smoother operation, and suitability for commuting. For the V6, later model years (e.g., 2017+) within a generation are often preferred for updates. The highest trim levels (Luxury, Ultra Luxury) are noted to offer substantial value in added features and materials compared to base trims, which is described as unusual for the segment.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Toyota Camry, Toyota Avalon, Lexus IS, Lexus GS and Lexus LS.
Is the ES right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
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Overall sentiment
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability, low operating costs, and a comfortable, quiet, and refined driving experience. The ES is consistently praised as a durable, low-stress luxury sedan ideal for high-mileage commuting and long-term ownership. Owners highlight its superior interior materials, sound deadening, and feature content compared to its Toyota platform siblings (Camry, Avalon). Criticisms are relatively minor and focus on specific model-year issues, the infotainment interface (particularly the touchpad on pre-2022 models), and a driving character prioritized for comfort over sportiness. The consensus positions the ES as a top choice for buyers seeking luxury, comfort, and Toyota-grade reliability.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a more luxurious, quieter, and better-appointed alternative to the Toyota Camry and Avalon, sharing mechanicals but offering superior materials, sound insulation, and standard features. Viewed as more comfortable and spacious than the sportier Lexus IS. Frequently compared to the discontinued Lexus GS, with the ES seen as more comfort-oriented and better value, though lacking rear-wheel-drive dynamics. Compared to German rivals (Audi A4, BMW 3/5 Series, Mercedes E-Class), the ES is acknowledged to have inferior driving engagement and technology but superior predicted reliability and lower long-term operating costs. The Genesis G80 is noted as a strong value and tech competitor. The hybrid model (ES 300h) is specifically recommended for stop-and-go traffic for its fuel efficiency.
Recommended configurations
ES 300h hybrid for fuel efficiency, especially in traffic. Luxury or Ultra Luxury trims for maximum feature content and interior quality. Smaller wheel options for improved ride comfort. Regular 87-octane fuel is confirmed as acceptable, reducing operating costs. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is strongly advised, particularly for high-mileage examples. Checking for complete service records is emphasized.
General recommendations
Ideal for buyers prioritizing reliability, comfort, and low operating costs over sporty handling. Excellent for high-mileage commuters, young families, and those planning long-term ownership (10+ years). Strongly recommended as a certified pre-owned (CPO) purchase due to Lexus's highly regarded CPO warranty. Not recommended for driving enthusiasts seeking engaging dynamics or rear-wheel-drive feel. Carefully research specific model years for known issues (e.g., 2007 dashboard melting, 2008 VVT gear rattle). For used purchases, prioritize one-owner vehicles with no accident history and complete dealership service records. Test drive should evaluate infotainment usability, especially the touchpad interface on pre-2022 models.
Remarks
Owner discussions span multiple generations, from the 2005 ES 330 to the 2025+ models. The core value proposition of comfort, quietness, and reliability remains consistent across generations. The platform sharing with Toyota models (Camry, Avalon) is openly acknowledged and seen as a benefit for parts commonality and proven reliability, though some owner feedback criticizes the overuse of this front-wheel-drive platform across the Lexus lineup. The hybrid powertrain is noted as being shared with the Toyota RAV4 and Lexus NX, contributing to its perceived bulletproof reliability. Pricing sentiment indicates strong residual values, with high-mileage examples (e.g., 2017 with 109k miles) still commanding prices near $16,500. Analysis based on approximately 50 substantive owner discussions.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2007. Years to avoid: 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2002Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Lexus ES years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 15 | 1 | back over prevention |
| 2024 | 9 | 2 | air bags |
| 2023 | 22 | 2 | unknown or other |
| 2022 | 23 | 0 | tires |
| 2021 | 35 | 1 | air bags |
| 2020 | 24 | 1 | air bags |
| 2019 | 62 | 1 | fuel/propulsion system |
| 2018 | 15 | 2 | unknown or other |
| 2017 | 25 | 1 | service brakes |
| 2016 | 37 | 1 | unknown or other |
| 2015 | 27 | 1 | unknown or other |
| 2014 | 46 | 1 | electrical system |
| 2013 | 90 | 1 | service brakes |
| 2012 | 116 | 3 | air bags |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices52 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2025 · back over prevention:display functioncampaign 25V744000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2024 · back over prevention:display functioncampaign 24V124000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Mirai, Lexus LS500, LS500H, 2023-2024 Lexus ES250, ES300H, ES350, 2024 Lexus LC500, and LC500H vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Due to incorrect programming of the parking-assist electronic control unit (ECU) software, the rearview camera image may not immediately display within a couple of seconds after the shifter is placed into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2024 · back over prevention:display functioncampaign 25V744000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2023 · back over prevention:display functioncampaign 24V124000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Mirai, Lexus LS500, LS500H, 2023-2024 Lexus ES250, ES300H, ES350, 2024 Lexus LC500, and LC500H vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Due to incorrect programming of the parking-assist electronic control unit (ECU) software, the rearview camera image may not immediately display within a couple of seconds after the shifter is placed into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2023 · back over prevention:display functioncampaign 25V744000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2021 · air bags:sensor:occupant classificationcampaign 23V865000
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.
2020 · air bags:sensor:occupant classificationcampaign 23V865000
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.
2019 · air bags:knee bolstercampaign 19V288000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Lexus ES vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a driver knee air bag assembly mounted to the lower instrument panel (IP) that may have been improperly installed, possibly affecting the deployment of the knee air bag in the event of a crash.
2018 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 20V682000
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 RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
2018 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 20V012000
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 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
2017 · steering:linkages:tie rod assemblycampaign 17V415000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017 Lexus ES350 vehicles. The right-hand side tie rod lock nut may loosen over time.
2016 · service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipcampaign 16V198000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 30, 2015, to February 3, 2016, 2016 Lexus RX350 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2015, to February 8, 2016, and 2016 Lexus ES350 vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015, to February 29, 2016. These vehicles are equipped with an ABS actuator that may have a damaged O-ring which could result in improper brake fluid pressure control during ABS, Traction Control, or Stability Control activation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
2015 · forward collision avoidance: crash imminent brakingcampaign 15V728000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Avalon and Avalon Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 19, 2012 to October 27, 2015 and 2013-2015 Lexus ES350 and ES300h vehicles manufactured June 18, 2012 to July 6, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with a Pre-Collision System (PCS) as optional equipment. In these vehicles, the PCS may unexpectedly activate and apply the brakes when the radar detects a steel joint or plate in the roadway as an object.
2014 · forward collision avoidance: crash imminent brakingcampaign 15V728000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Avalon and Avalon Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 19, 2012 to October 27, 2015 and 2013-2015 Lexus ES350 and ES300h vehicles manufactured June 18, 2012 to July 6, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with a Pre-Collision System (PCS) as optional equipment. In these vehicles, the PCS may unexpectedly activate and apply the brakes when the radar detects a steel joint or plate in the roadway as an object.
2013 · forward collision avoidance: crash imminent brakingcampaign 15V728000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Avalon and Avalon Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 19, 2012 to October 27, 2015 and 2013-2015 Lexus ES350 and ES300h vehicles manufactured June 18, 2012 to July 6, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with a Pre-Collision System (PCS) as optional equipment. In these vehicles, the PCS may unexpectedly activate and apply the brakes when the radar detects a steel joint or plate in the roadway as an object.
37 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: XZ20
500e DIRECT4 eAxle
Electric · 343 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2025–2026