Avoid: 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2002 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2018
24 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 29 model years, the Lexus ES has 3,127 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 52 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and vehicle speed control. 2007 drew the most complaints (664), 2018 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (15).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Lexus ES vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $43,225–$47,448.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2023 | 22 |
| 2022 | 23 |
| 2021 | 35 |
| 2020 | 24 |
| 2019 | 62 |
| 2018 | 15 |
| 2017 | 25 |
| 2016 | 37 |
| 2015 | 27 |
| 2014 | 46 |
| 2013 | 90 |
| 2012 | 116 |
| 2011 | 197 |
| 2010 | 179 |
| 2009 | 173 |
| 2008 | 323 |
| 2007 | 664 |
| 2006 | 79 |
| 2005 | 200 |
| 2004 | 190 |
| 2003 | 140 |
| 2002 | 186 |
| 2001 | 39 |
| 2000 | 67 |
| 1999 | 38 |
| 1998 | 56 |
| 1997 | 50 |
Highest: 2007 (664 complaints). Lowest: 2018 (15).
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability, low operating costs, and a comfortable, quiet, and refined driving experience.
Described as annoying, difficult to use; preference for post-2022 touchscreen models.
Noted on higher-mileage examples (e.g., 2010 model with 137k miles).
Reported after extended high-speed driving.
Expected high-mileage maintenance items (e.g., on a 2010 model with 137k miles).
Clicking relays, failure to start (e.g., 2019 model).
Owner insights cover all generations of the ES. Individual model years are broken down above.
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