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2021 Lexus ES: common problems and reliability
An average ES year.
35 owner complaints, most about air bags. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2021 ES?The 2021 Lexus ES has 35 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and steering.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Lexus ES vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other ES years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the ES?
Across the 29 ES model years we track, complaint volume runs from 15 (2018) to 664 (2007). With 35 complaints, the 2021 ES sits below the model's median of 56.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 ES
air bags:sensor:occupant classification
Campaign 23V865000Toyota 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.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability, low operating costs, and a comfortable, quiet, and refined driving experience.
Owner insights cover all generations of the ES. See the full ES owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used ES listings typically run $43,225–$47,448.
Other ES model years
Compare every ES year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the ES against its rivals
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