2021 Lexus ES: common problems and reliability

The 2021 Lexus ES has 34 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and steering. Owners most often flag cv axle boot leaks: reported after extended high-speed driving. frequency: isolated.

Safety record for the 2021 model year

34
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
2
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Lexus ES vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2021 a good year for the ES?

Across the 10 ES model years we track, complaint volume runs from 9 (2024) to 190 (2004). With 34 complaints, the 2021 ES sits about the same asthe model's median of 39.

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

air bags
25
steering
2
wheels
2
forward collision avoidance
2
service brakes
1

Recalls affecting the 2021 ES

air bags:sensor:occupant classification

Campaign 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 Hybri

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.

  • Infotainment touchpad interface: described as annoying, difficult to use; preference for post-2022 touchscreen models. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Steering rack leaks: noted on higher-mileage examples (e.g., 2010 model with 137k miles). Frequency: isolated.

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 $51,553–$56,216 across 2025 to 2026 model years.

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