Is the Lexus ES Reliable?
2002–2026 defect & recall-risk analysis from citable NHTSA data.
The score ranks this model's recall intensity against other luxurys — plus systemic-defect concentration and any open federal investigations. It measures defect and recall risk, not long-term mechanical durability, and is deliberately not skewed by how many were sold.
Reliability Score
Own a Lexus ES? Check your specific VIN for a full history report.
Lexus ES Reliability by Year
| Model Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 1 | — | — | 97 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 1 | 5 | — | — | 97 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 2 | 5 | — | — | 97 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 2 | 5 | — | — | 97 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 1 | 16 | — | — | 91 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 1 | 28 | — | — | 81 | Good |
| 2020 | 3 | 21 | 6 | — | 72 | Good |
| 2019 | 3 | 35 | 4 | — | 72 | Good |
| 2018 | 2 | 11 | 3 | — | 88 | Excellent |
| 2017 | 0 | 18 | 4 | — | 85 | Excellent |
Reliability scores are proprietary to VinCheckEngine and incorporate multiple weighted safety signals.
How the ES Compares to Similar Vehicles
The ES scores 17 points above the average luxury — a strong result.
Known Lexus ES Reliability Issues
The following components appear most frequently in owner complaints filed with NHTSA:
Based on 145 owner complaints across recent model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Lexus ES reliable?+
The Lexus ES scores 87/100 on our reliability index — rated "Excellent." Across 10 recently analyzed model years, it accumulated 15 recall campaigns and 145 owner complaints in the NHTSA database.
What year ES is most reliable?+
Among the years analyzed, the 2026 ES achieved the highest reliability score of 97/100 with 0 recalls and 1 complaints.
How many miles does a ES last?+
With consistent maintenance, most Lexus ES owners report 150,000 to 200,000+ miles of service life. Checking the VIN of any specific used ES will reveal its actual mileage history and any title events.
More Lexus ES Research
Check a Specific Lexus ES VIN
Model-level reliability scores show general trends. A VIN-specific report reveals the exact history of any individual vehicle — accidents, odometer records, auction events, and open recalls.
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