Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 | −50% | 2 | — | Few |
| 2023 | 0 | −60% | 2 | — | Few |
| 2020 | 1 | −67% | 2 | Airbag | Average |
| 2018 | 5 | −22% | — | Seat Belt | Average |
| 2016 | 7 | typical | — | Brake | Average |
| 2015 | 6 | typical | 1 | Fuel System | Average |
| 2014 | 10 | 1.3× | 1 | Electrical | Average |
| 2013 | 8 | typical | 1 | Acceleration | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median ES Hybrid year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Lexus ES Hybrid problems
Latest Lexus ES Hybrid recalls
Back over prevention › Display function
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.
Remedy: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Back over prevention › Display function
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.
Remedy: Dealers will update the parking assist ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024.
Engine and engine cooling
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid and Lexus ES300h and 2019-2020 RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid vehicles equipped with 2.5L 4-Cylinder engines.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the engine including the engine block, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 3, 2020.
Forward collision avoidance › Crash imminent braking
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.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain PCS components, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Lexus ES Hybrid should you avoid?
None of the Lexus ES Hybrid years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Lexus ES Hybrid?
2020 has the fewest complaints compared with other ES Hybrid years at the same age, followed by 2023 and 2024. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Lexus ES Hybrid problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (9), speed control & acceleration (6) and transmission & drivetrain (5). Brake complaints peak in the 2016 model year.
How many recalls has the Lexus ES Hybrid had?
5 recalls across 2013–2024. The model year with the most is 2020. See all Lexus ES Hybrid recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.