Most common 2021 Lexus ES problems
Share of the 28 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus ES complaints by model year
Best ES years: 2015, 2016, 2018. Years to avoid: 2021, 2019, 2011, 2020, 2010. Compare all years →
2021 Lexus ES recalls (1)
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.
What 2021 Lexus ES owners say
Air bags all 25 →
I received a letter that my vehicle is subject to a recall for "passenger airbag may not deploy". I contacted my dealer and they said there is not a remedy at they do not know when the remedy will be available. Possibly not until 3rd quarter of 2024. I asked what if the airbag is needed to deploy while they figure out a remedy, they stated. "We HOPE this does not happen". Offering me nothing but hope that no one dies from their error. It is nice to know that Lexus offers HOPE instead of safety for me and my family.
The contact owns a 2021 Lexus ES 350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2021 Lexus ES engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid | CVT | FWD | 43 / 44 / 44 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 25 / 34 / 28 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | FWD | 22 / 32 / 26 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Lexus ES a good car?
Based on 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 ES rates avoid: 4.1× as many complaints as a typical year of the ES at the same age. It is one of the ES years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Lexus ES?
The air bags — 25 complaints, 89% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the steering (2) and brakes (1).
How many recalls does the 2021 Lexus ES have?
There is 1 recall for the 2021 Lexus ES, the most recent from December 20, 2023 (occupant classification). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus ES?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2015, 2016 and 2018. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2021, 2019, 2011, 2020 and 2010. See the full Lexus ES years comparison.
At what mileage do 2021 Lexus ES problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 38,000 miles; 100% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.