VehicleVerdict

Lexus ES years to avoid

The Lexus ES years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2005, 2011, 2019, 2013, 2002, 2010, 2003, 2012 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2017 is the cleanest year on record.

846

Total complaints

5

Recall campaigns

1996–2025

Years covered

10

Years to avoid

Complaints by model year

ES years to avoid

YearWhyComplaints
2007High complaint rate164
2008High complaint rate78
2005High complaint rate75
2011High complaint rate59
2019High complaint rate55
2013High complaint rate48
2002High complaint rate48
2010High complaint rate46
2003High complaint rate37
2012High complaint rate34

Every ES year

YearComplaintsRecalls
202591
202492
2023102
202290
2021281
2020181
2019avoid551
201880
201720
2016100
201570
201430
2013avoid480
2012avoid340
2011avoid590
2010avoid460
2009290
2008avoid780
2007avoid1640
2006120
2005avoid750
2004210
2003avoid370
2002avoid480
200130
200090
199981
199831
199721
199620

Common questions

What are the worst Lexus ES years?

Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the ES years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2005, 2011, 2019, 2013, 2002, 2010, 2003, 2012. The cleanest year on record is 2017.

What is the best year for the Lexus ES?

By complaint volume, 2017 has the cleanest NHTSA record among ES years with enough data to compare.

How many recalls does the Lexus ES have?

Across all model years, the ES has 5 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 846 consumer complaints on file.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.