VehicleVerdict

2021 Lexus Es Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 2021 Lexus Es Hybrid — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

4

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other Es Hybrid years?

Es Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted15 complaints2013: 12 complaints2014: 15 complaints2015: 10 complaints2016: 12 complaints2017: 1 complaints2018: 5 complaints2019: 1 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 4 complaints2022: 6 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 0 complaints
Es Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Es Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Lexus Es Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance250%
Electrical System125%
Seat Belts125%

Does the 2021 Lexus Es Hybrid have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V865000AirbagsDecember 20, 2023 · 999,901 units

Defect

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. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

Consequence

An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

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. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“On Nov 9, 2022 I first noticed the problem. When I drove back to home Vancouver, WA from California I used cruise control all the way. I was driving at 70 and ahead of me was traffic. The car in front of me slowed down and the cruise control was on which was supposed to detect the car ahead and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · November 9, 2022

“The contact owns a 2021 Lexus ES 300H. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and attempting to stop, the front driver’s side seat belt failed to retract. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · September 26, 2024

“On Nov 9, 2022 I first noticed the problem. When I drove back to home Vancouver, WA from California I used cruise control all the way. I was driving at 70 and ahead of me was traffic. The car in front of me slowed down and the cruise control was on which was supposed to detect the car ahead and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 9, 2022

2021 Lexus Es Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2021 Lexus Es Hybrid reliable?

The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2021 Lexus Es Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 Lexus Es Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 Lexus Es Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.