VehicleVerdict

2019 Lexus ES problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 55 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.0 times the median ES year — the 2019 model ranks #5 of 30 ES years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (12), engine (9), and airbags (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

55

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2019 compare to other ES years?

ES NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted164 complaints1996: 2 complaints1997: 2 complaints1998: 3 complaints1999: 8 complaints2000: 9 complaints2001: 3 complaints2002: 48 complaints2003: 37 complaints2004: 21 complaints2005: 75 complaints2006: 12 complaints2007: 164 complaints2008: 78 complaints2009: 29 complaints2010: 46 complaints2011: 59 complaints2012: 34 complaints2013: 48 complaints2014: 3 complaints2015: 7 complaints2016: 10 complaints2017: 2 complaints2018: 8 complaints2019: 55 complaints2020: 18 complaints2021: 28 complaints2022: 9 complaints2023: 10 complaints2024: 9 complaints2025: 9 complaints
ES NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all ES years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Lexus ES problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1222%
Engine916%
Airbags611%
Transmission59%
Driver Assistance59%
Electrical System47%
Brakes47%
Speed Control35%
Body & Structure35%
Other24%
Lighting12%
Suspension12%

Does the 2019 Lexus ES have recalls?

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

19V288000AirbagsApril 10, 2019 · 564 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Lexus ES vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a driver knee air bag assembly mounted to the lower instrument panel (IP) that may have been improperly installed, possibly affecting the deployment of the knee air bag in the event of a crash.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury if the knee air bag does not deploy properly.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the driver knee air bag assembly, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 8, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are KLD and KLE.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ACCIDENT DESCRIPTION: TRAVELING SOUTH ON I-95 JUST PAST THE 895 SPLIT. I WAS TRAVELING IN THE MIDDLE LANE WITH A SPEED OF 60-65 MPH. THE CAR STARTED TO DRIFT LEFT QUICKLY. THERE WAS NO VIBRATION WARNING THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL INDICATING LANE DEPARTURE. I WAS RAPIDLY MOVING TOWARD THE CONCRETE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 2, 2021 · crash

“ACCIDENT DESCRIPTION: TRAVELING SOUTH ON I-95 JUST PAST THE 895 SPLIT. I WAS TRAVELING IN THE MIDDLE LANE WITH A SPEED OF 60-65 MPH. THE CAR STARTED TO DRIFT LEFT QUICKLY. THERE WAS NO VIBRATION WARNING THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL INDICATING LANE DEPARTURE. I WAS RAPIDLY MOVING TOWARD THE CONCRETE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 2, 2021 · crash

“none of the air bags deployed when my car was T-Bone at the driver door when the other car ran the red light. The other car air bags deployed and appears to be total loss My lexus EX300h has been repair but is available for inspection”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · July 10, 2022 · crash

“SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN OCT 2019, THIS HAPPENS EVERYTIME I AM ON LOCAL ROADS (SPEED <50MPH), WHEN I SLOWDOWN PER THE TRAFFIC FLOW, OR TAKING TURN (LEFT OR RIGHT) AFTER YIELDING, THE CAR HESITATES TO ACCELERATE AS IF THE GAS PEDAL DIED ON ME AND THEN I PUSH THE PEDAL FURTHER DOWN ONLY TO GET THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 1, 2019

“Which component or system experienced a failure or malfunction, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Pre-collagen system and emergency braking system failed. These components are available for inspection upon request at the dealership where the car has been undergoing manufacturer…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · June 5, 2023 · crash

2019 Lexus ES — common questions

Is the 2019 Lexus ES reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 55 complaints put the 2019 model at #5 of 30 ES years. It is one of the ES years to avoid.

What are the most common 2019 ES problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (12 complaints), engine (9 complaints), airbags (6 complaints).

Does the 2019 Lexus ES have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2019 Lexus ES. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Lexus ES years should you avoid?

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

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.