VehicleVerdict

2020 Lexus ES problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 18 complaints on file for the 2020 Lexus ES — 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.

18

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other ES years?

ES NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 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, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all ES years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Lexus ES problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags844%
Other422%
Driver Assistance317%
Brakes211%
Electrical System16%

Does the 2020 Lexus ES 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.

“The contact owns a 2020 Lexus ES 350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 15, 2024

“Paring brake has been bucking backwards and forward for most of 2026 and finally it failed facing downhill on Feb 4, 2026 and rolled downhill until it stopped after hitting a sign.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 4, 2026 · crash

“The contact owned a 2020 Lexus ES 350. The contact stated while the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently pulled to the right. The contact's wife had no control of the steering wheel. The contact stated that the vehicle made a hard right turn. The contact…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · October 29, 2024 · crash

“The contact owns a 2020 Lexus ES 350. The contact stated that while his father was driving at 35-37 MPH down a hill, he applied the brake pedal, but the brakes failed to respond. The contact continued to pump the brake pedal. The driver moved the gear shifter, attempting to slow down the vehicle.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 16, 2024 · crash

2020 Lexus ES — common questions

Is the 2020 Lexus ES reliable?

The record is thin — 18 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2020 ES problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (8 complaints), other (4 complaints), driver assistance (3 complaints).

Does the 2020 Lexus ES have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 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.