VehicleVerdict

2021 Lexus ES problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 28 complaints on file for the 2021 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.

28

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other ES years?

ES NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all ES years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Lexus ES problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags2589%
Steering27%
Brakes14%

Does the 2021 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.

“front seat passenger air bag recall and it has been over a year and they are still waiting for the parts. The recall says that the air bag may not deploy when it is supposed to and could cause injury to the occupant. I would think this would be a high priority for Lexus to fix the problem. Can you…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 20, 2023

“The contact owns a 2021 Lexus ES. While the contact's wife was driving at unknown speeds, the messages stating "vehicle notification system, a malfunction in the vehicle notification system has been detected, contact dealer", and "notification system malfunction visit your dealer" were displayed.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 16, 2024 · crash

“The contact owns a 2021 Lexus ES. While the contact's wife was driving at unknown speeds, the messages stating "vehicle notification system, a malfunction in the vehicle notification system has been detected, contact dealer", and "notification system malfunction visit your dealer" were displayed.…”

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

2021 Lexus ES — common questions

Is the 2021 Lexus ES reliable?

The record is thin — 28 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 2021 ES problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (25 complaints), steering (2 complaints), brakes (1 complaints).

Does the 2021 Lexus ES have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 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.