ES (XV60)
Data covers 3 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
2GR-FE
3.5L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
2AR-FXE, 2JM
2.5L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Lexus ES Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Lexus ES, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2013-2018 Lexus ES
On a used 2013-2018 Lexus ES, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the brakes (42), the electrical system (33) and the airbags and driver-assist systems (29). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 42 owner complaints on the 2013-2018 Lexus ES about the brakes.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 33 owner complaints on the 2013-2018 Lexus ES about the electrical system.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 29 owner complaints on the 2013-2018 Lexus ES about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 16 owner complaints on the 2013-2018 Lexus ES about the body and structure.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 15 owner complaints on the 2013-2018 Lexus ES about the engine, all engines combined.
Recalls (5)
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017 Lexus ES350 vehicles. The right-hand side tie rod lock nut may loosen over time.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 30, 2015, to February 3, 2016, 2016 Lexus RX350 vehicles manufactured October 26, 2015, to February 8, 2016, and 2016 Lexus ES350 vehicles manufactured September 1, 2015, to February 29, 2016. These vehicles are equipped with an ABS actuator that may have a damaged O-ring which could result in improper brake fluid pressure control during ABS, Traction Control, or Stability Control activation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Avalon and Avalon Hybrid vehicles manufactured October 19, 2012 to October 27, 2015 and 2013-2015 Lexus ES350 and ES300h vehicles manufactured June 18, 2012 to July 6, 2015. The affected vehicles are equipped with a Pre-Collision System (PCS) as optional equipment. In these vehicles, the PCS may unexpectedly activate and apply the brakes when the radar detects a steel joint or plate in the roadway as an object.
Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2013-2018 Lexus ES complaints?
Owners have filed 209 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013-2018 Lexus ES. The systems they name most often are the brakes, the electrical system and the safety systems.
Is the 2013-2018 Lexus ES a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 209 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013-2018 Lexus ES. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2013-2018 Lexus ES have?
NHTSA has 209 owner complaints on file for the 2013-2018 Lexus ES as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2013-2018 Lexus ES?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls covering some 2013-2018 Lexus ES vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Lexus ES?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the brakes, the electrical system and the safety systems, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the ES have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2013-2018 Lexus ES. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 209 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.