2021 Lexus ES
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Airbags & Restraints
Airbags & Restraints leads by volume: 26 of 35 complaints (74%) mention it.
Complaints filed rose from 24 in 2020 to 35 in 2021.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | vs. 2021 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 1,400–2,500 | 1,400–2,500 | 1,400–2,500 | 1,400–2,500 | 1,400–2,500 | |
| Combined MPG | 25–44 | 25–44 | 25–44 | 25–44 | 25–44 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 22–43 / 31–45 | 22–43 / 31–44 | 22–43 / 31–44 | 22–43 / 31–44 | 22–43 / 31–44 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 201–352 | 201–352 | 202–352 | 201–352 | 201–352 | |
| Complaints filed | 40 | 24 | 35 | 14 | 11 | |
| Recalls issued | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 7 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 8 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Lexus ES have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2021 Lexus ES?
Airbags & Restraints: 26 of 35 NHTSA complaints (74%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Lexus ES get?
EPA rates it 25–44 MPG combined across 4 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Lexus ES?
EPA estimates $1,400–$2,500 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (4)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 22 mpg (low) | 32 mpg | 26 mpg | $2,400 | 346 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 22 mpg (low) | 31 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (low) | $2,500 (high) | 352 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (AV-S6) | 4 | 2.5L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 43 mpg (high) | 44 mpg (high) | 44 mpg (high) | $1,400 (low) | 202 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.5L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Midsize Cars | 25 mpg | 34 mpg | 28 mpg | $2,250 | 315 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 26 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (1)
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION · Campaign 23V865000 · Dec 20, 2023
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.