Lexus ES Hybrid Problems by Year
NHTSA has 44 owner complaints and 6 safety recalls on file for the Lexus ES Hybrid, across 13 model years (2013–2025). The 2014 model year has the most complaints (10). The most reported problem area overall is service brakes.
Lexus ES Hybrid years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical ES Hybrid year: 2014. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2014 ES Hybrid: 10 complaints, 1 recall
- 2013 ES Hybrid: 8 complaints, 1 recall
- 2016 ES Hybrid: 7 complaints, 0 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2017 ES Hybrid: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
- 2019 ES Hybrid: 1 complaint, 1 recall
- 2020 ES Hybrid: 1 complaint, 2 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Lexus ES Hybrid problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 7 | 4 | 2 |
| Power Train | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 | 3 | 4 |
| Electrical System | 5 | 3 | 3 |
| Air Bags | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Engine | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Structure | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Equipment | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Lane Departure | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Lexus ES Hybrid model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 ES Hybrid | 0 | 1 | — | — | |
| 2024 ES Hybrid | 0 | 2 | — | — | |
| 2023 ES Hybrid | 0 | 2 | — | — | |
| 2022 ES Hybrid | 3 | 1 | — | Forward Collision Avoidance | |
| 2021 ES Hybrid | 2 | 1 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2020 ES Hybrid | 1 | 2 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2019 ES Hybrid | 1 | 1 | — | Exterior Lighting | |
| 2018 ES Hybrid | 5 | 0 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2017 ES Hybrid | 1 | 0 | — | Power Train | |
| 2016 ES Hybrid | 7 | 0 | — | Service Brakes | |
| 2015 ES Hybrid | 6 | 1 | — | Power Train | |
| 2014 ES Hybrid | 10 | 1 | — | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2013 ES Hybrid | 8 | 1 | — | Vehicle Speed Control |
More from Lexus: all Lexus models · Lexus VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Lexus ES Hybrid years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2014 (10) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical ES Hybrid year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Lexus ES Hybrid?
Service Brakes, with 7 complaints across 4 model years.
How many recalls does the Lexus ES Hybrid have?
6 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.