MODEL
Lexus ES
NHTSA safety across every Lexus ES model year we cover.
Across the 2 model years of the Lexus ES we cover (2020 to 2021), no year has an NHTSA crash-test score on record. 2 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Lexus ES is a front-wheel-drive luxury sedan aimed squarely at buyers who want premium comfort, a refined cabin, and the reassurance of the Lexus nameplate without the complexity of all-wheel drive. Competing in the entry-to-mid luxury segment against rivals like the Genesis G80 and Volvo S90, the ES has long been a volume leader for Lexus, appealing to mature buyers who prioritize a serene driving experience.
For the 2020 and 2021 model years, the Lexus ES presents a complicated safety picture, and shoppers deserve a straightforward look at it. NHTSA did not conduct crash testing on the ES in either of these model years, which means there are no federal star ratings to anchor confidence in structural protection. That is a meaningful gap. Without independent crash-test data, buyers cannot compare the ES to rivals on objective occupant protection metrics, and that alone warrants caution. On the recall front, the ES logged 2 recalls across these two model years, which is a relatively modest count for a mainstream luxury sedan. That said, recalls should always be verified as resolved before purchase, and any used ES should be run through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. Owner complaints tell a more nuanced story. Across 2020 and 2021, NHTSA received 43 total complaints, including 4 reported crashes and 4 reported injuries. These are unverified allegations, and the complaint volume is not alarmingly high for a vehicle with significant sales volume, but the presence of crash-related complaints in the absence of any crash-test data makes the overall safety picture less clear than it should be. Bottom line: the Lexus ES is a well-regarded luxury sedan, but the absence of NHTSA crash-test results for these specific years is a real blind spot. Shoppers who prioritize verified safety scores should factor that gap into their decision.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Lexus ES for its exceptionally quiet and well-appointed cabin, smooth and composed ride quality, and strong value within the luxury sedan segment. Most find the driving dynamics relaxed rather than sporty, which suits its comfort-focused character. Interior materials and build quality are consistently noted as highlights, though some reviewers feel the infotainment interface lags behind segment competitors.
- NHTSA did not crash-test the 2020 or 2021 Lexus ES, so there are no federal star ratings available for either model year. Shoppers who rely on government crash-test scores to compare vehicles will find a significant data gap here.
- Two recalls were issued across the 2020 and 2021 model years. Before purchasing a used ES from this period, run the VIN through NHTSA's free recall lookup tool to confirm all recall work has been completed.
- NHTSA received 43 owner complaints for these model years, including 4 reported crashes and 4 reported injuries. These are unverified allegations, but the crash-linked complaints are worth reviewing in detail on NHTSA's database before buying.
- Because the ES uses front-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive, buyers in regions with significant winter weather should factor traction limitations into their safety considerations, particularly given the absence of crash-test data to offset other concerns.
Most-recalled year on record: 2021 Lexus ES with 1 recalls.