MODEL
Lexus ES Safety
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.
The 2020 and 2021 Lexus ES lacks federal crash-test star ratings, a notable omission that prevents an objective assessment of structural protection for these model years. This absence of data means the vehicle cannot be directly compared against competitors on objective occupant protection metrics. The ES recorded 2 recalls across both model years, a modest count for a vehicle in its class. Any recall should be verified as resolved prior to purchase; the NHTSA VIN lookup tool provides this verification. NHTSA logged 43 total owner complaints for the 2020 and 2021 ES. These included 4 reported crashes and 4 reported injuries. While complaint volume is not excessive, the presence of crash-related complaints, particularly without independent crash-test data, introduces uncertainty into the overall safety profile. Consumers prioritizing verified safety scores must consider the implications of this data gap.
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.