The 2020 Lexus ES has excellent reliability. There are 1 recall and 5 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Lexus ES. Severity signals include 3 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Air Bags (2), Electrical System (2), Vehicle Speed Control (1).
ES reliability snapshot
83/100
Latest model-year reliability score
4.0/5
RepairPal rating (good)
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Lexus ES before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
Air Bags2
Electrical System2
Vehicle Speed Control1
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2020 Lexus ES
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
☐Test for unintended acceleration by shifting between drive and reverse
☐Verify functionality of automatic emergency braking system
☐Inspect airbag deployment system during a diagnostic check
☐Check seatbelt locking mechanisms for proper function
☐Ensure cruise control with radar functionality operates correctly
☐Test data communication module (DCM) for connectivity issues
What owners reported
2020 Lexus ES owner complaints in detail
Owners have reported 3 crashes and 4 injuries to NHTSA for the 2020 Lexus ES. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints2
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2020 Lexus ES report airbag non-deployment in two separate crash incidents, each resulting in two injuries. In both cases, occupants describe that the airbags failed to deploy during significant impacts: one involving a collision with a big rig and another during a failure of the vehicle's radar and brake sensor systems. These incidents occurred during normal driving conditions, with one owner specifically noting that other safety features like seatbelt locking mechanisms also did not function as expected. Complaints do not specify mileage at the time of incidents, but they highlight critical safety implications, including crashes and injuries due to non-deployment of airbags. These reports suggest potential concerns for used car buyers regarding the reliability of the airbag system in crash situations.
Owners of the 2020 Lexus ES report issues primarily related to unintended acceleration and problems with the data communication module (DCM). One owner details an incident where the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated while the brake pedal was pressed, leading to a crash involving a landscaped island and a metal pole. This incident occurred shortly after a similar experience, suggesting a potential pattern of sudden unintended acceleration. Another owner reports a persistent issue with the DCM not functioning despite updates and resets by the dealership. These complaints highlight potential safety implications, particularly with the unintended acceleration, and indicate that electronic system malfunctions may occur at various times and conditions.
Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
Used-market value
2020 Lexus ES resale snapshot
$41,790median asking price from 6 listings
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
The 2020 Lexus ES demonstrates solid reliability, scoring well above the segment average. With only one recall, the recall count is limited, indicating that the model has not faced widespread manufacturing issues.
Complaints are minimal and distributed across a few categories, including air bags and electrical systems, suggesting no single area of concern. Given that this is the eighth year of its generation, the model benefits from a mature design with most early-generation issues likely resolved.
In summary, the 2020 Lexus ES offers above-average reliability with low overall risk for buyers.
What you get in a 2020 Lexus ES report
✓Available title brand history
✓Odometer readings & rollback detection
✓Accident & damage records
✓Auction sales with photos
✓Open safety recalls
✓Theft & stolen vehicle check
Check a 2020 Lexus ES now
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2020 Lexus ES — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Lexus ES reliable?
The 2020 Lexus ES demonstrates solid reliability, scoring well above the segment average. With only one recall, the recall count is limited, indicating that the model has not faced widespread manufacturing issues.
How many recalls does the 2020 Lexus ES have?
1 NHTSA safety recall has been issued for the 2020 Lexus ES. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2020 Lexus ES problems?
The most-reported 2020 Lexus ES problem areas are: Air Bags (2), Electrical System (2), Vehicle Speed Control (1).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2020 Lexus ES?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2020 Lexus ES, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.
