2020 Lexus ES
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2020 Lexus ES has 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 18. The most common issue is air bags problems (44% of all complaints), specifically: this safety recall was identified 12/20/23. passenger airbag may not deploy seems pretty serious to me. should it really take 9 months to remedy a defect like this? sure doesn't feel like the manufacturer is remedying this safety recall in a timely manner.. There is 1 recall issued for this model year.
18
Total Complaints
1
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 6)
AIR BAGS
8 complaints- • This safety recall was identified 12/20/23. Passenger Airbag May Not Deploy seems pretty serious to me. Should it really take 9 months to remedy a defect like this? Sure doesn't feel like the manufacturer is remedying this safety recall in a timely manner.
- • The contact owns a 2020 Lexus ES350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer
- • The contact owns a 2020 Lexus ES350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer
“This safety recall was identified 12/20/23. Passenger Airbag May Not Deploy seems pretty serious to me. Should it really take 9 months to remedy a defect like this? Sure doesn't feel like the manufacturer is remedying this safety recall in a timely manner.”
— NHTSA complaint filing
Recalls (1)
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.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Lexus ES
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Lexus ES
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Lexus ES Service Intervals
Toyota Motor Corporation-recommended 10K interval with 0W-20 synthetic. Hybrid models use conventional service intervals; battery is 10-year warranty.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Lexus New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
Hybrid battery is now 10yr/150K miles for 2020+ hybrids
These are the terms for a new Lexus. If you're buying a used 2020 ES, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Lexus dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 18 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐AIR BAGS: This safety recall was identified 12/20/23. Passenger Airbag May Not Deploy seems pretty serious to me. Should it really take 9 months to remedy a defect like this? Sure doesn't feel like the manufacturer is remedying this safety recall in a timely manner.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: Under recall for over a year for OCS sensor
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: The contact owned a 2020 Lexus ES 350. The contact stated while the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently pulled to the right. The contact's wife had no control of the steering wheel. The contact stated that the vehicle made a hard right turn. The contact sta
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: The contact owns a 2020 Lexus ES 350. The contact stated that while his father was driving at 35-37 MPH down a hill, he applied the brake pedal, but the brakes failed to respond. The contact continued to pump the brake pedal. The driver moved the gear shifter, attempting to slow down the vehicle. Th
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Lexus dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Lexus ES — Year Comparison
How does 2020 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 18
- Recalls
- 1
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 3
- Injury reports
- 4
- Segment avg
- 18
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2020 Lexus ES