Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2021 Lexus ES
Our scoring places the 2021 Lexus ES at 8.1/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.3/10, while Reliability at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.5/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.4/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.5/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. The cabin tech earns 8.3/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $38,665–$50,433, 27 MPG, seating 5, the Lexus ES sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. The 7.2/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Lexus ES is a solid, well-rounded sedan that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is reliability — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2021 Lexus ES ranks #117 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 91% of the segment. Its 8.1/10 overall score is 0.6 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $38,665 starting price is about 40% above the segment's median of $27,664.
$0 — 1 campaign on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which ES Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Lexus ES scores 7.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 8.1 — and starts roughly $4,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing
NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Lexus ES (1 on record)
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification 20/12/2023 · 23V865000
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,…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2021 Lexus ES that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2021 Lexus ES
Is the 2021 Lexus ES reliable?
We rate the 2021 Lexus ES's reliability 6.5/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2021 Lexus ES have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2021 Lexus ES worth buying?
It scores 8.1/10 overall, ranking #117 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 91% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2021 Lexus ES cost?
The 2021 Lexus ES starts at $38,665 and ranges up to $50,433 across trims (MSRP when new). At 27 MPG, expect roughly $1,944/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which ES years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest ES years we've rated are 2014 (7.4/10), 2015 (7.8/10), 2018 (7.9/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.4/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2021 Lexus ES have?
The documented issues for the 2021 Lexus ES are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Air bags (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Lexus ES
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Similar Sedan to Consider
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
