2020 Lexus Es Safety Report
2020 LEXUS ES Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2020 Lexus Es
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2020 Lexus Es. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (1) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (16) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 3 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Air Bags | Compare air bags issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2017 | Compare against the 2017 Lexus Es with 2 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2021 | Check the 2021 Lexus Es before buying across this generation. |
Lexus Es Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Lexus Es years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Lexus Es | 27 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Lexus Es | 5 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Lexus Es | 2 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Lexus Es | 7 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Lexus Es | 5 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2020 Lexus Es Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2020 Lexus Es, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Air Bags
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Lexus onlyUnknown Or Other
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Lexus onlyService Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance issues Lexus onlyElectrical System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Lexus onlyService Brakes
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Lexus onlyForward Collision Avoidance
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Forward Collision Avoidance issues Lexus onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Lexus Es
Reliability Score
The 2020 Lexus Es receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
Known Issues for the 2020 Lexus Es
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Lexus Es:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Airbag Recall Recalled due to potential failure to deploy, posing a safety risk. No remedy provided yet. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Stall And Transmission Issues Reported issues include engine stalling and transmission problems, affecting driving stability. |
Medium | Common | 100k-150k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2020 Lexus Es:
Airbag deployment issues are a common concern.
Engine stalling is a frequent issue.
Transmission problems are reported.
Brake issues have been reported.
Recall Details for the 2020 Lexus Es
The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2020 Lexus Es by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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 Le...
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2020 Lexus Es
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2020 Lexus Es with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
I was driving on a freeway. I had my adaptive cruise control turned on. The car in front of me slowed down. My adaptive cruise control did not slow me down so I applied the breaks. The breaks did not work. The breaks did not slow me down or stop me. My pre-collision system did not activate. I collided with the rear end of the car that was in front of me. I got displays on my car screen sta...
Car has been stalling, jerking and revving of the engine! Transmission service was done around 100,000 miles, about 30000 miles later, car was taken back to dealer and they were unable diagnose a problem. Issue got worse until it became undriveable. Car towed back to dealership only to be told I need a transmission on a pre owned certified car!
Paring brake has been bucking backwards and forward for most of 2026 and finally it failed facing downhill on Feb 4, 2026 and rolled downhill until it stopped after hitting a sign.
There was a recall listed for my car in 2023, and now it is September 2025 and there is still no remedy available for the recall. Manufacturer Recall Number: 23LB03 NHTSA Recall Number: 23V865 Recall Status: Recall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary: The subject vehicles have Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensors in the front passenger seat, that could have been improperly ma...
There is an active recall for my vehicle involving the passenger airbag potentially not deploying. This is a huge safety risk and the remedy is still not available. The active recall was first initiated in December of 2023.
LEXUS HAS OPEN RECALL ON 2020 LEXUS ES350 SINCE DEC 2023 WITH NO REMEDY PROVIDED. IT IS EXTREMELY NEGLIGENT OF THEM TO HAVE NO SOLUTION WHILE DRIVERS OF THEIR VEHICLES ARE PUTTING THEIR PASSENGERS IN EXTREME RISK OF THEIR SAFETY FOR AIR BAG SENSORS NOT WORKING PROPERLY.
I am writing to formally express my deep concern and frustration regarding the prolonged recall of the passenger-side airbag in my 2020 Lexus ES350 (VIN #[XXX]). The recall numbers are (23LA03, 23LB03 and 23V865) these were issued in December of 2023, which has been more than a year. Lexus has provided a rental car for all this time, which demonstrates this recall is a safety issue. Despite repe...
• Frequent Battery Replacements: My vehicle is now on its third battery within a five-year lifespan. The previous owner replaced the battery two years ago when the vehicle was only two years old, and I recently had to replace it again. • Unacceptable Battery Lifespan: No vehicle should require a new battery every two years under normal conditions. This strongly suggests an underlying defect in the...
Under recall for over a year for OCS sensor
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. The driver crashed into a 2016 Mazda 3, which crashed into a 2017 Honda Civic. There was an unknown br...
The contact owns a 2020 Lexus ES 350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts unavailable.
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 stated that his wife tried everything to stop the vehicle, however the vehicle was uncontrollable. The...
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 was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not ...
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 was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not ...
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 was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts unav...
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Lexus Es
Has the 2020 LEXUS ES been recalled?
Yes, the 2020 LEXUS ES has 1 recall on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2020 LEXUS ES have?
The 2020 LEXUS ES has 16 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 3 involved crashes. 4 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2020 LEXUS ES?
The 2020 LEXUS ES does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 LEXUS ES?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 LEXUS ES involve air bags (8 complaints), unknown or other (4 complaints), service brakes,forward collision avoidance (1 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system, service brakes, forward collision avoidance.
How many crash reports does the 2020 LEXUS ES have?
There are 3 crash reports associated with the 2020 LEXUS ES out of 16 total complaints (18.8% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2020 LEXUS ES have?
There are no fire reports for the 2020 LEXUS ES in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2020 LEXUS ES?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2020 LEXUS ES.
How many injuries are reported for the 2020 LEXUS ES?
4 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2020 LEXUS ES. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2020 LEXUS ES?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 LEXUS ES is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 16 complaints, 1 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2020 LEXUS ES?
The components with the most failures on the 2020 LEXUS ES are: 1. AIR BAGS (8 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4 complaints), 3. SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints), 5. SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints). AIR BAGS is the single most-reported problem area with 8 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2020 LEXUS ES?
Be cautious of airbag deployment issues and engine stalling. Ensure the vehicle is regularly serviced. The 2020 LEXUS ES has 16 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2020 LEXUS ES?
The 2020 LEXUS ES receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 16 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 3 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Passenger Airbag Recall and Engine Stall and Transmission Issues.
What are the known issues with the 2020 LEXUS ES?
Known issues with the 2020 LEXUS ES include: Passenger Airbag Recall, Engine Stall and Transmission Issues. These are based on patterns found across 16 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2020 LEXUS ES?
Yes, there is an ongoing recall related to the passenger airbag that may not deploy correctly.
What are the common issues with the 2020 LEXUS ES?
Common issues include airbag deployment problems and engine stalling.
Is there a remedy for the airbag recall?
No remedy is currently available for the airbag recall.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of airbag deployment issues and engine stalling. Ensure the vehicle is regularly serviced.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 Lexus Es
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Lexus Es. The data includes 16 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 4 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16