2021 Lexus ES: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
A 2021 ES is a quiet, reliable, low-cost-to-own luxury sedan; only the pre-2022 touchpad infotainment dates it. 2 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2021 Lexus ES ranged from $40,000 to $49,000 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
A 2021 ES is a quiet, reliable, low-cost-to-own luxury sedan; only the pre-2022 touchpad infotainment dates it.
Sources (4)
- cars.usnews.comhttps://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/lexus/es
- carmax.comhttps://www.carmax.com/research/lexus/es-350
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=lexus&model=ES%2035…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/lexus/es350
Known issues
-
2019-2020 cars are covered by a Denso low-pressure fuel-pump recall that can cause engine stalling; verify the pump was replaced.
commonly reported · 16 NHTSA complaints · fuel
-
A few 2019 owners reported low-speed hesitation from the 8-speed automatic when new; later model years settled down.
occasional · 6 NHTSA complaints · transmission
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (1)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=lexus&model=ES%2035…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Quiet, plush, comfortable ride with a refined, high-quality cabin.
- Outstanding reliability and low repair costs (RepairPal 4.0/5, about $468/yr average).
- 2022+ cars add a proper touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
- Available ES 300h hybrid is very fuel-efficient; strong resale value.
Cons
- Front-wheel-drive, comfort-tuned chassis feels soft and uninvolving to drive.
- Tight rear headroom for taller passengers.
- Pre-2022 cars use the awkward touchpad infotainment controller.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 350 | $40,000 | $42,140 | — | — |
| 350 Luxury | $45,200 | $47,310 | — | — |
| 350 F Sport | $45,800 | discontinued | — | — |
| 350 Ultra Luxury | $49,000 | $51,030 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2021-lexus-es_350-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/lexus-es-350-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($40,000). Higher trims started higher (up to $49,000), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2021 loses roughly another 28% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/lexus-es-350/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $450–500/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,100–2,200/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/lexus/es350
- moneygeek.comhttps://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/lexus-es-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2021 Lexus ES have?
Documented issue patterns include: 2019-2020 cars are covered by a Denso low-pressure fuel-pump recall that can cause engine stalling; verify the pump was replaced; A few 2019 owners reported low-speed hesitation from the 8-speed automatic when new; later model years settled down. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2021 Lexus ES reliable?
A 2021 ES is a quiet, reliable, low-cost-to-own luxury sedan; only the pre-2022 touchpad infotainment dates it.
How much did the 2021 Lexus ES cost new?
Between $40,000 and $49,000 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Is the Lexus ES expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $450–500/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.