Head-to-head reliability
Lexus ES vs Lexus UX
How the Lexus ES and Lexus UX compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Lexus ES vs Lexus UX: The ES has 184 complaints and 8 recalls over 10 years, while the UX has 20 complaints and 0 recalls over 8 years. The UX averages 2.5 complaints per year versus 18.4 for the ES. Both have brake concerns, but the ES also reports airbag and engine issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Lexus ES or Lexus UX more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Lexus ES
The Lexus ES is a long-running luxury sedan with 184 complaints over 10 years, averaging 18.4 per year. Owners report issues with airbags, fuel/propulsion, engine, and brakes, including airbag non-deployment and transmission failure. With 8 recalls, including airbag sensor and rearview camera problems, it requires more attention than the UX.
Lexus UX
The Lexus UX is a newer compact SUV with only 20 complaints over 8 years, averaging 2.5 per year. Reported problems include brake failure, unintended acceleration, and electrical glitches, but no recalls are on record. It appears to have fewer reported issues overall, though some are serious.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Lexus ES | Lexus UX |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 184 | 20 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 8 | 0 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 32 | 9 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 18.4 | 2.5 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 18 | 1 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Lexus ES
- 01AIR BAGS44
- 02FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM34
- 03ENGINE23
- 04SERVICE BRAKES23
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER18
Owners report airbags failing to deploy in crashes, such as a rear-end collision where the SRS malfunction message appeared. There are also recalls for occupant classification sensors, meaning the passenger airbag may not work correctly.
Complaints describe the car lunging forward when shifting into drive and momentary power loss during acceleration. These issues can be dangerous in traffic and may indicate fuel delivery or transmission problems.
Reports include transmission failure and timing chain cover leaks at low mileage, leading to costly repairs. This suggests potential long-term reliability concerns for the engine and drivetrain.
Some owners experience brake failure, such as a pedal going to the floor without response, requiring pumping or downshifting. This is a critical safety issue that needs immediate attention.
“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 h…”
“On 7/25/25, I was rear-ended while driving my 2018 Lexus ES 300h with my child in the front seat. Despite the force of impact and resulting injuries, none of the airbags deployed. Moments after the crash, a “SRS Airbag System Malfunction” message appeared on…”
Lexus UX
- 01SERVICE BRAKES6
- 02VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
- 04POWER TRAIN3
- 05STRUCTURE3
Owners report brakes failing without warning, leading to crashes, such as colliding with another vehicle after a car wash. This is a severe safety concern that could happen unexpectedly.
Complaints include unintended acceleration or stalling, like during parallel parking or on the freeway with a check engine light. These incidents can cause loss of control and accidents.
Issues include brake malfunction tied to electrical faults and doors unlocking or opening while driving. This can compromise safety and security, especially with children in the car.
Reports of stalling while driving or accelerating, with check engine light and transmission problems. This can leave you stranded and may require expensive repairs.
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? My Lexus 2020 UX200's brake malfunctioned and caused a crash accident into a restaurant on February 29th. It was inspected by Lexus Liability and an independent…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 LEXUS UX250 HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON EXITING A CAR WASH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE UPON DEPRESSION WITHOUT WARNING. DUE TO FAILURE, THE CONTACT COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPL…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Lexus ES — 8 recalls
The defect: 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 cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The 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…
The defect: 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 cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The 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…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or d…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 25TB13 and 25LB06. Subaru's nu…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Mirai, Lexus LS500, LS500H, 2023-2024 Lexus ES250, ES300H, ES350, 2024 Lexus LC500, and LC500H vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Due to incorrect programming of the parking-assist electronic cont…
The risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the parking assist ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TA01 and 24LA0…
Lexus UX
No recalls on record.
Buyer analysis
Lexus ES or Lexus UX: which should you buy?
The Lexus UX has far fewer complaints per year (2.5 vs. 18.4) and no recalls, suggesting fewer reported issues overall. However, the UX has serious brake and speed control complaints, while the ES has more varied problems including airbags and engine. In practice, the UX may need less frequent attention, but both have safety-related concerns.
Key differences
- The Lexus ES has 184 complaints over 10 years, while the UX has only 20 over 8 years, indicating fewer reported issues for the UX.
- The ES has 8 recalls, including airbag sensor and rearview camera problems, while the UX has no recalls on record.
- ES owners report airbag non-deployment and fuel/propulsion lunging, while UX owners report brake failure and unintended acceleration.
- Both have brake complaints, but the ES also has engine and transmission issues, whereas the UX has electrical and power train problems.
- Check for airbag recall completion and test the SRS system; look for any warning lights or history of non-deployment.
- Listen for transmission noises or hesitation during test drive, and inspect for timing chain cover leaks.
- Test brakes thoroughly, including after a car wash or wet conditions, as some owners report failure without warning.
- Check for unintended acceleration or stalling during test drive, and ensure all electrical systems, including door locks, function properly.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been addressed, especially for the ES.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brakes, airbags, and transmission for both models.
- During test drive, simulate parking and acceleration to check for lunging or stalling.
- Verify that all electrical components, including door locks and warning lights, work correctly.
- Ask for maintenance records to see if known issues have been repaired.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Lexus ES | Lexus UX |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 15 | 2 |
| 2024 | 9 | 1 |
| 2023 | 22 | 1 |
| 2022 | 23 | 2 |
| 2021 | 28 | 4 |
| 2020 | 18 | 4 |
| 2019 | 62 | 6 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Lexus ES or Lexus UX in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Lexus ES vs Lexus UX
- Lexus ES total complaints
- 184
- Lexus UX total complaints
- 20
- Lexus ES total recalls
- 8
- Lexus UX total recalls
- 0
- Lexus ES avg complaints/year
- 18.4
- Lexus UX avg complaints/year
- 2.5
- More reliable overall
- Lexus UX
- Lexus ES top complaint area
- AIR BAGS
- Lexus UX top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES