Vehicle 1

Lexus ES

50 complaints · 8 recalls

VS

Vehicle 2

Toyota Camry

1,900 complaints · 26 recalls

📊 Based on NHTSA owner complaint & recall data
Which Should I Buy?

Lexus ES vs Toyota Camry: The Lexus ES averages 5.0 complaints per year versus the Camry's 190.0, and has 8 recalls compared to 26. The Camry's top issues are powertrain (340) and engine (295), while the Lexus ES's main concern is air bags (34). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.

Category Wins

Lower numbers are better for complaints, recalls, and crashes.

4
Lexus ES
wins all 4 categories
0
Toyota Camry
no category wins
CategoryLexus ESToyota Camry
Total Complaints
All years combined
50
✓ lower
1,900
Safety Recalls
Federal campaigns
8
✓ lower
26
Crash Reports
Crash-related complaints
5
✓ lower
165
Avg / Year
Complaints per model year
5.0
✓ lower
190.0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records. Lower is better.

Top Problem Areas

Most frequently reported components across all model years.

Lexus ES

1. AIR BAGS34
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
3. SERVICE BRAKES3
4. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE2
5. STEERING2

Toyota Camry

1. POWER TRAIN340
2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER301
3. ENGINE295
4. SERVICE BRAKES278
5. AIR BAGS218
🤖
AI Buyer Analysis
DeepSeek interpretation of NHTSA data · cached result
The Verdict

The Lexus ES has far fewer complaints per year (5.0 vs 190.0) and fewer recalls (8 vs 26), suggesting it may have fewer reported issues. However, its low volume means problems may be underreported, so buyers should still inspect carefully.

💡 Buyer Recommendation

If you prioritize fewer reported problems and a quieter ownership experience, choose the Lexus ES. If you need lower upfront cost and wider service availability, the Camry is a practical choice, but be prepared for more potential issues, especially with the powertrain and engine.

Key Differences
  • Lexus ES has 5.0 complaints/year vs Camry's 190.0/year.
  • Camry has 340 powertrain complaints; Lexus ES has 0.
  • Camry has 165 crash complaints; Lexus ES has 5.
  • Camry has 26 recalls; Lexus ES has 8.
⚠ Watch on Lexus ES
  • Air bag issues are the top complaint (34 of 50 total), so check for any air bag warning lights or recall completion.
  • Forward collision avoidance complaints (2) suggest the system may have glitches; test it during a test drive.
⚠ Watch on Toyota Camry
  • Powertrain complaints (340) are the most common; listen for transmission noises or hesitation during acceleration.
  • Engine complaints (295) include potential stalling or oil consumption; check for leaks and smooth idle.
✓ Before You Buy — Checklist
  • Check NHTSA recall status for both vehicles and ensure all recalls are completed.
  • For Lexus ES, verify air bag system operation and any open recalls.
  • For Camry, test drive at various speeds to feel for transmission or engine issues.
  • Request maintenance records, especially for Camry's powertrain and engine.
  • Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection.

Complaints by Model Year

Years available for both vehicles (lower is better).

Lexus ESToyota Camry
2026
0
0
2025
0
118
2024
0
43
2023
0
54
2022
0
54
2021
27
150
2020
16
259
2019
0
369
2018
5
708
2017
2
145
Lexus ES vs Toyota Camry — comparison facts
Comparison
Lexus ES vs Toyota Camry
Lexus ES total complaints
50
Toyota Camry total complaints
1,900
Lexus ES total recalls
8
Toyota Camry total recalls
26
Lexus ES avg complaints/year
5.0
Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
190.0
More reliable overall
Lexus ES
Lexus ES top complaint area
AIR BAGS
Toyota Camry top complaint area
POWER TRAIN
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

Full Reliability Reports

Full Report →

Lexus ESReliability & Problems

50 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Full Report →

Toyota CamryReliability & Problems

1,900 complaints · All years · NHTSA data

Buying a specific Lexus ES or Toyota Camry?

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