RoadVitals

2023 Lexus ES

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
10
+1 complaint in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Oct 30, 2025
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3

Overview

Our database contains 10 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2023 Lexus ES, most frequently naming the brakes, driver assistance and electrical categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 68 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes220.0%
  • Driver assistance220.0%
  • Electrical220.0%
  • Fuel system110.0%
  • Other / unspecified110.0%
  • Powertrain (other)110.0%
  • Tires & wheels110.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Oct 30, 2025
1,024,407 units potentially affected
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 display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
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 remedy: 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 number for this recall is WRE25.
Toyota Motor Engineering & ManufacturingManufacturer number 25TB13/25LB06/WRE25View on NHTSA.gov

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Feb 21, 2024
18,616 units potentially affected
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 control unit (ECU) software, the rearview camera image may not immediately display within a couple of seconds after the shifter is placed into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
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 remedy: 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 24LA01.
Toyota Motor Engineering & ManufacturingManufacturer number 24TA01 / 24LA01View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Filed Jul 29, 2026

The “maintenance required” warning light came on. The Lexus dealer indicated that a tire rotation was required at a cost of approximately $100. We had the tires rotated at a tire store at a cost of zero ($.00). The Lexus dealer service department refused to turn off the “maintenance required” warning, safety light because that dealer did not perform the tire rotation. If there is something wrong with the car, we won’t receive that vital information until the warning light has been reset. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN. Apparently, only a Lexus dealer’s service department can reset the warning safety light and there is an inspection fee charged for them to reset the warning safety light because the dealership didn’t perform the tire rotation. This policy was not disclosed to us when the vehicle was purchased. This was NOT the policy with regard to the Lexus vehicles we previously purchased. To me, this is extortion attributable to corporate greed and a disregard for consumer safety. This is the policy of each and every local Lexus dealership I have contacted.

NHTSA ID
11753602
Incident
Jul 17, 2026
Other / unspecified
Filed Jul 15, 2026

The car was taken into Lexus under warranty January 2026. There a loud noise coming from the car when it is going down the road. Lexus tried to say it must be the tires. The car was under 3 years old. I replaced the front tires any way. There cars noise even louder and it was not fixed. I feel the car is un-safe. The car currently has 40,000 miles. I simply wanted the car fixed.

NHTSA ID
11750663
Incident
Jan 2, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 13, 2026
Crash reported

The contact owns a 2023 Lexus ES 300h. The contact stated that while sitting idle with the engine powered off in a local parking lot, the vehicle suddenly began to roll back independently into the nearby underground garage and crashed into the rear end of another parked vehicle's front passenger-side bumper that was unoccupied. No warning lights illuminated. The air bags did not deploy. No injuries were sustained, and no medical attention was sought. A police report was not filed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact stated that a 3rd party inspector investigated the failure; however, the diagnosis was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,186.

NHTSA ID
11724137
Incident
Jul 31, 2025
Mileage
32,186 mi
Electrical
Filed Feb 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Lexus ES 250. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle abruptly stalled. During the failure, the vehicle lost power brakes and power steering functionality, with the messages "High Power Consumption Temporarily Limited", "Braking Temporarily Disabled", and "Power Steering Temporarily Disabled" displayed. The contact was able to safely park the vehicle. The vehicle was later jump-started, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was jump-started a second time and driven to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the alternator had failed due to several electrical charging ports being used at the same time. The contact was informed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 67,995.

NHTSA ID
11718537
Incident
Feb 3, 2026
Mileage
67,995 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Nov 10, 2025

While driving on the highway, whenever you approach an exit or an intersecting part of a highway, the lane keep assist will jerk hard towards that exit or towards the direction of the nonexistent line on the right or left side of the lane. Weather that line of that lane has faded out or is part of a type of highway intersection. Since the car drifts in between lines of that lane (while in LANE KEEP ASSIST LKA), it is hard to tell initially what the car is trying to do. Then it pulls hard to the right or the left, depending on where that line has disappeared. While there’s always at least one full line of that lane visible. I’ve already almost been in several car accidents since I got this car last April. Also I am driving a 2025 Toyota Corolla and I’m having the same exact problems. This is unsafe for everyone.

NHTSA ID
11698670
Incident
Nov 5, 2025
BrakesElectrical
Filed Nov 5, 2025
Crash reported

The contact owns a 2023 Lexus ES 300. The contact stated that upon coasting into a parking space, the contact tapped the brake pedal; however, the vehicle independently accelerated. In an effort to avoid hitting the building, the contact steered the vehicle to the left, away from the building; as a result, the contact drove into some hedges. The contact's foot was on the brake pedal throughout the failure, and the vehicle eventually came to a stop. The contact stated that a "Parking Support Brake Malfunction, Visit your Dealer" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The air bags did not deploy, and no injuries were reported. The police were not called to the scene, and a police report was not filed. The building's hedges were destroyed, and paint marks were left on the side of the building as a result of the vehicle scraping the building. Despite the failure, the contact managed to regain control of the vehicle and drove home. The next day, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it remained in their possession; the vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11697669
Incident
Nov 4, 2025
Fuel system
Filed Jun 5, 2024

CAR STOPED WARNING LIGHTS REPAIRED TOLD FUEL PUMP DEFECTIVE FUEL LINE AND FUEL SENSORY REPLACED ALSO CAT CONVERED BROKEN REPLACED

NHTSA ID
11592612
Incident
May 1, 2024
Brakes
Filed Mar 28, 2024

The ES model and LS, the brakes squeak while ONLY going in reverse at a slow speed. I asked the mechanic at the Lexus dealership and they responded that this was common with the newer models. This is a manufacturer defect. Very embarrassing while backing up.

NHTSA ID
11579911
Incident
Mar 28, 2024

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

L-SB-0021-25

ENGINE

OBSOLETE NOTICE February 27, 2026: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete.

L-SB-0021-25

ENGINE

OBSOLETE NOTICE February 27, 2026: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete.

L-SB-0030-24 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

Some 2005 – 2026 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

L-SB-0039-25

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

A new head unit software update is available for 2023 – 2024 model year ES 250, ES 300h, ES 350, LS 500h, and UX 250h; 2023 model year LS 500; 2024 model year GX 550, LC 500, LC 500c, and LC 500h vehicles equipped with Lexus Multimedia earlier than version 2170 (earlier than 2172 for GX 550). This software update includes the following improvements: •User Profile. •User interface. •Cloud navigation. •Intelligent assistant voice recognition. •Bug fixes.

L-TT-0326-23 Rev2

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some customers may experience operational difficulties with some telematics features which they cannot resolve on their own. These resources, in conjunction with the Repair Manual, are for dealership personnel to assist those customers with user issues, user errors, and compatibility issues with other vehicle systems and external applications encountered while operating telematics features.

L-SB-0009-24 Rev1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some 2021 – 2024 model year ES 250 and 2022 – 2024 model year NX 250 vehicles with A25A-FKS engines may have a MIL ON condition with one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) upon cold soak start up with engine coolant temperatures between 14°F – 41°F: •P030027 – Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected (Emission) Signal Rate of Change Above Threshold •P030000 – Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected •P030100 – Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected •P030200 – Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected •P030300 – Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected •P030400 – Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Lexus ES by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025410
2024920
2023Viewing102065.8
2022800
2021281051.4
2020181056.8
2019341053.0
2018500
2017200
2016900
2015500
2014400
2013330049.1
2012310054.1
2011460046.4
2010410044.0
2009280049.3
2008680150.0
20071250149.7
2006120029.7
2005580154.8
2004160043.6
2003230054.1
2002270054.2
2001200
2000600
1999810
1998110
1997210
1996100
1995000
1994000

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.