2020 Lexus ES recalls and problems

The 2020 Lexus ES has 1 safety recall and 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Lexus dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
18
Crashes / fires
3 / 0
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2020 Lexus ES vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2020 Lexus ES recalls

Recall 23V-865: Air Bags

Reported Dec 20, 2023 · 999,901 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: 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.

Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

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 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 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

2020 Lexus ES problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags8
Unknown or Other4
Forward Collision Avoidance3
Service Brakes3
Electrical System1
Engine1
Suspension1
Fuel/Propulsion System1

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 30,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2020 Lexus ES complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Suspension · reported Aug 1, 2026
Not sure if I have the right things checked. Starting about december 2022 i experienced the car "lunging" forward upon putting the car into drive, After having backed out of a parking space. It continued to do this off and on even through today. It seems to do it most after the car has been sitting for a good length of time.Perhaps overnight, or while i've been in a shopping mall 2-3 hours. I have four invoice tickets from the lexus dealer where I brought the car in specifically for this problem. They had someone to drive it with me in the car, and of course we were not able to duplicate it at…
Engine · reported Jul 8, 2026
The front timing chain cover on the engine was leaking at 53k miles. This is a 2GR-FKS engine. We have had the car for 19k miles, and bought it as a Certified Pre-Owned. We're looking at spending over 10% of the purchase price of the car on a repair, after barely having it for three years.
Service Brakes · reported Mar 14, 2026
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 stating "Pre-Collision System Malfunction", "Breaking Power Low", and "Cruise Control Malfunction". The safety of ourselves and others definitely put the safety of ourselves and others at risk. We did not report…
Unknown or Other · reported Mar 6, 2026
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!
Unknown or Other · reported Feb 11, 2026
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.

Other Lexus ES years

Compare all Lexus ES years · All Lexus models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Lexus ES have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2020 Lexus ES: 23V-865 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 Lexus ES?

Owners report air bags problems most often (8 reports), followed by unknown or other (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 30,000 miles.

Are Lexus recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Lexus dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.