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2021 Lexus Es Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2021 Lexus Es carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering occupant classification. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Airbag recall remedy parts unavailability (23V865000).” Lexus follows Toyota's service rhythm: oil and filter every 10,000 miles or 12 months with 0W-20 synthetic, plus an interim 5,000-mile visit for tire rotation and inspection. Hybrid models (UX 250h, NX 350h, RX 350h/450h+) add long-interval hybrid-specific items — inverter coolant and hybrid-battery cooling-duct checks — while shedding brake wear thanks to regeneration. Modern Lexus engines are chain-driven; there is no timing-belt service on these models.

1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Campaign #23V865000 · Dec 20, 2023

Issue: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2021 Lexus Es.

Reported to NHTSA

Airbag recall remedy parts unavailability (23V865000)

AIR BAGS

26 NHTSA complaints · 2024-02 → 2025-12

“I received a letter that my vehicle is subject to a recall for "passenger airbag may not deploy". I contacted my dealer and they said there is not a remedy at they do not know when the remedy will be available. Possibly not until 3rd quarter of 2024. I asked what if the airbag”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11575480
“The contact owns a 2021 Lexus ES250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11667413
“front seat passenger air bag recall and it has been over a year and they are still waiting for the parts. The recall says that the air bag may not deploy when it is supposed to and could cause injury to the occupant”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11633336

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Driver-side power window unexpected closure and anti-pinch

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 NHTSA complaint · 2026-07 → 2026-07

“On or July 28, 2026, I experienced a safety incident involving the driver’s side power window on my 2021 Lexus ES. The vehicle was running, and I reached through the driver’s side window to retrieve an item being handed to me. Without me pressing or activating the window switch…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11753522

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Adaptive cruise control failure to decelerate

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 NHTSA complaint · 2023-01 → 2023-01

“On Nov 9, 2022 I first noticed the problem. When I drove back to home Vancouver, WA from California I used cruise control all the way. I was driving at 70 and ahead of me was traffic. The car in front of me slowed down and the cruise control was on which was supposed to detect…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11503312

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering and brake malfunction with system warning messages

SERVICE BRAKES, STEERING

2 NHTSA complaints · 2023-08 → 2024-04

“While the contact's wife was driving at unknown speeds, the messages stating "vehicle notification system, a malfunction in the vehicle notification system has been detected, contact dealer", and "notification system malfunction visit your dealer" were displayed. The contact…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11585513
“Power steering malfunction with red steering wheel sign Car doesnot turn either side Power steering low Visit your dealer”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11537243

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Driver-side seat belt retraction failure

SEAT BELTS

1 NHTSA complaint · 2024-09 → 2024-09

“The contact owns a 2021 Lexus ES 300H. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and attempting to stop, the front driver’s side seat belt failed to retract. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11616651

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Oil & Filter Change

Every 10,000 mi

Replace every 10,000 miles or 12 months with 0W-20 full synthetic. Severe service (repeated short trips, extensive idling, dirt roads): 5,000 miles per the Lexus guide.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation (5,000-Mile Visit)

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate every 5,000 miles — the interim Lexus service visit. Heavy hybrid SUVs are hard on front tires despite gentle brake wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 5,000 mi

Inspect at each 5,000-mile visit. Hybrids: pads can last 60,000+ miles from regen braking, but rotors corrode from disuse — inspection catches surface rust before it pits.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace roughly every 3 years / 30,000 miles. Hybrid brake actuators are expensive — clean fluid is cheap protection.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles; inspect at 15,000 in dusty conditions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 120,000 mi

Iridium plugs at 120,000 miles per the Toyota/Lexus schedule — among the longest plug intervals in the industry.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Transmission / Hybrid Transaxle Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Labeled lifetime fill (Toyota WS), but Lexus specialists commonly recommend a drain-and-fill around 60,000 miles — including the hybrid transaxle, whose fluid cools the motor-generators. Toyota WS fluid only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace every 15,000 miles. Behind the glovebox on UX, NX, RX, and IS — one of the easiest DIY jobs on the car.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Engine + Inverter Coolant

Every 100,000 mi

Toyota Super Long Life coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Hybrids have a second, separate inverter coolant loop on the same schedule — make sure a shop services both.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

12V Battery

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Hybrid 12V batteries are small AGM units that die quietly — the car won't 'ready' even with a healthy hybrid battery. Hybrid-battery cooling ducts (under/behind rear seats) should be checked for dust at service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

3 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

1

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2021 Lexus Es reflects Lexus's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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