Owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the brakes. The 7 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2023Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/7 checked
2023 Lexus ES: inspection sheet
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/1
Engine off, key in hand0/2
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/4
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
These years share the 2023's design and most of its parts, so their problems are the ones to look for on this car too.
Worth adding to your 2023 checks
Worth adding to your 2023 checks
Worth adding to your 2023 checks
EPA figures for each version of the 2023 Lexus ES. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cylGas | AWD | 28 mpg |
| 3.5L 6-cylGas | FWD | 26 mpg |
| 2.5L 4-cylHybrid | FWD | 44 mpg |
NHTSA complaints for the 2023 Lexus ES, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Sudden acceleration while the brake pedal is pressed at parking-lot speed is the most serious problem here. It appears in 1 of the 2 complaints, and that report involves a crash. The car surged forward while easing into a space, and a "Parking Support Brake Malfunction" warning appeared on the instrument panel. No injuries were reported. The other complaint describes brakes that squeak only when reversing slowly. A dealer called this common on newer models. Neither report gives a mileage.
Excerpts from complaints ES owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
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.
Filed with NHTSA, March 2024
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2023 ranks second for owner complaints among 7 ES years, about 1.4 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2023 is the 11th model year of the ES's sixth generation (2013–2023).
It includes the 2016 update.
What changed for 2016
Recall repairs are free at any Lexus dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
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.".
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.
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 number for this recall is WRE25.
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.".
Risk: A rearview camera that fails to display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 24LA01.
Cars shoppers compare with the Lexus ES, with their own 2023 checklists.
2023 owner complaints, side by side
