Used Car Checklists

2025 Lexus ES: What to check before buying

Only 4 owner complaints are on file with NHTSA for this car, so this sheet is short. Problems reported on neighboring ES years are listed below the checklist.

Lexus ES2025
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
1
Crashes reported
2
Reliability
Excellent
83/100 on Auto Reliability Index

Run the VIN before you go

A history report shows accidents, title brands, odometer readings, and open recalls for this 2025 Lexus ES. Ask the seller for the VIN; it is also on the dash at the base of the windshield.

Your inspection sheet

Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.

0/6 checked

1

Paperwork and questions

Before you go, or before you touch the car0/2

2

Walk-around and cabin

Engine off, key in hand0/1

3

Cold start, engine bay, and underside

Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1

4

Test drive

At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2

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.

Reported on neighboring ES years

Few owners have reported problems with this year yet. Nearby years usually share most parts, so their problems are worth checking on this car too.

2024 ES

9 owner complaints
  • Lane keeping 2
  • Airbags 2

Worth adding to your 2025 checks

  • Inspect the driver side airbag cover and confirm it sits fully closed with no gaps or loose edges.
  • Ask whether a dashcam or other wiring was installed near the driver side airbag, and check the cover in that area.
  • Drive on a busy multilane road and confirm each mirror's blind spot light comes on as cars pull alongside.
Open the 2024 checklist

2023 ES

18 owner complaints
  • Brakes 2

Worth adding to your 2025 checks

  • Ease into a parking space several times with light brake taps and confirm the car stops without surging forward.
  • Watch the instrument panel for a "Parking Support Brake Malfunction" warning at startup and throughout the test drive.
  • Reverse slowly across a quiet lot with the radio off and listen for brake squeal.
Open the 2023 checklist

Which ES is it?

EPA figures for each version of the 2025 Lexus ES. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.

VersionDriveEPA rating
2.5L 4-cylGasAWD28 mpg
3.5L 6-cylGasFWD25 mpg
2.5L 4-cylHybridFWD44 mpg
  • The 2025 Lexus ES was sold in three versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
  • On the hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
  • Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A ES that averages well under the EPA 25 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.

Recalls to confirm (1)

Recall repairs are free at any Lexus dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.

  1. 25V744000Backup cameraOct 2025

    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.

Also looking at these instead of a ES?

Cars shoppers compare with the Lexus ES, with their own 2025 checklists.

2025 owner complaints, side by side