Used Lexus ES 7th Gen (2019-2024): Buyer's Guide

The 2019-2021 Lexus ES and the 2022-2024 Lexus ES share a platform, an engine lineup, and a badge. They don't share a recall history. The first three model years of this generation accumulated five separate recall campaigns across the ES350 and ES300h, including one covering nearly one million vehicles for an airbag sensor defect that prevents the front passenger airbag from deploying in a crash. The 2022 model arrived with zero recalls, a new touchscreen infotainment system, and revised suspension geometry. Buying a 7th-gen ES without knowing that split is buying blind.

This guide covers every powertrain, every meaningful model-year difference, and the specific items worth checking on a used lot before you hand over keys.

This Generation at a Glance

The 7th-gen ES launched for 2019 on Toyota's TNGA-K platform, a significant step from the 2013-2018 sixth-gen's older architecture. The new platform dropped the ride height, widened the track, and improved front and rear suspension geometry. The result is a car that handles noticeably better than its predecessor without sacrificing the quiet, comfortable ride the ES is known for.

A mid-cycle refresh arrived for the 2022 model year: new headlights, revised grille, touchscreen infotainment replacing the polarizing Remote Touch trackpad, upgraded Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, and revised rear suspension calibration. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto arrived for 2023. The ES250 AWD was added to the lineup for 2021, giving buyers a third powertrain option.

Market pages with current pricing and inventory: /market/lexus/es/2022, /market/lexus/es/2023, /market/lexus/es/2024.

Powertrain and Trim Breakdown

ES350 (3.5L V6, All Years)

The ES350 is the most popular configuration and the easiest to recommend. The 2GR-FKS 3.5L V6 is a well-tested engine shared across the Lexus and Toyota lineup. Owners on ClubLexus consistently describe the powertrain as smooth, quiet, and trouble-free over long ownership periods.

There is one consistent transmission complaint: the 8-speed automatic can feel hesitant or hunting at very low speeds in stop-and-go traffic. ClubLexus threads going back to 2019 document this behavior. It's an artifact of the transmission's aggressive fuel-economy tuning, not a mechanical defect. Switching to Sport mode eliminates it. Buyers who commute in heavy traffic should test for it explicitly and plan to use Sport mode in city driving.

Fuel pump recall (NHTSA 20V012): The 2019 and 2020 ES350 are covered by a recall for a low-pressure fuel pump that can fail and cause the engine to stall while driving. Toyota/Lexus dealers replace the pump at no charge. Verify this recall was completed on any 2019 or 2020 ES350 before purchase. The 2018 ES350 was also included in the expanded recall.

Knee airbag recall (NHTSA 19V288): Specific to the 2019 ES350. The driver knee airbag assembly may have been improperly installed, affecting deployment in a crash. Dealer inspects and replaces at no cost. Not a reason to skip a 2019, but confirm it's been addressed.

OCS airbag recall (NHTSA 23V865): Covers 2020-2021 ES350 specifically. The Occupant Classification System sensor in the front passenger seat has a cracked capacitor that can allow moisture to short-circuit the sensor. The result: the front passenger airbag may not deploy correctly in a crash. This recall covers approximately 108,000 vehicles across the ES lineup. As of early 2024 some owners reported that the replacement part was backordered, meaning the recall was open on their vehicles. Run the VIN on any 2020-2021 ES350 to confirm completion status before purchase.

A low-mileage head gasket oil leak has appeared in owner reports, with repair estimates of $3,500 to $4,700. This appears to be a rare outlier rather than a pattern, but it's worth checking for on any pre-purchase inspection.

ES300h Hybrid (2.5L Hybrid, All Years)

The ES300h pairs a 2.5L Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder with a nickel-metal hydride battery pack and an electric motor, producing 215 hp as a combined system. The ECVT powertrain doesn't generate the stop-and-go hesitation complaints that appear in ES350 threads, and fuel economy at 44 mpg combined is the strongest in the class.

The hybrid battery carries a Lexus warranty of 10 years or 150,000 miles on vehicles sold in California (and states following CA emissions standards) and 8 years or 100,000 miles elsewhere. Average replacement cost if out of warranty is $5,155 to $5,224. Most examples on the used market in 2025-2026 are within that warranty window. Check the remaining warranty carefully on high-mileage examples.

ClubLexus threads include a small number of "hybrid system malfunction" warning reports on 2023 ES300h models. The reported causes are varied: minor sensor faults, battery module issues, and software glitches. Full hybrid battery failures on this generation are rare in owner discussions. If a warning light is present on any ES300h you're considering, walk away or get a dealer diagnostic first.

OCS airbag recall (23V865): The 2020-2022 ES300h is covered, not just 2020-2021. This is the broadest coverage within the generation for the hybrid variant. Verify VIN status on any 2020, 2021, or 2022 ES300h.

The ES300h doesn't have the fuel pump recall exposure the ES350 does. The hybrid system uses a different low-pressure fuel circuit not affected by campaign 20V012.

Brake booster pump recall (NHTSA 19V544) — 2019 ES300h only: The brake booster pump may have been manufactured incorrectly and can stop operating. Multiple warning lights activate. After several brake pedal applications with a failed pump, brake assist can be lost entirely, significantly increasing stopping distance. This recall affects the 2019 ES300h specifically; the ES350 is not involved. Dealer inspects and replaces at no charge. Verify on any 2019 ES300h.

Engine block porosity recall (NHTSA 20V064) — 2020 ES300h only: A casting defect in a small percentage of 2020 ES300h engine blocks creates porosity (microscopic voids) that can cause coolant to leak internally or externally. Symptoms include warning lights, increased engine noise, smoke, or an oil leak. Remedy is free engine block replacement. Fewer than 0.5% of production units were estimated to contain the actual defect, but the recall covers the full batch. Verify on any 2020 ES300h.

ES250 AWD (2.5L Four-Cylinder, 2021-2024 Only)

The ES250 was added for 2021 as the only AWD option in the ES lineup. It uses Toyota's A25A-FKS 2.5L four-cylinder, which is shared with the Camry and RAV4, and pairs it with the same 8-speed automatic as the ES350. The difference is power: 203 hp moving a sedan that weighs over 4,000 lbs.

Underpowered is the dominant complaint in ES250 owner discussions. Buyers who cross-shop against the ES350 consistently find the ES250 noticeably lacking at highway on-ramps and during passing maneuvers. If AWD matters to you and you live somewhere with real winter weather, the ES250 makes sense. If you're buying it to save money over the ES350, know what you're giving up.

Throttle body TSB: 2021 and 2022 ES250 vehicles with the A25A-FKS engine have a documented Technical Service Bulletin for reduced engine power and a Check Engine light with throttle body diagnostic codes. Dealers address this under the TSB. If you're test driving a 2021-2022 ES250 and notice reduced power or a warning light, request the TSB repair status.

OCS airbag recall (23V865): The 2021 ES250 is the only ES250 model year covered by this recall. Verify completion on any 2021 ES250.

Trim-Specific Notes

The ES lineup runs across several grades. Here's what matters in practice.

Base Luxury trim covers the essentials: dual-zone climate, Lexus Safety System+, heated front seats, and an 8-inch display. On 2019-2021 models, that display uses the Remote Touch trackpad controller, not a touchscreen. Reviewers consistently called it cumbersome, and owners on ClubLexus broadly agree. It doesn't freeze or fail frequently; it's just slow and unintuitive. On 2022+ base trims, the same 8-inch screen gained touchscreen capability and moved 4.3 inches closer to the driver.

Ultra Luxury adds semi-aniline leather, a panoramic glass roof, and the Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio. The panoramic roof is worth checking for leaks or squeaks during your inspection.

F Sport adds sport-tuned suspension, a unique mesh grille, paddle shifters, and sportier bolstering. Before 2022, F Sport was only available on the ES350. The 2022 model year added the ES300h F Sport for the first time. If you want the hybrid with F Sport styling, 2022 is your earliest entry point.

F Sport Dynamic Handling Package (2022+ ES350 F Sport only) adds a continuously variable adaptive suspension and Sport+ and Custom drive modes. This is a meaningful upgrade for buyers who care about handling. It's not standard on F Sport; it's a separate option box. Confirm it's present via the window sticker or VIN decoder.

The 12.3-inch widescreen display is available (not standard) across most trims. It's worth having on 2022+ models where it's a touchscreen. On 2019-2021 models, the larger screen just makes the Remote Touch navigation more tiring.

Which Model Years to Target

The 2020 ES carries the most baggage: both the fuel pump recall and the OCS airbag recall, plus NHTSA data shows 16 total complaints including 3 crash reports and 4 injuries. Most of the complaint volume ties to the airbag sensor issue, not crash-related failures, but the pattern is notable.

The 2022 is the clearest recommendation within this generation. It's the first year with the touchscreen infotainment that makes the car substantially more livable day-to-day, and it arrives with zero active recalls. The 2023 added wireless CarPlay and is nearly identical otherwise. It has the widest used inventory of any single year in this generation (254 listings as of mid-2026), which gives you negotiating room. The 2023 does carry a Panoramic View Monitor camera software recall, but the remedy is a free software update at any Lexus dealer.

The 2024 models are available but carry a price premium over 2023 with no meaningful improvements. Unless low mileage is the priority, the 2023 represents better value.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

For all years:

• Run the VIN through recall lookup before the test drive. For 2019-2022, look specifically for NHTSA campaigns 19V288, 20V012, and 23V865 by name.
• Start the engine cold. Let it idle two minutes. Any ticking, knocking, or roughness before warm-up is a red flag on the ES350. The V6 should idle silently.
• Check the oil filler cap for a milky or frothy residue. This indicates coolant mixing with oil. On a low-mileage car, that's a head gasket concern.
• Ask for service records. Specifically: Has any recall work been completed? Is there documentation?

For 2019-2021 ES350:

• Verify fuel pump recall (20V012) completion on 2019-2020 models. Ask the dealer directly.
• Test the Remote Touch trackpad on 2019-2021 models. It should respond to inputs without lag. Unresponsive or erratic behavior isn't a failure mode, but it will frustrate you daily.

For 2019 ES300h only:

• Verify the brake booster pump recall (19V544) was completed. This is a safety-critical repair: a failed pump can cause significant loss of brake assist. Confirm via dealer or VIN lookup.

For 2022+ (all trims):

• Check all front parking sensors are seated flush in the front bumper. A known issue on 2022+ models is parking sensors falling inward inside the front grille due to weak clip retention. Reinstallation requires removing the front bumper assembly ($300-$500 labor). Press each sensor gently to confirm it's seated.

For 2020-2022 ES300h and 2020-2021 ES350:

• The OCS airbag recall (23V865) is the most important check for these years. Parts availability was limited in late 2023 and early 2024, meaning some vehicles were still in recall-open status even after owners were notified. Confirm with the selling dealer that the OCS sensor has been inspected and replaced if needed.

For ES300h:

• Check the hybrid battery state-of-charge indicator. A fully charged battery should show meaningful EV range. A battery stuck at low charge or showing unusual depletion during the drive is worth investigating.
• Ask if there are any pending warning lights or hybrid system fault codes. An independent pre-purchase inspection with a scanner is worthwhile on any ES300h over 80,000 miles.

For 2021-2022 ES250:

• Ask if the throttle body TSB has been addressed. A test drive should feel responsive at throttle tip-in. Sluggish initial response with no warning light could be a calibration issue.

Test drive specifics:

• Drive in stop-and-go traffic. On the ES350, watch for the transmission hunting or jerking at speeds below 15 mph. Light use of throttle at low speeds is where the issue appears.
• At 65+ mph, listen at the B-pillar area. Rear quarter window wind noise is a documented issue with a TSB. A whistling or rushing sound on the driver's side at highway speeds may need dealer attention.
• Brake from 50 mph to a stop. A metallic squeal from the front brakes has a TSB. Squeal alone isn't a safety issue but confirm it's addressed.

Running Costs

The ES300h's hybrid battery warranty is a genuine financial backstop. A $5,200 battery replacement is a significant expense, but most used examples in the current market are inside the coverage window. At 150,000 miles or beyond the warranty period, budget accordingly.

RepairPal rates the ES350 average annual repair cost at approximately $551, lower than the segment average. The ES250 and ES300h share similar expected costs. The ES300h's fuel savings at current gas prices roughly offset the small premium over the ES350's used market price within three to four years of typical driving.

FAQ

Is the 7th-gen Lexus ES reliable? Yes, with generational caveats. Consumer Reports rates the 2022 and 2023 ES above average for reliability. The 2019-2021 models accumulated more complaints and multiple recall campaigns. The underlying platform is sound. The recall history makes 2019-2021 examples require more due diligence before purchase.

Which year 7th-gen Lexus ES should I buy? The 2022 or 2023. Both have the touchscreen infotainment and revised suspension from the mid-cycle refresh. The 2022 carries zero recalls. The 2023 adds wireless CarPlay and has the widest available inventory, giving you the most options and leverage on price. If wireless CarPlay matters to you, 2023 is the earliest year to get it from the factory.

ES350 or ES300h: which should I buy? Depends on your priorities. The ES300h saves roughly $700 per year in fuel at average driving distances. The ES350 is smoother in stop-and-go traffic and has a smaller recall footprint on the 2022+ models. Both are competent powertrains. If fuel cost is your driver, the ES300h. If you drive fewer than 12,000 miles per year, the fuel savings narrow and the ES350 makes more sense.

Does the Lexus ES have a serious airbag recall I need to check? Yes. NHTSA campaign 23V865 covers 2021 ES250, 2020-2022 ES300h, and 2020-2021 ES350. A cracked capacitor in the Occupant Classification System sensor allows moisture to enter and short-circuit the sensor, potentially preventing the front passenger airbag from deploying in a crash. Run every VIN through recall lookup before buying one of these model years.

How long does the ES300h hybrid battery last? Lexus warrants the hybrid battery to 10 years or 150,000 miles (California and CA-emissions states) and 8 years or 100,000 miles elsewhere. Owner reports and forum consensus put real-world battery longevity past 200,000 miles in many cases, consistent with Toyota hybrid track records elsewhere in the lineup. Replacement cost if needed is approximately $5,200.

Bottom Line

The 2022 and 2023 Lexus ES 7th gen are the years to target. The 2022 brings the touchscreen infotainment, revised suspension, and zero recalls. The 2023 adds wireless CarPlay and the widest used inventory. The 2022 ES300h F Sport is the first year that trim exists, a good choice for hybrid buyers who want sportier styling.

If budget pushes you toward 2019-2021, the car is not defective. Verify every active recall via VIN before purchase. The OCS airbag sensor recall (23V865) is the most important check for 2020-2022 models.

Run every VIN through a recall check. CarScout members can set price alerts on specific trim and year combinations at usecarscout.com.

Data sourced from the NHTSA recalls database, EPA fuel economy data, CarScout market data, and real owner experiences from ClubLexus 7th Gen ES subforum, CarComplaints.com, Edmunds owner reviews, and Consumer Reports reliability data. See the full Lexus ES market data for current pricing and inventory.