1 recall and 28 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Lexus ES.
1
recalls
28
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire
Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.
2021 Lexus ES recalls
Air bags: sensor, occupant classification
NHTSA campaign 23V865000 · reported December 20, 2023 · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing · 999,901 vehicles potentially affected
The 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.
The risk
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The 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.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
Air bags25
Steering2
Service brakes1
Unknown or other1
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Jul 29, 2026 · Unknown or other
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, the driver’s window unexpectedly…
Dec 17, 2025 · Air bags
The contact owns a 2021 Lexus ES-300H. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
Oct 29, 2025 · Air bags
Still no parts for fix
Sep 30, 2025 · Air bags
The contact owns a 2021 Lexus ES 300H. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags). The contact called the dealer for over a year for parts availability updates and was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable…
Jun 30, 2025 · Air bags
Recall on my vehicle has been out for 1.5 years. Dealer states no parts yet & that I should be fine. But I don’t feel safe if my passenger air bag won’t deploy in any emergency.
Across all years, the 2007 ES has the most complaints (125). All Lexus ES years →
Questions
Does the 2021 Lexus ES have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2021 Lexus ES, the most recent reported on December 20, 2023 (Air bags: sensor, occupant classification). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Lexus ES?
Owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (25 complaints), followed by steering (2).
How many 2021 Lexus ES complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 28 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 29, 2026.