Free used car buyer guide / XZ10 / seventh generation / 2019-2025
Lexus ES common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
7.6/10
2 serious faults, 6 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: a25a water pump, coolant smell or thermal-management fault. Score methodology.
The 2019-2025 ES is a refined sedan with unusually low ownership drama, but the buyer still needs to separate mature Toyota hardware from early XZ10 recalls and software-era annoyances. The expensive traps are the 2019 ES350 Denso fuel-pump recall, the tiny but serious 2019 ES300h brake-booster-pump noncompliance population, A25A water-pump/cooling faults, hybrid brake/12V confusion, infotainment echo or reboot issues, and tyre/brake wear on F Sport cars. The safest buy is a 2021-2025 ES300h or ES350 with closed recalls, clean Lexus scan, no water-pump noise and all driver-assist functions working. Owners should keep campaign screenshots and software-update records because modern ES faults often look like random warnings until a dealer matches the right bulletin.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
A25A water pump, coolant
Best years
2021-2025
Best buys
- 2021-2025 ES300h with clean hybrid scan, strong 12V battery and no brake warnings.
- 2021-2025 ES350 with completed fuel-pump status and smooth 8-speed cold behaviour.
- ES250 AWD only for buyers who value traction over pace and verify tyre matching.
Inspect hard
- 2019 ES350 for 20V012 low-pressure fuel-pump replacement.
- 2019 ES300h for 19V544 brake-booster-pump recall status, even though the population was small.
- 2022-2025 cars for infotainment, camera, parking assist and software update history.
Avoid
- Any ES with active brake warning or driver-assist fault at viewing.
- ES350 with coolant smell, water-pump whine or fresh underbody cleaning.
- F Sport cars on mismatched tyres with brake vibration and alignment wear.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Lexus ES viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Lexus ES should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
ES350 2GR-FKS 3.5 V6
2019-2025
BEST PETROL BUY
The V6 is strong and smooth, but the 2019 fuel-pump recall and later water-pump/coolant checks matter. The 8-speed should shift cleanly from cold; harshness is not part of the luxury-car deal.
ES300h A25A-FXS hybrid
2019-2025
BEST OVERALL CHOICE
The hybrid suits the ES better than almost any rival powertrain. It needs 12V health, brake-system scanning and hybrid battery data, but it avoids V6 fuel use and is the easiest car to recommend for long ownership.
ES250 A25A-FKS AWD
2021-2025 in North America
SENSIBLE BUT SLOW
AWD helps winter buyers, not performance buyers. Buy it only if all four tyres match and the slower powertrain is acceptable on the exact roads you use.
8-speed Direct Shift automatic
2019-2025 ES350 / ES250
CHECK COLD, THEN TRUST
Most cars are fine, but a short warm test drive hides low-speed shift complaints. Cold reverse, rolling stops and light-throttle upshifts show more than highway cruising.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2019
New XZ10 generation arrives; ES350 fuel-pump recall and small ES300h brake-booster-pump recall are the key checks.
Buyer: Buy only after recall proof, cold 8-speed test and full driver-assist check.
Owner: Keep 2019 recall paperwork easy to find; this year is known for VIN-specific checks.
2020
Second year settles production while recall follow-up remains active.
Buyer: Good buy if Lexus history is clean and infotainment behaves through multiple restarts.
Owner: Use dealer software updates for phone, camera and safety-system oddities.
2021
ES250 AWD joins in North America; mature ES300h/ES350 supply improves.
Buyer: Pick ES300h for total ownership cost, ES350 for smooth power, ES250 only for AWD need.
Owner: Rotate tyres carefully on AWD cars and keep alignment records.
2022
Tech and trim updates broaden; touchscreen-era complaints become more relevant.
Buyer: Spend time on infotainment, camera and parking sensors, not just the road feel.
Owner: Document software versions and dealer updates before warranty ends.
2023
Later XZ10 production; phone integration and driver-assist features are expected to work cleanly.
Buyer: A 2023 should not need excuses; reject unresolved warning lights.
Owner: Use warranty for any intermittent camera, brake or telematics fault.
2024
Late generation refinement; values stay high for hybrids.
Buyer: Do not overpay unless hybrid battery data and service history are complete.
Owner: Maintain 12V health because low voltage creates expensive-looking warning cascades.
2025
Final years before replacement cycle pressure; software and recall status remain VIN-specific.
Buyer: Nearly new money requires a clean Lexus scan and no open safety actions.
Owner: Keep digital service records updated; late-model buyers expect proof.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
2019 ES350 Denso low-pressure fuel pump
Affects
Certain 2019 ES350 vehicles under NHTSA 20V012.
Symptoms
Long crank, rough running, stall, no-start, MIL or fuel-pressure codes.
Typical repair cost
USD 0 recall; USD 600-1,400 if repaired outside coverage.
Codes / scan clues
Fuel-pressure, lean and misfire codes.
Root cause: Denso impeller deformation can stop the in-tank pump.
Quick check
- Run Lexus/NHTSA VIN lookup.
- Confirm dealer replacement invoice.
- Cold-start after sitting.
- Road-test steady load for hesitation.
Buyer note
A 2019 ES350 without pump proof is unfinished business.
Owner note
Do the pump remedy before chasing stall symptoms elsewhere.
Fault 2
2019 ES300h brake booster pump noncompliance
Affects
Very small 2019 ES300h population in NHTSA 19V544.
Symptoms
Brake warnings, chimes, reduced brake assist, VSC disabled message.
Typical repair cost
USD 0 under recall; USD 1,800-3,500+ if similar brake hardware fails outside recall.
Codes / scan clues
ABS/brake booster and VSC codes; exact code depends on module.
Root cause: Improperly manufactured brake booster pump can stop operating.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 19V544.
- Verify ABS warning lights prove out.
- Scan brake module.
- Perform repeated low-speed stops.
Buyer note
The affected population is small, but the symptom is serious enough to verify every 2019 ES300h.
Owner note
Any brake-assist warning belongs at Lexus immediately.
Fault 3
A25A water pump, coolant smell or thermal-management fault
Affects
ES300h and ES250 2.5-litre cars; also inspect ES350 cooling system.
Symptoms
Coolant smell, temperature fluctuation, pump whine, low coolant, heater inconsistency.
Typical repair cost
USD 700-1,800.
Codes / scan clues
P26CB/P26CA-style electric pump or coolant-performance codes on related Toyota applications.
Root cause: Electric/mechanical pump or seal issues can interrupt stable coolant circulation.
Quick check
- Check coolant level cold.
- Listen for pump noise at idle.
- Scan for stored coolant pump codes.
- Drive until fully warm and recheck smell.
Buyer note
Do not let low mileage hide a noisy pump or coolant fault.
Owner note
Repair pump warnings early; hybrid efficiency drops when temperature control is wrong.
Fault 4
8-speed cold shift harshness or delayed engagement
Affects
ES350 and ES250 automatic cars.
Symptoms
Cold lurch, delayed Drive/Reverse, rolling-stop thump, shift flare.
Typical repair cost
USD 150-600 software/fluid diagnosis; USD 2,000-6,000+ internal repair if severe.
Codes / scan clues
TCM pressure, ratio or solenoid codes may appear; many complaints store none.
Root cause: Adaptation, fluid condition, mounts or internal shift-control wear.
Quick check
- Start fully cold.
- Select P-R-D several times.
- Drive light throttle 1-4 shifts.
- Ask whether adaptations were reset recently.
Buyer note
A luxury sedan should not need shift excuses on the viewing.
Owner note
Document repeatable cold behaviour before dealer diagnosis.
Fault 5
Infotainment echo, reboot or phone integration faults
Affects
2019-2025 ES, especially touchscreen/software transition years.
Symptoms
Bluetooth echo, CarPlay/Android Auto dropout, black screen, slow boot, camera delay.
Typical repair cost
USD 0-300 update; USD 700-2,000 amplifier/head-unit repair.
Codes / scan clues
Telematics, amplifier or navigation communication codes.
Root cause: Software calibration, amplifier fault or low-voltage body-network events.
Quick check
- Pair a phone and place a call.
- Test wired and wireless connection if equipped.
- Cycle ignition twice.
- Scan telematics/body modules.
Buyer note
Test the exact phone features you will use before buying.
Owner note
Keep update records; intermittent media faults are easier with bulletin history.
Fault 6
Brake squeal, rotor vibration and F Sport tyre wear
Affects
2019-2025 ES, especially F Sport and urban cars.
Symptoms
Squeal, vibration through pedal, uneven front tyre wear, tramlining.
Typical repair cost
USD 300-1,200 brakes; USD 700-1,500 tyres/alignment.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none.
Root cause: Pad compound, light-use corrosion, alignment and low-profile tyre sensitivity.
Quick check
- Brake gently and firmly from highway speed.
- Inspect rotor lips and pad thickness.
- Measure tyre tread across each tyre.
- Check alignment printout.
Buyer note
F Sport looks cheap only until tyres and brakes are due.
Owner note
Rotate and align regularly; uneven tyres make the ES feel worse than it is.
Fault 7
Hybrid 12V battery low-voltage warning cascade
Affects
ES300h 2019-2025.
Symptoms
No READY, parking brake messages, brake/PCS warnings, remote start failure, many stored low-voltage codes.
Typical repair cost
USD 180-350 12V battery; more if misdiagnosed.
Codes / scan clues
Low-voltage body, brake and hybrid communication codes.
Root cause: Small auxiliary battery weakens and triggers module communication faults.
Quick check
- Load-test 12V battery.
- Scan all modules for low-voltage history.
- Check charging voltage in READY.
- Let the car sit during inspection and restart.
Buyer note
A weak battery can hide or create bigger-looking faults; test it first.
Owner note
Replace the 12V proactively if the car sits or warning storms begin.
Fault 8
Driver-assist sensors, camera or parking support faults
Affects
2019-2025 ES with Lexus Safety System and parking assist.
Symptoms
PCS/LTA/parking support warnings, camera blanking, radar unavailable, calibration history after bumper work.
Typical repair cost
USD 200-800 calibration; USD 1,000-3,000+ sensor/module repair.
Codes / scan clues
PCS, radar, camera and parking-assist calibration codes.
Root cause: Sensor obstruction, bumper damage, software fault or calibration missed after body repair.
Quick check
- Inspect bumpers and windshield for replacement signs.
- Test adaptive cruise and lane assist where safe.
- Use reverse camera and parking sensors.
- Scan ADAS modules.
Buyer note
A repaired bumper without calibration paperwork is not complete.
Owner note
After windshield or bumper work, insist on calibration documentation.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
Documents
- Lexus service and recall printout.
- 20V012 pump record for 2019 ES350.
- 19V544 brake-booster-pump status for 2019 ES300h.
- Software, camera and infotainment repair records.
Walk around
- Check bumper and windshield replacement signs.
- Measure tyre wear, especially F Sport/AWD.
- Look for coolant residue and oil seepage.
- Inspect brakes for rotor lip and corrosion.
In the car
- Test infotainment, phone call, camera and parking assist.
- Verify brake/PCS/LTA lights go out.
- Load-test 12V battery.
- Check every seat, shade and mirror function.
Test drive
- Start cold and test P-R-D engagement.
- Drive rolling stops and light-throttle shifts.
- Test hybrid EV transition and braking feel.
- Use driver assist where safe.
Scan tool
- Toyota/Lexus full-system scan.
- Hybrid block and 12V data for ES300h.
- Fuel and misfire history for ES350.
- ADAS and telematics codes.
Bottom line
Buy: Buy a 2021-2025 ES300h for the strongest mix of comfort, economy and resale, or an ES350 if you want the V6 and can prove the early fuel-pump issue is closed. ES250 AWD is a niche winter choice, not the best all-round ES.
Avoid: Avoid any ES with unresolved brake, PCS or fuel-pump history, and skip cars whose infotainment or safety systems fail during the viewing.
Quick answers
Lexus ES buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Lexus ES 2019-2025 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: 2019 ES350 Denso low-pressure fuel pump; 2019 ES300h brake booster pump noncompliance; A25A water pump, coolant smell or thermal-management fault. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Lexus ES years are the best to buy?
2021-2025 stand out in this generation. Buy a 2021-2025 ES300h for the strongest mix of comfort, economy and resale, or an ES350 if you want the V6 and can prove the early fuel-pump issue is closed. ES250 AWD is a niche winter choice, not the best all-round ES.
Which Lexus ES should I avoid?
Avoid any ES with unresolved brake, PCS or fuel-pump history, and skip cars whose infotainment or safety systems fail during the viewing.
Is the Lexus ES 2019-2025 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 7.6/10 (buy with checks). 2 serious faults, 6 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: a25a water pump, coolant smell or thermal-management fault.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Lexus ES guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCMN-20V012-1978.pdf
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCMN-20V012-3373.pdf
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCMN-19V544-8257.pdf
- clublexus.com: es-7th-gen-2019-2025-306
- clublexus.com: 1008167-squeaking-brakes.html
- repairpal.com: es350
- repairpal.com: es300h
- static.nhtsa.gov: RCMN-20V012-8958.pdf
- nhtsa.gov: recalls
- autoreliabilityindex.com: 2019
- ClubLexus ES water-pump discussion
- NHTSA complaints portal
- CarComplaints Lexus TSB L-SB-0039-23
- Consumer Reports ES reliability