Research · Midsize Cars
2021 Lexus ES 300HRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 2 owner complaints for the 2021 Lexus ES 300H. Most complaints involve seat belts (1) and electrical system (1). The EPA rates it 44 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
44mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
2
Top: seat belts
Fuel cost / yr
$1,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2021 Lexus ES 300H as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
2 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2023 – Sep 2024
- Seat belts1
- Electrical system1
- Forward collision avoidance1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Seat belts
1 report
“The contact owns a 2021 Lexus ES 300H. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH and attempting to stop, the front driver’s side seat belt failed to retract. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.”
Electrical system
1 report
“On Nov 9, 2022 I first noticed the problem. When I drove back to home Vancouver, WA from California I used cruise control all the way. I was driving at 70 and ahead of me was traffic. The car in front of me slowed down and the cruise control was on which was supposed to detect the car ahead and slowed down using the brakes but it didn’t and my rpm went high almost 4-5. I called the dealership about the incident while on the way. I was asked if there were any issues like lights, warning/message but there was nothing. I have a video about it. When I arrived home turned off the car. Woke up the next day, took it to the dealership and the car is working fine. I showed one of the service reps the video and he stated they cant fix the car because there is no issue coming up in the computer. At the time the mileage was 46,313. After this incident it didn’t happen again. However after 60k miles when I drove over 6-7hrs the problem came up again. I almost got in an accident because the car didn’t slow down and stop. I called the lexus headquarters and they communicated with the same dealership to look into it. My car is at the dealership right now and don't know if they…”
Forward collision avoidance
1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AV-S6)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES 300h Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 43 | 44 | 44 | $1,450 | 202 |
- 44mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Lexus ES 300h 4 DR FWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 10.5%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 15802
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2021 ES 300H questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Lexus ES 300H have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.
What are the most common 2021 Lexus ES 300H problems?
Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are seat belts (1), electrical system (1), forward collision avoidance (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2021 Lexus ES 300H get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Lexus ES 300H at 44 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2021 Lexus ES 300H?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Lexus ES 300H 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026