2020 Lexus ES 350Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints for the 2020 Lexus ES 350. Most complaints involve air bags (2) and forward collision avoidance (2). The EPA rates it 25–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Air bags2
- Forward collision avoidance2
- Electrical system2
- Seat belts1
- Vehicle speed control1
- Service brakes1
- Other / unknown1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Air bags
“The safety features on my Lexus ES 350 2020 malfunctioned on 10/16/2022 •Cruise control with radar functionality to speed up, slow down or stop, based upon my speed setting did not work at that moment. It did work my entire trip, which was a drive to Tallahassee from our residence on Friday and our return trip home on Sunday, until the accident occurred just north of the Ft. Pierce exit. •The brake sensor, which causes your vehicle to stop with obstructions near the vehicle did not function. •Airbags did not deploy •Seatbelts did not “lock” at impact. When I realized that the safety features (radar and brake sensor) were not working, I slammed on the brakes, but nothing happened.”
Forward collision avoidance
“I always use cruise control whenever i drive because this would always makes me put on a safety automatic brake whenever i get close to the car next to me. But it seems like my automatic emergency brake is defective which Lexus Dealership denies on the inspection when i complain. A lot of times the automatic emergency brake does not work when i use it even when im backing up it suppose to stop but a lot of times im almost at thr brink of hitting something so i have to manually brake. I also texted this to my Lexus Assistant Manager in Lexus Glendale California branch and had it inspected by them but they’ve sit my car in the dealership and at the end of the day told me that its normal. Is it normal to hit a car next to you when youre expecting your car to stop automatically and it does not stop? Why do i have this feature and it doesnt work? I hope you can help me becaus ethis car is very expensive and yet it does not guarantee safety!”
Electrical system
“On Friday, June 03, 2022 as I was leaving the dealership in the 2020 Lexus ES 350 loaner vehicle, I put the car in reverse to back away from the wall, and then put the car from reverse into drive that resulted in it lurching forward momentarily. I did not hear the engine revving, probably because I wasn’t paying attention, but my partner who was seated next to me in the driver’s seat said he heard it. He suspected that the dealership loaned us the vehicle that had a similar issue that caused it to move forward. When I saw the definition of sudden unintended acceleration, I felt that it could be that. I didn’t think it was me. I drove the Lexus home, which was across the street from the dealership and no one drove it during the next few days. On Tuesday, June 07, 2022, we were scheduled for a medical appointment 80 miles away. My partner cancelled it but I decided to take the Lexus out to the store and there was no incident so the appointment was rescheduled for June 09. On Thursday, June 09, 2022 at about 11:30AM PDT, I brought the 2020 Lexus ES 350 loaner vehicle to a stop using the brake pedal. The car was about 12 feet from a landscaped island that separated…”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S8)
- 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.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES 350 Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 32 | 26 | $2,400 | 346 |
| ES 350 F Sport Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 25 | $2,500 | 352 |
- 26mpg comb.
- 25mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 10.5%
Maintenance basics
| 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
2020 ES 350 questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Lexus ES 350 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 7, 2026.
What are the most common 2020 Lexus ES 350 problems?
Owners filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (2), forward collision avoidance (2), electrical system (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2020 Lexus ES 350 get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Lexus ES 350 at 25–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
How safe is the 2020 Lexus ES 350?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Lexus ES 350 5 out of 5 stars overall.