2021 Lexus Es Hybrid problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Seat Belts (1) · Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking (1)
Safety recalls (1)
Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification 2023-12-20 · campaign 23V865000 · 999,901 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
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.
Service bulletins (121)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Engine 2026-09-22 · L-SB-0026-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge at battery on high voltage (hv) ni-mh and li-ion batteries. this bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year repair manual while performing the battery rescue charge. the grx-5100 should be use
Engine 2026-09-22 · L-SB-0040-20 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
obsolete notice september 22, 2026: this bulletin is now obsolete. please see l-sb-0026-26
Fuel/Propulsion System 2026-09-10 · 26LF01 · Emissions
under certain conditions, debris can accumulate inside the fuel cap causing potential fuel vapor leaks that can cause increased evaporative emissions to exceed the regulated limits. this issue will not trigger the m.i.l. (malfunction indicator lamp).
Fuel/Propulsion System 2026-09-03 · 26LF01 · Emissions
under certain conditions, debris can accumulate inside the fuel cap causing potential fuel vapor leaks that can cause increased evaporative emissions to exceed the regulated limits. this issue will not trigger the m.i.l. (malfunction indicator lamp).
Fuel/Propulsion System 2026-08-11 · 26LF01 · Emissions
under certain conditions, debris can accumulate inside the fuel cap causing potential fuel vapor leaks that can cause increased evaporative emissions to exceed the regulated limits. this issue will not trigger the m.i.l. (malfunction indicator lamp).
Fuel/Propulsion System 2026-08-06 · 26LF01 · Emissions
technical instructions for safety recall 26lf01 certain 2019 – 2025 model year es 300h fuel cap negative pressure valve & fuel filler dust intrusion
Showing the 6 most recent of 121 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2024-09-26 · Seat Belts · 60,000 mi“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,…”
2023-01-24 · Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking“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 …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.