Lexus ES vs Toyota Camry
For 2005–2021 models, the Toyota Camry has 16.8 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 20.2 for the Lexus ES. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2021), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Lexus ES
20.2 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.2× the Toyota Camry’s rate
- Complaints
- 2,013
- Sold
- 996,002
- Recall campaigns
- 15
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2007–2008 and 2010–2011. Fewest: 2015, 2017–2018 and 2020. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 67,816 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 80,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 63,000 mi
-
Master cylinder and booster
Typically around 70,000 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 49,000 mi
Toyota Camry
16.8 complaints per 10,000 sold
17% fewer than the Lexus ES
- Complaints
- 10,936
- Sold
- 6,516,047
- Recall campaigns
- 36
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2007–2009 and 2018. Fewest: 2006, 2016–2017 and 2021. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 64,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 37,700 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 70,377 mi
-
Oil consumption and leaks
Typically around 98,191 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 30,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Lexus ES or the Toyota Camry?
For 2005–2021 models, the Toyota Camry has 16.8 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Lexus ES has 20.2, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Lexus ES?
The most-reported problem on the Lexus ES is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 67,816 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Toyota Camry?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota Camry is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 64,000 miles.
Which Lexus ES and Toyota Camry years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Lexus ES: 2007–2008 and 2010–2011; Toyota Camry: 2007–2009 and 2018.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.