Lexus

Lexus Es (2021)

1,258 real MOT outcomes analysed • 96.1% first-time pass rate

2021 Lexus Es

CarHunch analysed 1,258 real MOT records for the 2021 Lexus Es. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
Which year to buy? →

On this page
AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2021 Lexus ES is exceptionally reliable, with a 96.1% first-time pass rate that sits 16 percentage points above the UK average—among the best in its class. Dangerous defects are rare, affecting only 5.4% of cars tested, so safety concerns are minimal for buyers.

These ES models are running just under 32,000 miles on average, which is slightly elevated for three-year-old cars but suggests either modest use or some higher-mileage examples in the mix. With barely any failures (0.13 per vehicle) and less than one advisory per car, the ES proves exceptionally well-built; focus your pre-purchase inspection on service history and fluid checks rather than worrying about structural or mechanical wear.

The 2021 Lexus Es passes its MOT first time more often than most UK vehicles (96.1% vs ~80% average) — and when it does fail, it's usually something minor and cheap to fix.

⚠️ Around 1 in 20 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
96.1%
UK average ~80%
Better than average
Dangerous (ever)
5.4%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.13
Over 2.4 tests on record
Low
Typical mileage
27k
Middle half: 19k–38k
For context
Good baseline reliability. A 96.1% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 1,258 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

A solid choice — agree?

What tends to go wrong

Across 1,258 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 27.7%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Other issues 3.8%
Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt · Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view · Rear Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2021.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 1,258 Lexus Es cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2021 Lexus Es

Based on MOT data from 1,258 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 5.4% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Colour Breakdown

Based on 4,498 Lexus Es vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Black 27.1%
1,220
Silver 17.6%
790
Grey 16.6%
745
Blue 15.2%
683
White 10.7%
481
Red 10.6%
475
Green 2.2%
99
Beige 0.1%
5

Mileage Distribution

Most 2021 Lexus Es vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

27,226
typical
19,065
low mileage
37,839
high mileage

Half of all 2021 Lexus Es vehicles fall between 19,065 and 37,839 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 19,065 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
19,065–37,839 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2021 Lexus Ess sit.
Over 51,082 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2021 Lexus Es — Still on the Road

Almost all 2021 Lexus Ess are still on the road.

Strong survival — 1,179 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 96% of the peak.

92 1,179 2023 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2023–2025.

MOT History Averages

2.4
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.13
Avg failures per vehicle
0.9
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Lexus Es: All Es years → Which year to buy? →
2019 2020 2022 2023

Or browse all models: Lexus →

Lexus logo

Compare with another model

See how the 2021 Lexus Es stacks up against a rival.

A solid choice — agree?