2021 Lexus ES250

Okay, here is a comprehensive breakdown of common issues and complaints reported for the 2021 Lexus ES 250, formatted as requested.

The 2021 Lexus ES 250 is a luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride, quiet cabin, and reputation for reliability. The ES 250 is the only trim level to come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Other ES trims are available with a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 or as a hybrid. Drivers often praise the ES 250 for its smooth ride, fuel efficiency for a luxury car, and upscale interior. Some criticisms include the somewhat uninspired handling compared to sportier competitors and the infotainment system’s touchpad interface.

Engine

2.5L Inline-4 (A25A-FKS)

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher than expected oil consumption, requiring more frequent oil top-offs between scheduled services. Symptoms include the low oil light illuminating frequently and the need to add oil every few thousand miles.
  • Solution: Monitor oil levels regularly. If consumption is excessive, a dealer inspection to check for leaks and potentially a compression test might be necessary. In severe cases, piston ring replacement may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+ (if piston ring replacement is needed)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (UA80E)

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced harsh or jerky shifting, particularly during low-speed acceleration or deceleration. This may be more noticeable between certain gears.
  • Solution: A software update to the transmission control module (TCM) may resolve the issue. If the problem persists, a transmission flush or, in rare cases, valve body replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 (software update), $200 - $400 (transmission flush), $1,000 - $2,500 (valve body replacement, if necessary)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can occasionally freeze or unexpectedly reboot, interrupting navigation, audio, and other functions.
  • Solution: First, try performing a system reset through the infotainment settings. If the issue persists, a software update from the dealer may be required. In rare cases, the infotainment unit may need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (system reset), $0 - $150 (software update), $800 - $2,000+ (infotainment unit replacement, if necessary)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Bluetooth Connectivity Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty pairing devices via Bluetooth, intermittent disconnections, or poor audio quality during calls.
  • Solution: Ensure the device is compatible and running the latest software. Resetting the infotainment system’s Bluetooth settings and re-pairing the device may resolve the issue. A software update from the dealer may also be beneficial.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (reset/re-pairing), $0 - $150 (software update)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Rattling/Squeaking Noises
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported rattling or squeaking noises emanating from the dashboard, door panels, or rear shelf, particularly on rough roads.
  • Solution: Locating the source of the noise and tightening or padding the affected area. This may require professional diagnosis and repair by a Lexus technician.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the complexity of the issue)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Lexus ES 250, while generally reliable, can experience a few common issues. Engine-related oil consumption and transmission harsh shifting are the most serious and costly potential problems. Electrical gremlins within the infotainment system also appear in owner reports. Interior rattles, although less serious, can be annoying. Most issues are relatively minor and can be addressed with software updates or minor repairs, but potential engine issues can be costly.