Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2020 Lexus Es350
The 2020 Lexus ES350 is a reliable luxury sedan with minor electrical and safety complaint concerns. Ensure all electronics function properly, focusing on airbags and collision avoidance systems. Check for recalls to mitigate any serious issues.
Known issues to inspect
Minor electrical malfunctions
How to check: Test all electrical components, focusing on infotainment and dashboard electronics.
Airbag deployment issues
How to check: Inspect airbag warning lights and ensure no errors present.
Service brakes problems
How to check: Test brakes for unusual noise or reduced stopping power.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for electrical system noises.
Red flag: Persistent buzzing sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe dashboard for airbag warnings.
Red flag: Airbag warning light on
- 03
City driving
What to check: Check the brakes for noise or vibration.
Red flag: Brakes make grinding noise
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth acceleration with no jerks.
Red flag: Hesitation or jerking
- 05
Emergency braking
What to check: Test collision avoidance system response.
Red flag: Collision system doesn't alert
- 06
Parking maneuver
What to check: Check electronics, like backup camera and sensors.
Red flag: Camera or sensors malfunction
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the vehicle had any recalls addressed?
- Any airbag or seatbelt deployments?
- Are there any known electrical issues?
- Has the collision avoidance system been serviced?
- Are all service records available?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recalls service records
- Recent maintenance records
- Collision repair records
- Ownership history
- Warranty documentation
Generated by gpt-4o on 6/18/2026. Grounded in the NHTSA recall corpus and owner-complaint patterns for the 2020 Lexus Es350.