LexusES2502023Overview/lexus/es250/2023/base/

2023 Lexus ES250

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2023 ES250.

Transmission Automatic (S8)

The 2023 Lexus ES250 combines an eight-speed automatic transmission with EPA ratings of 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined, while its 4.8-quart oil capacity calls for a notably thin 0W-16 or 0W-20 viscosity — a specification that reflects modern efficiency engineering. With just nine total owner complaints logged against two recalls, and power train issues heading the short list of reported problems, this model year lands on the quieter side of the ES nameplate's documented history, which stretches back to 1991 and saw complaint totals peak at 14 that first year before dropping to a single complaint by 1993. That relatively low complaint volume suggests the 2023 ES250 continues the model line's broader trajectory of dependable ownership rather than signaling any emerging trouble spot.

Model year2025202420232022202119911990

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.8 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-16 / 0W-20OEM · verified
Lug nut torque76.0 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy25/34/28 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses OE oil filter 90915YZZN1. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Tail / brake / turnAUTOOEM · verified
Tire size235/45R18 94VOEM · verified
Wheel / rim8 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter90915YZZN1
Engine air filter17801F0050
Fuel filter7702406320
Spark plug9091901289
Front wiper blades8522206240 alt 8521206240
Serpentine belt90916A2027
Thermostat1632647020 alt 1603125011
Cabin air filter871390E040

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S8)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length196.1 in
Overall width73.6 in
Overall height57.1 in
Wheelbase113 in
Curb weight3737 lb
Track (front / rear)63.8 / 63.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)60/40

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined25 / 34 / 28 mpg
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume97 cu ft
Cargo volume14 cu ft
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.8 qt of 0W-16 / 0W-20 engine oil, 75W-85 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 · SAE J1703 · DOT 4 · SAE J1704 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 76.0 ft-lbs.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity7.9 qt
Brake FluidDOT 3 · SAE J1703 · DOT 4 · SAE J1704
Differential Gear Oil75W-85 · GL-5
Differential Gear Oil Capacity0.50 qt
Engine CoolantToyota Super Long Life Coolant
Engine Coolant Capacity7.3 qt
Engine Oil0W-16 · 0W-20

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts76.0 ft-lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; coolant every 50,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 50,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

At 5,000 miUniversal Vehicle Operation (inspect all fluid levels)
Every 5,000 miBrake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Floor Mat (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate) · Universal Vehicle Operation (road test) · Windshield Wiper Blade (inspect)
Every 10,000 miCabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Universal Vehicle Operation (inspect all fluid levels)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Driveshaft Flange Yoke (torque) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level)
Every 30,000 miBrake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect) · Fuel Tank Filler Cap O-Ring (inspect)
Every 50,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
At 100,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
At 120,000 miBrake Vacuum Pump (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The provided federal record exclusively covers the 1991–1996 generation, meaning the 2023 target year falls completely outside this data arc and lacks the adjacent model years necessary for direct comparison. Across that earlier generation, there was a steep downward trend in complaints, plummeting from 14 in 1991 to just 1 by 1993, while recalls and investigations were confined solely to 1991. For the 2023 model specifically, the data shows four isolated complaints across the Power Train, Electrical System, Lane Departure, and Service Brakes/Hydraulic/Electrical System categories, accompanied by three crash complaints and zero fire complaints. Because the data does not specify the root causes of these 2023 incidents, it is impossible to determine if they are isolated anomalies or indicative of emerging systemic faults. Ultimately, while the generational context is mismatched, the minimal complaint volume for the 2023 model makes it a solid year to buy, provided a pre-purchase inspection verifies no underlying systemic defects.

2
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
82
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
9
Owner complaints
3 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 9 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train1
Electrical System1
Lane Departure1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic,Electrical System1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Service Brakes1
Vehicle Speed Control,Forward Collision Avoidance1
Unknown Or Other1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

No recall campaigns on record with NHTSA for this vehicle as of the last data refresh.

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 82 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
L-SB-0021-252026-03-10EngineOBSOLETE NOTICE February 27, 2026: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now…
L-SB-0021-252026-02-27EngineOBSOLETE NOTICE February 27, 2026: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now…
L-SB-0030-24 Rev22025-12-15StructureSome 2005 – 2026 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a…
L-SB-0039-252025-09-09Electrical SystemA new head unit software update is available for 2023 – 2024 model year ES 250, ES 300h…
L-TT-0326-23 Rev22025-08-19Electrical SystemSome customers may experience operational difficulties with some telematics features…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific ES250. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2023 ES250 take?

4.8 qt of Toyota Genuine Motor Oil ILSAC GF-6B 0W-16 or Equivalent. If 0W-16 is unavailable 0W-20 may be used but must be replaced with 0W-16 at the next oil change., per the factory manual.

Does the 2023 ES250 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the ES250 get?

EPA figures are 25 city / 34 highway / 28 combined mpg.