Sell your 2018 Lexus ES for cash

The 2018 Lexus ES is a midsize car that came with a choice of 2.5L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl engines. Even at 8 years old, a damaged or broken-down one still has real value for its parts. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.

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2018 Lexus ES at a glance

Body styleMidsize Cars
Engines2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
TransmissionsAutomatic (AV-S6), Automatic (S6)
DriveFront-Wheel Drive
FuelRegular Gasoline
Fuel economy21–40 city / 30–39 highway / 24–40 combined MPG
EPA annual fuel cost$1,700–$2,800 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles)
Tailpipe CO₂223–366 grams per mile
EPA fuel economy score5–9 out of 10
EPA greenhouse gas score5–9 out of 10
Curb weight (NHTSA test vehicle)3,593 lb
Gross vehicle weight rating4,700–4,740 lb
Versions tested by EPA2 configurations: ES 300h, ES 350
Age8 years

Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; weights from NHTSA crash-test records. Your car's exact equipment may differ.

What affects its junk value

  • Age: at 8 years old, a 2018 ES is newer than most junk cars, so working parts like the engine, transmission and body panels are in demand from rebuilders and parts buyers.
  • Weight: NHTSA's crash-test 2018 ES weighed 3,593 lb at curb weight. Scrap value is largely priced by weight, so this is a good starting point. See how scrap prices by weight work.
  • Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
  • Recalls: NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 ES. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
  • Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the unknown or other, typically around 9,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.

How junk car offers are calculated

2018 Lexus ES recalls

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls covering the 2018 Lexus ES. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.

Fuel System, GasolineNov 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V682000

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus…

Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fuel System, GasolineJan 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V012000

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13…

Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Common 2018 ES problems

Owners have filed 15 complaints about the 2018 Lexus ES with NHTSA. 3 reports involved a crash. Owners reported 4 injuries.

Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.

Most-reported components

  • Unknown or Other4
  • Air Bags2
  • Engine2
  • Seat Belts2
  • Structure2
  • Vehicle Speed Control2

Typical mileage when problems were reported

  • Unknown or Other9,000 mi
  • Air Bags36,000 mi
  • Engine5,000 mi
  • Structure13,000 mi
  • Vehicle Speed Control66,000 mi

2018 Lexus ES crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Lexus ES.

VersionOverallFrontal crashSide crashRolloverRollover risk
4 Dr, FWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆11.1%

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP). Ratings from different model years or rating systems aren't directly comparable.

2018 Lexus ES service bulletins

Manufacturers have filed 81 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2018 Lexus ES. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.

Most common bulletin topics

  • Equipment19
  • Structure15
  • Electrical System10
  • Equipment6
  • Equipment6
  • Engine5

Recent bulletins

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 2025 · L-SB-0030-24 Rev2

    Some 2005 - 2026 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to re

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 2025 · L-SB-0043-23 Rev1

    The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this S

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 2025 · L-SB-0017-19 Rev1

    Some 2010 - 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 2025 · L-SB-0017-19 Rev1

    Some 2010 - 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 2023 · LSB000523

    TSB: Some 2013 ? 2020 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit a hard start and/or MIL ON condition with one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ?DTC P

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 2023 · 23LE01

    DL: On December 20, 2022, a settlement of claims for certain low pressure fuel pumps was approved by the federal court. The settlement includes Lexus?s agreement to provi

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA opened 1 defect investigation covering the 2018 Lexus ES.

Electrical SystemDP22005 · opened Jan 2023, closed Aug 2023Led to recall 22V063000

Pedestrian alert sounds

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pe

Selling a 2018 ES: questions

How much is a 2018 Lexus ES worth for junk?

It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.

Can I junk a 2018 ES that doesn't run?

Yes. We buy 2018 ESs that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.

Can I sell a 2018 ES with open recalls?

Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Lexus ES; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What paperwork do I need to sell my 2018 ES?

Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.

Sources

Data retrieved October 2026.

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