Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1.5× | 2 | Seat Belt | Few |
| 2024 | 0 | typical | 2 | — | Few |
| 2023 | 1 | typical | 2 | Seat | Few |
| 2021 | 5 | 1.8× | 1 | Wheel & Tire | Average |
| 2018 | 15 | 2.7× | 2 | Engine | Caution |
| 2016 | 5 | 1.2× | — | Engine | Average |
| 2013 | 6 | −71% | — | Brake | Average |
| 2012 | 5 | −57% | — | Airbag | Average |
| 2011 | 9 | −43% | — | Brake | Average |
| 2010 | 8 | −29% | — | Brake | Average |
| 2009 | 13 | −14% | — | Engine | Average |
| 2008 | 43 | 1.5× | 1 | Brake | Average |
| 2007 | 45 | 1.7× | 1 | Brake | Average |
| 2006 | 17 | 2.5× | 1 | Wheel & Tire | Caution |
| 2005 | 5 | −29% | 1 | Transmission | Average |
| 2004 | 8 | 1.2× | 1 | Airbag | Average |
| 2002 | 7 | 1.2× | — | Body | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median LS year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Lexus LS problems
Latest Lexus LS recalls
Back over prevention › Display function
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models.
Remedy: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument panel software over-the-air (OTA) for non-PHEV vehicles, free of charge. For PHEV vehicles, dealers will inspect the instrument panel assembly, and either replace it, or update the…
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Lexus LS500 and 2018-2020 Lexus LS500 Hybrid vehicles equipped with the "Executive Package." The front passenger seat may have been assembled with interference between internal parts that can cause the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor to…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the front passenger seat, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 7, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Back over prevention › Display function
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Mirai, Lexus LS500, LS500H, 2023-2024 Lexus ES250, ES300H, ES350, 2024 Lexus LC500, and LC500H vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system.
Remedy: Dealers will update the parking assist ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Tires › Sidewall
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Lexus LS vehicles equipped with run-flat tires with a sidewall reinforcement layer inside the tire. The tire-on-wheel assembly process may have caused the reinforcement layer to crack, possibly resulting in the tire tread layer separating from the tire.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and Lexus dealers will replace the affected tires, free of charge. The recall began April 26, 2019. Owners may contact Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Lexus LS should you avoid?
2018 and 2006 — these years have the most complaints relative to other LS years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2018.
What is the best year for the Lexus LS?
2013 has the fewest complaints compared with other LS years at the same age, followed by 2012 and 2011. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Lexus LS problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (60), engine & cooling (25) and wheels & tires (19). Brake complaints peak in the 2008 model year.
How many recalls has the Lexus LS had?
7 recalls across 2002–2025. The model year with the most is 2018. See all Lexus LS recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.