Most common 2009 Lexus LS problems
Share of the 13 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus LS complaints by model year
Best LS years: 2013, 2012, 2011. Years to avoid: 2018, 2006. Compare all years →
What 2009 Lexus LS owners say
Engine & cooling
When driving, slowing to make a turn, putting foot back on gas....feels either like gear slipping or fuel injection slip. Makes quick catch and jumps. Also, when coming to stop, feels like stalling. Very scary.
I purchased my 2009 ls460 in 2017 at Lexus of huntsville, al with 115K miles. It began having poor acceleration 1 month after I purchased it. I went back to the dealer and expressed my concern. They asked me to start using premium gas form the same station. Nothing changed and 3mo latter I moved to indianapolis and had my Lexus serviced at tom wood Lexus of indianapolis. I asked them to do a full diagnostic for repairing the now dangerously low acceleration. Tom wood changed and checked fuel filter fuel lines fuel injectors air intake mass airflow air filter reflashed ECM cost me 2 separate visits, 10+ days in a loaner vehicle and $800+ and the issue behind what was causing the low acceleration was never found. So I filed my first complaint case with Lexus corporate and they denied my claim in that it was no longer under their powertrain warranty. …
Transmission & drivetrain
I purchased my 2009 ls460 in 2017 at Lexus of huntsville, al with 115K miles. It began having poor acceleration 1 month after I purchased it. I went back to the dealer and expressed my concern. They asked me to start using premium gas form the same station. Nothing changed and 3mo latter I moved to indianapolis and had my Lexus serviced at tom wood Lexus of indianapolis. I asked them to do a full diagnostic for repairing the now dangerously low acceleration. Tom wood changed and checked fuel filter fuel lines fuel injectors air intake mass airflow air filter reflashed ECM cost me 2 separate visits, 10+ days in a loaner vehicle and $800+ and the issue behind what was causing the low acceleration was never found. So I filed my first complaint case with Lexus corporate and they denied my claim in that it was no longer under their powertrain warranty. …
After an oil change, using fully synthetic oil per sterling mccall Lexus of houston, the Lexus ls460 shows hesitation in acceleration. At local road and at speed of 15 MPH, I tried to accelerate and pushed gas pedal to floor, the engine RPM reached more than 5000 but the car did not accelerate as expected. While in theory the engine power reaches peak of 386 horse power at 4200 RPM. In one word, the acceleration is not linear to the push on gas pedal at all. Feels like the engine power does not corresponds to the gas pedal travel distance, as it should. And in critical situations, this failure to accelerate as it should could cause problem or accidents. A google search shows that many other owners have the same experience. Maybe Lexus should look into this and help fix the problem. Thanks,
Electrical system
I was driving and my steering locked up and my check VSC light came on, and check power steering system came on and told me to check with dealer.If someone can please contact me ASAP would be wonderful and appreciated..Thank you
This particular model 2009 Lexus LS460 apparently has an issue with the ABS system module (ABS Brake pump actuator) and when it fails it is like a domino effect not to mention having to reprogram the cars whole computer system all over again, I researched this issue and found that the issue is rampant with this year and model, not only is it expensive to fix (4k) the part alone is over 1k. If the system was to fail while driving it would pose a significant danger to myself and others as I would not be able to brake, or if I drive in wet weather the system could fail on me again. Everyone that owns this model has the same issue. once it happens it is said that it will happen every 30000 miles or so. I bought the car in 2024; I hadn't even had it a year before the system failed and I have not been able to drive the car since March 2025. …
2009 Lexus LS engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.0L 8-cyl hybrid | 8-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 20 / 22 / 21 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 24 / 19 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 23 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Lexus LS a good car?
Based on 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 LS rates average: 14% fewer complaints than a typical year of the LS at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Lexus LS?
The engine & cooling — 4 complaints, 31% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (3) and electrical system (3).
How many recalls does the 2009 Lexus LS have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2009 Lexus LS. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus LS?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2013, 2012 and 2011. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2018 and 2006. See the full Lexus LS years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Lexus LS problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 58,000 miles; 43% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.