Most common 2018 Lexus LS problems
Share of the 15 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 →
2018 Lexus LS recalls (2)
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.
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.
What 2018 Lexus LS owners say
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2018 Lexus LS 500. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle coasted and was steered over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where the oil was drained and the cap and filter were removed. The contact stated that there were metal shavings inside the oil. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was no oil in the engine and that the oil filter was not the correct oil filter. Additionally, the contact was informed that the engine had seized, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 36,000.
Main rod bearing failure in the motor. No lights on the dash. Pulling away from the traffic light, heard loud banging from the engine and loss of power. Two blocks away from home, fortunately the car made it. 97,500 miles on the car. Oil was changed at Len Stoler Lexus 1,242 ago. Service history of maintenance is superb. Had the vehicle towed to Pro Care Auto in Reisterstown Maryland, where that stated the main rod bearings failed. Estimate for engine replacement $20,000. Towed vehicle to Len Stoler Lexus where they found the same diagnostic results. I asked to get help from customer service which they said they will not help. Used motor replacement cost $38,000. Lexus knows about these engine failures and will not help the owners. Same motor is in Toyota pickup trucks and that vehicle had a recall but not the LS500 for Main rod bearings failure.
Electrical system
The vehicle exhibited 3 episodes of premature battery failure. Mileage of the vehicle is 6000 miles. Without any warning the car would just not start from a gas pump or such locations in the middle of the road. This is a dangerous problem because there was no warning that the battery is running low or there is any problem. Car runs 100 miles every day. Lexis dealership diagnosed battery failure and replace the battery but this is a safety issue particularly because it happens in the middle of the night when you are driving in a remote location and gas pumps tell you to switch off engine before filling And there is no warning sign to indicate that there is a problem with the battery THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AS A SAFETY ISSUE
Tl* the contact owns a 2018 Lexus LS. The contact stated that the vehicle was equipped with a pre-collision system, which was supposed to aid in preventing a crash. In the event of a crash, it released the hood of the vehicle. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact was cut off by another vehicle. The contact depressed the brake pedal immediately and the pre-collision system activated. As a result, the hood of the vehicle released. The contact took the vehicle to jim hudson Lexus (located at 3410 washington rd, augusta, ga 30907, [phone]) and was informed that the diagnostic box indicated that a collision was not detected. The dealer diagnosed that the vehicle's pre-collision system needed to be reprogrammed and the actuators needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. …
Wheels & tires
All 4 tires have tread wear on the inner side. Took it to lexus they said no remedy is available ended up selling the car. May cause slip and accident
I am filing this complaint today with Lexus corporation because both my dealership, new country Lexus of latham, and Lexus corporation have chosen to ignore the danger they have placed myself and my family. I have purchased three Lexus' over the years from new country Lexus and am very disappointed in the service from both my dealer and Lexus corporation. I am disappointed that new country and Lexus corporation would put me and my family at risk of injury and/or death. Particularly in light of the fact that I have reached out twice to my dealership and three times to Lexus corporation. Therefore, I am documenting my concerns in the event of a serious injury or death occurring in which I will hold both Lexus corporation and new country Lexus responsible. On February 26, 2019 a safety recall was announced regarding certain run-flat tires which included my new vehicle, 2018 LS 500. …
2018 Lexus LS engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl hybrid | CVT | RWD | 25 / 33 / 28 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl hybrid | CVT | AWD | 23 / 31 / 26 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl turbo | 10-speed automatic | RWD | 19 / 30 / 23 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl turbo | 10-speed automatic | AWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Lexus LS a good car?
Based on 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 LS rates use caution: 2.7× as many complaints as a typical year of the LS at the same age. It is one of the LS years we suggest avoiding. 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 2018 Lexus LS?
The engine & cooling — 5 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (3) and wheels & tires (3).
How many recalls does the 2018 Lexus LS have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2018 Lexus LS, the most recent from April 17, 2024 (front passenger). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the 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 2018 Lexus LS problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 8,000 miles; 100% 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.