2005 Lexus LS430 Problems & Complaints

Average25% fewer complaints than a typical year of the LS430 at the same age

Owners have filed 21 complaints about the 2005 Lexus LS430 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the LS430 at the same age. The most reported problem area is the speed control & acceleration (12 complaints, typically around 45,000 miles).

21complaints
0recalls
9crashes
1fires
6injuries
1deaths

Most common 2005 Lexus LS430 problems

  • Speed control & acceleration~45,000 miles
    1257%
  • Air bags~97,000 miles
    314%
  • Brakes~142,000 miles
    314%
  • Wheels & tires~15,000 miles
    210%
  • Body & structure~90,000 miles
    210%
  • Other / not specified
    15%
  • Stability & traction control~0 miles
    15%
  • Lights~79,000 miles
    15%
  • Seat belts~142,000 miles
    15%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof
    15%
  • Suspension~54,000 miles
    15%

Share of the 21 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Lexus LS430 complaints by model year

200120022003200420055230231021
Owner complaints per model year, Lexus LS430. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best LS430 years: 2004, 2005. Years to avoid: 2001, 2002. Compare all years →

What 2005 Lexus LS430 owners say

Speed control & acceleration

The consumer experienced sudden acceleration in her 2005 Lexus ls 430 while pulling into a parking lot . The consumer doesn't think the air bag inflated all the way because her noise hit the steering wheel. Her right shin smashed into the dashboard which resulted in a very large hematoma on her right shin. Smoke started coming out of the steering column and soon after flames could be seen through the heavy smoke. The fire was extinguished by the fire dept. It took 6 1/2 days for the vehicle to be repaired. The consumer request that the manufacturer reimburse her for her medical bills, rental payments, lease payments and amount paid to lawyer. Updated 05/03/10

5,000 miles · Apr 2005 · crash · fire · 1 injury

On sep 17, 2009 as I left a gas station the Lexus LS430 year 2005 accelerated and I was only able to avoid the cars in front of me was to swerve to the right and jammed of the brake with both feet. Unknowingly I ran into a telephone guy wire and the only damage was superficial ($3300.00) to the right front light and bumper. For the last few months I have been trying to figure out what could have possibly gone wrong. I notice the accelerator pedal appears to momentarily stick. Usaa fixed the auto and though I wondered what had happened I did not report the accident until now.

45,000 miles · Sep 2009 · crash

Air bags

I have owned car since new. All service performed by same dealer on time. All repairs done as suggested by dealer. Air bags recall performed in 2006. New brakes within 6 months. Driving to my wife"s work (airport) on same route for 38 years (37 miles from residence). I observed red light and cars stopped 100 yards ahead 1/4 mile from destination. I applied brakes several times to no avail. I told my passengers that I could not stop and applied brakes several times again. Brakes did not go to floor. It felt as though cruise control was on - it wasn't. I avoided a few cars by steering to curb and sidewalk. I observed a light post on sidewalk and had to turn into traffic hitting two cars. A motor policeman was directly behind me and said no brake lights came on. No air bags deployed and left side rear passenger's seat belts failed. Car was totaled. …

142,000 miles · Feb 2014 · crash

The consumer experienced sudden acceleration in her 2005 Lexus ls 430 while pulling into a parking lot . The consumer doesn't think the air bag inflated all the way because her noise hit the steering wheel. Her right shin smashed into the dashboard which resulted in a very large hematoma on her right shin. Smoke started coming out of the steering column and soon after flames could be seen through the heavy smoke. The fire was extinguished by the fire dept. It took 6 1/2 days for the vehicle to be repaired. The consumer request that the manufacturer reimburse her for her medical bills, rental payments, lease payments and amount paid to lawyer. Updated 05/03/10

5,000 miles · Apr 2005 · crash · fire · 1 injury

Brakes

I have owned car since new. All service performed by same dealer on time. All repairs done as suggested by dealer. Air bags recall performed in 2006. New brakes within 6 months. Driving to my wife"s work (airport) on same route for 38 years (37 miles from residence). I observed red light and cars stopped 100 yards ahead 1/4 mile from destination. I applied brakes several times to no avail. I told my passengers that I could not stop and applied brakes several times again. Brakes did not go to floor. It felt as though cruise control was on - it wasn't. I avoided a few cars by steering to curb and sidewalk. I observed a light post on sidewalk and had to turn into traffic hitting two cars. A motor policeman was directly behind me and said no brake lights came on. No air bags deployed and left side rear passenger's seat belts failed. Car was totaled. …

142,000 miles · Feb 2014 · crash

Takata recall, during accident air bags under inflated, my legs was bruised and swollen. My car self accelerated, I couldn't control the speed, my brakes didn't work, my car stopped by hitting the car in front of me. Claim [redacted], the car was in motion, on a freeway, driving straight, I have a recall claim [redacted].

97,000 miles · May 2019 · 1 injury

2005 Lexus LS430 engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
4.3L 8-cyl6-speed automaticRWD16 / 23 / 18

EPA ratings. Class: Large car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2005 Lexus LS430 a good car?

Based on 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 LS430 rates average: 25% fewer complaints than a typical year of the LS430 at the same age. It is one of the best LS430 years by this measure. 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 2005 Lexus LS430?

The speed control & acceleration — 12 complaints, 57% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the air bags (3) and brakes (3).

How many recalls does the 2005 Lexus LS430 have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2005 Lexus LS430. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Lexus LS430?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004 and 2005. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2001 and 2002. See the full Lexus LS430 years comparison.

At what mileage do 2005 Lexus LS430 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 53,000 miles; 50% 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.