Lexus LS500 Problems by Year

We compared every Lexus LS500 model year from 2018–2019 using 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 3 recalls and federal defect investigations. No LS500 year stands out with an unusual number of complaints.

2model years
7complaints
3recalls
—worst years
—best years

Complaints by model year

2018201943
Owner complaints per model year, Lexus LS500. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20193—3BrakeFew
20184—2Wheel & TireFew

* Complaints compared with the median LS500 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Lexus LS500 problems

  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2018
    229%
  • Brakesworst: 2018
    229%
  • Body & structureworst: 2018
    114%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2019
    114%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2019
    114%

Latest Lexus LS500 recalls

Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump

NHTSA recall 20V-682 · Nov 4, 2020 · 1,525,742 vehicles

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…

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021.

Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump

NHTSA recall 20V-012 · Jan 13, 2020 · 1,830,752 vehicles

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…

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987.

Service brakes

NHTSA recall 19V-544 · Jul 24, 2019 · 6,925 vehicles

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Lexus LS500, LC500, ES300h, UX250h, LS500h, Toyota Prius, RAV4 HV, 2019-2020 Toyota Prius Prime, and 2020 Corolla HV vehicles. The brake booster pump may fail causing a deactivation of the Vehicle Stability Control system and a loss of braking assist.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake booster pump, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2019.

All 3 Lexus LS500 recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Lexus LS500 should you avoid?

None of the Lexus LS500 years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.

What are the most common Lexus LS500 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the wheels & tires (2), brakes (2) and body & structure (1). Wheel & Tire complaints peak in the 2018 model year.

How many recalls has the Lexus LS500 had?

3 recalls across 2018–2019. The model year with the most is 2019. See all Lexus LS500 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.