Lexus Ls problems
The Lexus LS (Japanese: レクサス・LS, Hepburn: Rekusasu LS) is a full-size luxury sedan (F-segment in Europe) serving as the flagship model of Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota. For the first four generations, all LS models featured V8 engines and were predominantly rear-wheel-drive. In the fourth generation, Lexus offered all-wheel-drive, hybrid, and long-wheelbase variants. The fifth generation changed to using a V6 engine with no V8 option, and only one length was offered.
As the first model developed by Lexus, the LS 400 debuted in January 1989 with the second generation debuting in November 1994. The LS 430 debuted in January 2000 and the LS 460/LS 460 L series in 2006. A domestic-market version of the LS 400 and LS 430, badged as Toyota Celsior (Japanese: トヨタ・セルシオ, Hepburn: Toyota Serushio), was sold in Japan until the Lexus marque was introduced there in 2006. In 2006 (for the 2007 model year), the fourth generation LS 460 debuted the first production eight-speed automatic transmission and an automatic parking system. In 2007, V8 hybrid powertrains were introduced on the LS 600h/LS 600h L sedans.
Development of the LS began in 1983 as the F1 project, the code name for a secret flagship sedan. At the time, Toyota's two existing flagship models were the Crown and Century models – both of which catered exclusively for the Japanese market and had little global appeal that could compete with international luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Jaguar. The resulting sedan followed an extended five-year design process at a cost of over US$1 billion, and premiered with a new V8 engine and numerous luxury features. The Lexus LS was intended from its inception for export markets, and the Lexus division was formed to market and service the vehicle internationally. The original LS 400 debuted to strong sales, and was largely responsible for the successful launch of the Lexus marque.
Since the start of production, each generation of the Lexus LS has been manufactured in the Japanese city of Tahara, Aichi. The name "LS" stands for "Luxury Sedan", although some Lexus importers have preferred to define it as "Luxury Saloon". The name "Celsior" is taken from Latin word "celsus", meaning "lofty" or "elevated".
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Lexus Ls model years
Common Lexus Ls problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Lexus LS cars, here is a list of common problems with the Lexus LS series:
- Melting Dashboards: One of the most reported issues with Lexus LS models, particularly the LS 460 and LS 250, is the problem of melting dashboards. This issue seems to be related to the materials used in manufacturing the dashboards, leading to a loss of form and functionality over time.
- Infotainment System Problems: Owners have reported issues with the Mark Levinson premium audio system in the Lexus LS 460. Problems include failing AMPs resulting in no audio output, broken satellite speakers, excessive speaker crackling, and occasional navigation and interface glitches.
- Braking System: Complaints have surfaced regarding the braking system of the Lexus LS 460. Owners have noted spongy brakes that require excessive pedal travel without providing sufficient braking force. Resolving these issues often involves replacing the front brake pads and rotor, which can be a costly repair.
- Air Suspension Failures: The Lexus LS 460 has been plagued by air suspension problems, including issues like air suspension not maintaining proper ride height, broken ride height sensors, air spring leaks, "death wobble," loose shock absorbers, and faulty air compressors. These problems can make the vehicle uncomfortable and unsafe to drive.
- Master Cylinder and ABS Module Complaints: High mileage examples of the Lexus LS 460 have shown gradual loss of braking performance due to master cylinder issues or ABS module complaints. These issues exhibit symptoms like spongy brakes and inadequate braking force, requiring attention to ensure safety on the road.
- Door Panel Issues: Specifically mentioned in the Lexus LS 460, problems with door panels have been reported. These issues can impact the functionality and aesthetics of the vehicle, requiring repairs or replacements to maintain the quality of the interior.
These common problems with the Lexus LS series highlight various issues that owners have faced with these luxury vehicles. Addressing these concerns promptly and effectively is crucial to ensure the longevity and performance of Lexus LS cars.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Lexus Ls years
We have researched Lexus problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Lexus Ls cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Lexus Ls model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Lexus Ls model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Lexus Ls years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Lexus Ls car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Lexus Ls , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Service brakes problems
- Wheels problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Lexus Ls vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Ls model years
A total of 2 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Ls model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Ls model years
There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 31 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Lexus Ls . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Lexus Ls vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Lexus Ls 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-09-16
- VIN: JTHBL5EF6D5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The ABS system failed. Mechanic stated it was the ABS actuator. Left front wheel locks up when brakes are applied with force. Safety is jeopardized since the ABS system no longer works. Cannot bring vehicle to safe stop in an emergency braking situation. The problem was reproduced by an independent service center. The vehicle had not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. Lexus has been notified and said that I just missed the window on the service bulletin, which ended in March of 2024. There were no warning lamps before the system failure. The system failed during a trip.
Lexus Ls 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-08-12
- VIN: JTHBL5EF6D5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: For 2 years now I’ve been getting intermittent abs and traction light come on. It never showed a code when a scanner was plugged in. Every now and then the light would come on when I start the car. As soon as I drive it’s gone. Now I have the brake icon on too and my brakes are very weird with it grabbing really hard at times and slow to release. It’s the brake actuator that everyone has problems with. I only have 76k miles on my car. I had the valley plate leak at 49k miles. So these 2 things are problems everyone have that Lexus isn’t admitting it’s their fault. They are not willing to fix the actuator on my car because they supposedly sent a customer letter that I’ve never received
Lexus Ls 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-11
- Date Complaint: 2024-04-11
- VIN: JTHC51FF6J5
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Recently I purchased a CPO Lexus 2018 LS 500. I realized I am not able to enter Coordinate in the GPS Navigation system. Lexus took away the most import tool (The coordinate Entry) in navigation system away, this make the navigation system useless and easy to get lost when cell service not available especially in and around State and Nation Park area.
Lexus Ls 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-14
- VIN: JTHD51FF5M5
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: The car slipped because of tread wear on the inner side of all four tires. Car has manufacturer installed tires.
Lexus Ls 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-12
- Date Complaint: 2024-01-14
- VIN: JTHB5LFF8J5
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: 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
Lexus Ls 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-15
- Date Complaint: 2023-12-21
- VIN: JTHC51FF7K5
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 Lexus LS500. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 20 MPH and made a knocking sound. The contact was able to drive 15 MPH and pulled over off the roadway. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle, and the contact was informed that the engine was blown. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 19,000.
Lexus Ls 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2013-08-19
- Date Complaint: 2023-10-12
- VIN: JTHBN30FX10
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2001 Lexus LS. The contact stated that the battery to the vehicle failed on several occasions for the past 20 years. The contact stated she had to replace the battery at least twenty times in the past ten years. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed with a failure in the radio connection which was draining the battery. The radio was disconnected. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Lexus Ls 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-05
- Date Complaint: 2023-10-11
- VIN: JTHGL1EF3D5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: I am detailing an alarming and persistent issue with unexpected brake activation on my 2013 Lexus LS 460. Over a span of time, the vehicle's brakes have been activated spontaneously on four different occasions, putting me and my passengers in potential danger. Incident Descriptions: 1. Location: I-69 southbound, near Huntington. - Scenario: Alone in the car. Noted a shiny truck about 2,000 ft ahead under a bridge with sun reflection. - Brakes activated hard for approx. 3-5 seconds. - Active cruise and lane-keep assist were on. 2. Location: Westbound on Interstate 70, just past the Indiana line. - Scenario: My wife, [XXX] , was with me. A semi-truck with wind skirts was being overtaken when the rear wheels locked up. - This caused a sideways skid toward the truck, causing tire smoke and chaos among trailing vehicles. - Managed to drive down to the median at high speeds, stopping just before a bridge. Multiple dashboard lights illuminated. 3. Location: 69 south of Anderson IN - Scenario: - On the way to the dealership, the brakes activated similarly as in the first scenario. 4. Location: Ohio on interstate 30 just before Indiana line... Not sure how far... - Scenario: After dealership repairs and 10,000 miles of incident-free driving, the brakes suddenly activated. - I was with my engineer, [XXX] . Reflective tapes on road barrels might have triggered the brakes. The car came to a full stop despite full gas pedal depression. Fortunately the closest vehicle behind us was approximately 2,000 ft back so I was able to get off the road at a slower speed of approximately 5-10 mph with full control all the way to stop. Once the vehicle stopped we were able to take right back off again with no further incidents to date. Concerns: - The spontaneous nature of the braking makes it difficult and dangerous to drive in traffic, especially near larger vehicles. - There are situations, like quick lane changes for exits, where the INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Lexus Ls 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2023-09-17
- VIN: JTHCL5EF6E5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Brake booster squeaks while in cool or cold weather
Lexus Ls 1996
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-15
- Date Complaint: 2023-07-21
- VIN: JT8BH22F2T0
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: I brought my car to Kendall Lexus for repairs as well as a recall on the starter solenoid. They charged me about $1,200 for these repairs, including the installation of a new starter. Unfortunately, the newly installed starter failed within a month of its replacement, causing significant inconvenience and safety concerns. Upon discovering the issue, I immediately contacted Kendall Lexus to report the problem. They agreed to have the car towed back to their dealership for further inspection and resolution. However, instead of taking responsibility for the faulty part they had installed, they had someone from Toyota contact me, stating that they wouldn’t address the problem due to my car’s age and referencing “loose wires” as the potential cause despite the fact that they were the last ones under the hood and had no problem with wiring or the age of the vehicle until they were asked to repair a faulty part they installed. I was shocked by this response, as my vehicle was in good running condition when I initially brought it to Kendall Lexus. It is evident that the dealership is unwilling to rectify their mistake and provide the necessary repairs. Furthermore, their customer service has severely deteriorated since I made the initial payment. Despite numerous attempts to contact Kendall Lexus and seek clarification on their refusal to honor their warranty on the faulty part, I have received no response. This lack of communication is not only frustrating but raises doubts about their commitment to customer satisfaction and fair business practices. I believe that I deserve a fair resolution to this matter, which includes rectifying the defective starter and providing the necessary repairs without additional charges. Moreover, Kendall Lexus must improve
Lexus Ls 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-22
- Date Complaint: 2022-01-04
- VIN: JTHC5LFF6J5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
Lexus Ls 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-25
- Date Complaint: 2020-10-27
- VIN: JTHB51FF4J5
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE HESITATES WHILE DRIVING. RECALL ANNOUNCED TO US 1/20/2020. HAVE ATTEMPTED NUMEROUS TIMES TO HAVE DEALERSHIP DO THE FREE RECALL REPAIR. EVEN WHILE THERE FOR OIL CHANGES AND REGULAR SERVICES THROUGHOUT THIS YEAR. HAVE BEEN TOLD EACH TIME THEY NEED TO ORDER THE PART AND THEY WILL CALL ME. 10 MONTHS OF THIS NOW AND CAR IS UNSAFE- THEY KEEP STALLING ON DOING THE REPAIR THAT IS A SAFETY RISK FOR MYSELF AND FAMILY. WANT THIS DOCUMENTED IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO US AND WE HAVE AN INJURY OR DEATH BECAUSE THE CAR HAS BEEN HESITATING AND THEY CONTINUE TO TELL US THEY DON'T HAVE THE FUEL PUMP TO DO THE REPAIR.
Lexus Ls 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2020-06-13
- Date Complaint: 2020-06-13
- VIN: JT8BH28F3X0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE SLOWLY MAKING A TURN WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE MY CAR SURGED FORWARD. I TRIED TO CONTROL THE CAR BY PUSHING MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AS HARD AS I COULD WITHOUT SUCCESS. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR FROM MOVING ONLY BY PUTTING IT ON PARK. THE SURGE WAS VERY SUDDEN AND UNCONTROLLABLE. THIS IS SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED. PLEASE INVESTIGATE. *TR
Lexus Ls 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2020-03-04
- VIN: JTHC51FF3J5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 LEXUS LS 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED FROM TENTH GEAR TO FOURTH GEAR WITHOUT WARNING. THE RPMS REVVED UP AND THE CONTACT FLICKED THE SWITCH ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO GO BACK TO THE TENTH GEAR. THE FAILURE RECURRED 6 TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JOHNSON LEXUS OF RALEIGH LOCATED AT (5839 CAPITAL BLVD, RALEIGH, NC 27616 (919) 436-3916). THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING TEST DRIVEN. A SPECIALIST WAS BROUGHT IN FROM THE MANUFACTURER TO ASSIST WITH THE DIAGNOSTIC AND INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT WAS GIVEN A LOANER FOR THE DURATION OF THE INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.
Lexus Ls 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-30
- Date Complaint: 2019-12-11
- VIN: JTHB51FF2J5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: 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, 706-650-9999) 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. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,300. *LN THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE PEDESTRIAN HOOD POP UP FEATURE ACTIVATED AS DESIGNED.*JB
Latest 5 recalls Lexus Ls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 18 recalls for different components of the Lexus Ls.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Lexus Ls 2018
- Report Received Date: 2024-04-17
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
- Summary: 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 incorrectly detect the occupant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: Incorrect detection of an occupant may result in improper air bag deployment during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- 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. Toyota's number for this recall is 24LA03.
- Model: Lexus Ls 2021
- Report Received Date: 2024-04-17
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
- Summary: 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 incorrectly detect the occupant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: Incorrect detection of an occupant may result in improper air bag deployment during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- 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. Toyota's number for this recall is 24LA03.
- Model: Lexus Ls 2019
- Report Received Date: 2024-04-17
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
- Summary: 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 incorrectly detect the occupant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Consequence: Incorrect detection of an occupant may result in improper air bag deployment during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- 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. Toyota's number for this recall is 24LA03.
- Model: Lexus Ls 2018
- Report Received Date: 2019-02-27
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: TIRES:SIDEWALL
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: If the tire tread layer separates from the vehicle, vehicle handling and stability may be affected, increasing the risk of crash.
- 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. The Toyota number for this recall is KLC.
- Model: Lexus Ls 2001
- Report Received Date: 2009-04-07
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
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