2005 Lexus Ls problems

General information about Lexus-Ls
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list

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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Common 2005 Lexus Ls problems

The 2005 Lexus LS430 is often regarded as a reliable vehicle, but some models have their share of problems. Here are some of the most common issues reported by owners:

The downshift solenoid, which is responsible for controlling the transmission's shifting points, can malfunction and prevent the transmission from downshifting when it should. This can cause the engine to rev excessively, putting undue strain on the engine and transmission. The check engine light will come on if the computer detects a problem with the solenoid

Airbag Inflator Problem: Lexus has issued a recall for LS430 cars manufactured in 2004, 2005, and 2006 due to airbag assembly problems. The inflators used in the curtain, side, and knee airbags did not have sufficient heating agents to properly deploy the airbags in the event of a crash. This increases the risk of injury to occupants seated in front. Lexus has offered to replace faulty SRS airbags for free.

Stereo Problems: The Mark Levinson stereo system installed in LS430s from 2001 to 2006 is known to be defective. Many owners have complained about their stereos not playing any music or changing the volume on their own. Repair Pal experts suggest installing a new amplifier to solve this problem, which typically costs five hundred dollars to replace .
Blown Speakers: Blown speakers are quite common in the LS430. Make sure to check the speakers for any signs of damage or wear and tear before purchasing the car .
Dead Battery Syndrome: The combination controller, which controls the main dash indicator lights and gauges, can cause dead battery syndrome. Toyota replaced the combination controller for one owner, but the problem did not reoccur until the car was operated at running temperature.
Timing Belt Service: Make sure the timing belt service has been done the second time or factor in the cost of this service if it has not. The timing belt should be replaced every 90,000 miles or 6 years, whichever comes first .
Oil Leaks: Check for oil seeps and leaks around the bottom of the engine, oil pan, and transmission. Check all four struts for any sign of oil leakage .
Electronic Gizmos: Make sure all of the electronic gizmos work, including all of the LEDs in the tails and check the speakers for blown speakers .
Missing or Altered Parts: Get under the car with a strong flashlight and look for missing or altered parts, bad or new welds on structure, missing or altered cats and mufflers, etc .
Error Codes: Do not buy the car without taking it to a good independent or Toyota or Lexus dealer and having the error codes read. Ask the tech to verify when codes were last cleared. Dishonest sellers could be clearing error codes right before you show up .

In summary, the 2005 Lexus LS430 is a reliable vehicle, but some models have their share of problems. It is essential to check for transmission issues, airbag assembly problems, stereo problems, blown speakers, dead battery syndrome, timing belt service, oil leaks, electronic gizmos, missing or altered parts, and error codes before purchasing the car. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can keep your LS430 on the road for a very long time.

2005 Lexus Ls complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2005 Lexus Ls.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2005 Lexus Ls recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2005 Lexus Ls.

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.

2006-04-03

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF THE HEATING AGENTS NECESSARY FOR PROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXPANSION FORCE OF THE GAS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROPERLY INFLATE THE AIR BAG WHEN THE SRS SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED DURING A CRASH.
Consequence: THIS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT IN THE INVOLVED SEATING POSITION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPECIFIC SRS AIR BAG. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371, SCION AT 1-866-548-1851, OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.