2012 Lexus Ls460 problems

lexus logo

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".

2012 Lexus Ls460

Social links

Common 2012 Lexus Ls460 problems

The Lexus LS460, a luxury vehicle produced by Toyota's luxury division, has been praised for its design and performance. However, like any vehicle, it has had its fair share of issues, particularly in its earlier years. The 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 models are considered the years to avoid due to several common problems.

One of the most prevalent issues among Lexus LS460 owners is the melting interior, particularly in the 2007 and 2008 models. The interior materials, specifically the dashboard and door panels, were not designed to withstand the heat generated inside the vehicle. This problem has resulted in numerous complaints and an average repair cost of $1,700 for the 2008 model.

Brake actuator failure is another common problem in the Lexus LS460, particularly in the 2007 model. This issue can lead to general brake failures, affecting the vehicle's safety. The brake actuator problem has been reported by many owners, and the average cost to fix it is $4,500 for the 2007 model.

Safety issues have also been reported in the Lexus LS460, particularly related to the braking system and the vehicle speed control function. The anti-lock braking system's actuator has been known to fail, causing the electronic stability control light to come on and, in some cases, leading to the front brakes locking up. This issue has been reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but no recall has been issued. Additionally, some drivers have reported their vehicles accelerating out of control while driving at low speeds or after a stop, which can increase the risk of crashing. Despite these issues, the Lexus LS460 has become more reliable over time, with models from 2013 onward receiving high ratings and being considered high performers among luxury vehicles.

2012 Lexus Ls460 engine

Are Lexus LS 460 reliable?

Of the Lexus LS models, the LS 400, LS 430, and LS 460 have proven to be the most reliable. The 1999 LS 400 model has received excellent reviews from consumers, with a 4.9 out of 5.0 rating, indicating it is reliable and efficient.

What is the best year model for the LS460?

Consumer Reports found the 2007 to 2012 model years to be the best in terms of reliability and overall quality, and some reviewers found the 2007 and 2011 model years to be particularly pleasing and a great value for a used luxury sedan.

How many miles can a Lexus LS 460 last?

According to reliable sources, customer and owner reports, the Lexus LS 460 models will easily last for over 300,000 miles, which translates to roughly 20 years of reliable service.

Does 2012 LS460 have air suspension?

The 2007 to 2012 Lexus LS460 Rear-wheel drive models were equipped with one of the most sophisticated and expensive air suspension systems on the market.

2012 Lexus Ls460 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lexus Ls460 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Air bags problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Structure problems
  • Steering problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Lexus Ls460 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2012 Lexus Ls460 complaints

The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Lexus Ls460.

2024-08-20

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-10-05
  • VIN: JTHBL5EF5C5
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,STRUCTURE
  • Summary: See attached document for complaint
2022-09-19

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-09-16
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JTHCL5EF9C5
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: Someone hit from front left head on but the airbags did not deploy. Car was damaged the extent that it maybe totalled. I am working with ALSTATE Insurance at this time.
2022-09-19

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-09-16
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JTHCL5EF9C5
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: I am uploading for complaint number 11485175
2019-12-10

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-06-10
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LEXUS LS460. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE BRAKES SHOOK AND THE VEHICLE VIBRATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT CALLED AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT CALLED CHATHAM PARKWAY LEXUS AT 888-379-0084 (LOCATED AT 1120 CHATHAM PKWY, SAVANNAH, GA 31405) AND A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE BRAKE FAILURE AND FOUND TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: SB0036-15R1. THE CONTACT PROVIDED THE BULLETIN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 94,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
2019-03-20

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-03-01
  • VIN: JTHBL5EF4C5
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: UPON INITIAL START UP THE AIRBAG FAILURE TAKE TO DEALER IMMEDIATELY' WARNING LIGHT DISPLAYED. TOOK TO DEALER THAT DAY, WARNING LIGHT WENT OUT BUT DEALER OBTAINED A CODE SRS B19A6 INDICATING A PROBLEM WITH AN OPEN CIRCUIT ON THE HEADREST INFLATOR. TOLD TO RETURN IF LIGHT COMES BACK ON, IT DID AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF HEADREST INFLATOR AND THE CENTER AIRBAG ECU SENSOR ASSEMBLY. MANUFACTURE PROVIDED $750 CREDIT TOWARDS A $1,515.08 REPAIR.
2015-02-11

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2015-02-10
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: RECENTLY TOOK MY 2012 LS460 INTO DEALER FOR BRAKING ISSUES. WHEN BRAKES APPLIED, CAR WOULD NOSE DIVE AS IT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. WHEN PRESSING BRAKE PEDAL IT MAKE A SQUEAKING NOISE. BRAKE PEDAL WAS ALWAYS SOFT, FELT LIKE NO BRAKE PADS LEFT BUT THEY ALL HAD RECENTLY BEEN CHECKED 3 MONTHS AGO AND HAD 10MM LEFT. WHEN BRAKING, YOU CAN FEEL VIBRATIONS IN THE PEDAL. LEXUS DEALER CONFIRMED FAULTY BRAKE ACTUATOR. *TR
2014-04-17

STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2013-05-06
  • VIN: JTHGL5EF4C5
  • Components: STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
  • Summary: THE 1ST INCIDENT OCCURRED IN NOVATO, CA MAKING A RIGHT TURN FROM THE IGNACIO BLVD BRIDGE OVER 101N TO NAVE DR. AFTER A RAIN THE PREVIOUS DAY. WHEN THE FRONT OF THE CAR SLID SLIGHTLY, THE SKID CONTROL TURNED THE WHEELS SHARPLY TO THE LEFT FORCING THE CAR INTO THE LANE TO MY LEFT. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NO CAR IN THAT LANE OR THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. I WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL BUT LEXUS REFUSES TO INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE INSISTING IT MUST BE REPRODUCED BY A DEALER FOR THEM TO ACT. THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE AS NO DEALER HAS FACILITIES TO DO THIS. THE 2ND INCIDENT OCCURRED ON A HILL AT THE INTERSECTION OF WILLARD & PARNASSUS IN SAN FRANCISCO ON 3/14/14. I HAD MADE A U-TURN TO ENTER A PARKING SPACE ON WILLARD AND WAS FACING DOWNHILL. WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE IT RAPIDLY ROLLED FORWARD WHICH IS NOT EXPECTED IN AN AUTOMATIC. I SUBMITTED VIDEO EVIDENCE OF THIS TO LEXUS AND THIS PROBLEM WAS REPRODUCED BY FREEMAN LEXUS IN SANTA ROSA WHICH, HOWEVER, HAS NO WAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM, AND LEXUS REFUSES TO DO SO THOUGH THIS, TOO, COULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD. THIS 3RD INCIDENT OCCURRED ON 4/14/14 WHEN, AT WOODLAND MARKET IN ROSS, I PUT MY CAR IN REVERSE AND THE REAR VIEW CAMERA DID NOT COME ON. I PUT IT BACK IN PARK AND THEN BACK INTO REVERSE AND THE CAMERA STILL DID NOT COME ON. I MADE A VIDEO OF THIS AND SENT IT TO LEXUS AND WENT TO LEXUS OF MARIN TO SHOW THEM THE PROBLEM. THEY WOULD HAVE TO TAKE THE CAR BUT I COULD NOT GIVE IT TO THEM AND EXPLAINED THIS WOULD NOT OCCUR AGAIN IF THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND STARTED AGAIN - WHICH I SHOWED THEM TO BE TRUE. THIS ALSO COULD BE A HAZARD BUT FREEMAN LEXUS CANNOT REPRODUCE THIS AND LEXUS ABSOLVES ITSELF OF ANY RESPONSIBILITY. LEXUS, IN FACT, TELLS ME IF THE CAR WORKS "AS DESIGNED" BASED ON WHAT THE DEALER CAN FIND THEY WILL NOT FIX OR INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE EVEN IF SAFETY IS INVOLVED. THIS VIOLATES THE TOYOTA DOJ AGREEMENT. *TR

Negative 2012 Lexus Ls460 car reviews

  1. Vincent Hammes 2024-06-07

    I recently purchased a new 2011 car from the showroom, which was a big splurge for me. I was very excited about having a top-of-the-line car! However, when we left the showroom that night to head home, the car felt like it had a flat tire. Unfortunately, this issue persisted even after four visits back to the dealer. Finally, I was informed that the issue was with the tires, and they replaced all four. However, I was also told that my car may have a bumpy ride for the first couple of miles every time I drive it. I was disappointed that this was happening with a $75,000 car, and it made me feel like I was driving a car with a flat tire every time I went to the store. I have been frustrated with the dealer for not being able to solve this problem, but I am hopeful that we can work together to find a solution. Despite these issues, I still appreciate the quality of the car and the brand, and I hope to continue driving it for years to come.

  2. Osvaldo Gleichner 2024-04-25

    The navigation system on my new 2012 Lexus LS460 has room for improvement. I have noticed that the system can get confused when approaching the final destination, which can be frustrating. Additionally, the red dot indication on the map at intersections can be off by about 0.1 mile, causing confusion for users. While I understand the safety concerns, it would be helpful if the system allowed for address input while the vehicle is in motion, especially if there is a passenger who can assist with the input. The typing speed for address input is also quite slow, which can be a bit tedious. I am looking forward to an update for the navigation system from Lexus. Thank you.

  3. Dominic Greenholt 2024-01-15

    Compared to the 430, the NAV system could use some improvement. It may take a bit longer to enter an address due to the need to press and release the screen to register a button press. Additionally, there is a knocking sound that seems to be caused by the fuel pump, which the dealer repair shop has acknowledged as a design flaw they are unable to fix. It appears that this model has been decontented from the prior 430 in several ways.

Positive 2012 Lexus Ls460 car reviews

  1. Earnest Will 2025-01-01

    Nobody makes a better car. The only problem I've ever had with it is replacing a battery. The ride is superior. Indeed, the car is superior in every respect. The car is obsidian and absolutely beautiful. I would keep it but I'm 77 and will need a self-driving car within the next few years. So, I am buying a Tesla Model S.

  2. Simeon Ledner 2024-11-27

    You'll love the comfortable ride and excellent build quality of this car. Plus, the fuel economy is impressive for a car of this size.

  3. Adolphus Lakin 2024-11-27

    I'm so glad you were able to find such a great deal on your 2012 car with only 16k miles on it! It's unfortunate that Lexus has made some design changes that aren't as appealing, but it sounds like you're still enjoying your car as a comfortable highway cruiser. It's great that you're able to make the 500 mile round trip to the nearest Lexus dealer/maintenance facility without any issues.

  4. Jaylin Rempel 2024-11-06

    I really liked the car just by looking at it from the outside. Once I test drove it, I didn't have a second thought about what I wanted!

  5. Joseph Kessler 2024-10-01

    That's a great looking classic Lexus! It's a shame that Toyota went a bit crazy with the exterior design later on.

Leave your review of 2012 Lexus Ls460

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2012 Lexus Ls460 problems:

What should I look for with a used LS460? Common Problems ...
What should I look for with a used LS460? Common Problems ...
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-4th-gen-2007-2017/850169-what-should-i-look-for-with-a-used-ls460-common-problems-merged-threads.html

Mar 11, 2013 ... I AM lucky enough to have a good connection at a lexus dealership..i can get an oil change for 30 dollars. I used to get my brakes done on my ...

Maintenance and known issues for Lexus LS460 MY07/08 : r/Lexus
Maintenance and known issues for Lexus LS460 MY07/08 : r/Lexus
https://www.reddit.com/r/Lexus/comments/j7kedo/maintenance_and_known_issues_for_lexus_ls460/

Oct 9, 2020 ... I'm currently considering buying a 2007/2008 Lexus LS460 SWB with 150,000kms in Canada. I wanted to know about known issues with this car. My ...

Here Are The Lexus LS 460 Years To Avoid - CoPilot
Here Are The Lexus LS 460 Years To Avoid - CoPilot
https://www.copilotsearch.com/posts/lexus-ls-460-years-to-avoid/

Apr 18, 2023 ... The Most Common Lexus LS 460 Problems · Melting Interiors · Brake Actuator Failure · General Brake Failures · Cracked Suspension Brushings · Safety ...

Lexus LS460 Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
Lexus LS460 Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
https://repairpal.com/problems/lexus/ls460

Top Lexus LS460 Problems · Clicking/Knocking Sound From the Brake Actuator · Intermittent No Start Due to Failed "Push Start" Switch · Navigation Errors and Multi- ...

What's the problem with the Lexus 2008 LS 460 models? - Quora
What's the problem with the Lexus 2008 LS 460 models? - Quora
https://www.quora.com/Whats-the-problem-with-the-Lexus-2008-LS-460-models

Jul 2, 2018 ... Lower control arm bushings cracking that seems to be the most common problems on these 2008 year model LS460s. warped rotors, issues with ...

Other years of Lexus Ls460

lexus ls460 2013 photo
Ls460 2013
Lexus

9

1

17

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
lexus ls460 2014 photo
Ls460 2014
Lexus

8

1

15

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
lexus ls460 2015 photo
Ls460 2015
Lexus

4

1

20

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
lexus ls460 2016 photo
Ls460 2016
Lexus

6

0

15

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
lexus ls460 2017 photo
Ls460 2017
Lexus

2

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
lexus ls460 2007 photo
Ls460 2007
Lexus

0

2

21

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your 2012 Lexus Ls460?

Add car complaint
2012 Lexus Ls460 photo