Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (250 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2026
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep owner loyalty and satisfaction with the vehicle's core mission of providing unparalleled long-term comfort, refinement, and reliability.
10 problems reported (1 very frequent, 6 recurrent, 3 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentControl arm and suspension bushing wear
Requires replacement far too often, as frequently as every 60k miles, with costs exceeding $2,000.
- RecurrentAir suspension failures
Air struts and related components on Ultra Luxury (UL) models require replacement, representing a major maintenance cost.
- RecurrentPremature tire wear
Tires may last only 10k-15k miles due to vehicle weight and suspension alignment sensitivity.
+ 7 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentEarly model year issues
2009-2010 models have a noted rod bearing failure issue. First-year 2007 models are considered less reliable.
- RecurrentEarly powertrain reliability
The 2018 LS500's new twin-turbo V6 had "early teething issues" compared to the previous V8. A manufacturer recall for engine debris affecting some 2022-2023 models is mentioned.
- RecurrentHigh complexity cost
The vehicle is described as a "massively complicated machine," leading to "massive maintenance costs" for wear parts despite overall reliability.
- RecurrentExcessive weight and handling
The car is described as incredibly heavy, with tires and wheel wells too small for its mass, leading to compromised cornering and braking feel.
- IsolatedBrake feel at low speeds
Described as "atrocious," "jerky and sensitive," detracting from the luxury experience.
- IsolatedHybrid transmission behavior
The LS500h's transmission is described as something to "get used to," with a significant acclimation period required; it is not suited for performance driving.
- IsolatedOver-isolation from the road
The extreme sound deadening and lack of feedback can make speed perception difficult and the driving experience "a little terrifying" at high speeds.
The version owners recommend
For the LS460 generation, later model years (e.g., 2017) are implied to be more refined and reliable than early first-year models (e.g., 2007), which are described as "Toyota's bastard child for reliability." For the current LS500 generation, the LS500h AWD with the "Teammate" advanced driver-assist system is mentioned as a highly capable but rare and expensive configuration. There is no single trim consensus, but the underlying recommendation is to seek well-maintained examples with full service histories, regardless of specific year or trim.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series, Audi A8, Genesis G90 and Lexus ES.
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Overall sentiment
The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep owner loyalty and satisfaction with the vehicle's core mission of providing unparalleled long-term comfort, refinement, and reliability. The LS is consistently described as a benchmark for a "decade-plus" ownership experience with minimal drama, offering a sense of solidity, quietness, and effortless power that makes other vehicles feel "a bit cheap by comparison." While there is strong consensus on its supreme comfort and build quality, nuanced criticisms exist regarding specific model years and components. The LS460 (2007-2017) is praised for its bulletproof V8 but noted for expensive wear items like control arms and air suspension. The LS500/LS500h generation receives praise for its technology and comfort but has isolated mentions of early powertrain teething issues and a hybrid transmission that requires acclimation. The vehicle's image is firmly that of a durable, low-drama luxury flagship for owners who prioritize long-term satisfaction over fleeting performance or tech trends.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as the rational, long-term ownership choice against German rivals (S-Class, 7-Series, A8). Community feedback consistently states that while competitors may offer superior driving dynamics, more advanced tech, or a more engaging short-term experience, the LS is the unequivocal choice for owners who plan to keep a vehicle for 10+ years, citing lower long-term maintenance costs and higher reliability. It is explicitly contrasted with the Lexus ES, with owners asserting the LS is in "another league" regarding ride smoothness, cabin quietness (attributed to dual-pane glass and more insulation), material quality, and overall solidity (e.g., soft-close doors), though the ES is acknowledged as providing significant value. The Genesis G90 and older Hyundai Genesis V8 are noted as offering similar features and reliability at a lower price point, positioned as "budget" alternatives.
Recommended configurations
AWD is recommended for improved traction. For the LS460, avoiding early model years (2007-2010) is suggested due to higher incidence of issues like rod bearing failure (2009-2010). For any LS, a pre-purchase inspection focusing on suspension components (control arms, air struts if equipped), verification of major service (timing belt/water pump on applicable engines), and a review of dealership service records is strongly advised. An extended warranty is suggested for the complex LS500 twin-turbo V6 models from early production years.
General recommendations
Highly recommended for buyers seeking the ultimate in luxury sedan comfort, quietness, and long-term (10+ year) reliability with minimal unexpected repairs. Ideal for commuters, luxury seekers who are not necessarily driving enthusiasts, and those transitioning from German luxury brands due to high maintenance costs. NOT recommended for driving enthusiasts seeking engaging dynamics, sharp handling, or auditory feedback, as the car is described as overly isolated, heavy, and not performance-oriented. Buyers should be financially prepared for higher-than-average repair costs on wear items due to the vehicle's complexity and flagship status, even though major powertrain failures are rare. A thorough test drive comparing it to an ES is recommended to validate the significant price premium.
Remarks
The core appeal of the LS is its reputation for dependable, long-term ownership, an attribute frequently cited as being undervalued by automotive journalists focused on short-term performance metrics. Much of the critical discussion compares the LS460 and LS500 to their predecessor, the LS430, with some community debate over whether newer generations maintain the same legendary reliability due to increased complexity. The LS500h is reported to be produced in very low volumes (less than 35 per year in North America), making it a rare ownership proposition. Analysis is based on multi-generational feedback, with the LS460 being the most frequently discussed model in the provided data.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2008. Years to avoid: 2008, 2007, 2002, 2001Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Lexus LS years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 2 | air bags |
| 2023 | 1 | 2 | seats |
| 2021 | 6 | 1 | unknown or other |
| 2019 | 7 | 1 | fuel/propulsion system |
| 2018 | 14 | 4 | wheels |
| 2017 | 4 | 0 | fuel/propulsion system |
| 2016 | 17 | 0 | unknown or other |
| 2015 | 11 | 1 | service brakes |
| 2014 | 19 | 1 | service brakes |
| 2013 | 23 | 1 | service brakes |
| 2012 | 21 | 0 | air bags |
| 2011 | 34 | 0 | service brakes |
| 2010 | 40 | 0 | service brakes |
| 2009 | 37 | 0 | service brakes |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices39 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2025 · electrical system: instrument cluster/panelcampaign 25V595000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights.
2025 · back over prevention:display functioncampaign 25V744000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2023 · back over prevention:display functioncampaign 24V124000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Mirai, Lexus LS500, LS500H, 2023-2024 Lexus ES250, ES300H, ES350, 2024 Lexus LC500, and LC500H vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Due to incorrect programming of the parking-assist electronic control unit (ECU) software, the rearview camera image may not immediately display within a couple of seconds after the shifter is placed into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2023 · back over prevention:display functioncampaign 25V744000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2021 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 24V275000
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)
2019 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 24V275000
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)
2018 · tires:sidewallcampaign 19V134000
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.
2018 · air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passengercampaign 24V275000
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."
2018 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 20V682000
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 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
2018 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 20V012000
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 January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
2015 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 20V012000
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 January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
2014 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 20V012000
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 January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
2013 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 20V012000
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 January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
2008 · engine and engine coolingcampaign 09V020000
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 214,570 MY 2006-2008 LEXUS IS, MY 2006-2007 GS AND MY 2007-2008 LS PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ALUMINUM FUEL DELIVERY PIPES (FUEL RAILS). ETHANOL FUELS WITH A LOW MOISTURE CONTENT WILL CORRODE THE INTERNAL SURFACE OF THE FUEL RAILS. AS THIS CONDITION PROGRESSES, THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT MAY ILLUMINATE.
2008 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 14V647000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Lexus LS vehicles manufactured May 9, 2006, to July 20, 2010, 2006-2011 Lexus GS vehicles manufactured January 6, 2005, to September 10, 2010, and 2006-2011 Lexus IS vehicles manufactured August 30, 2005, to September 10, 2010. Due to anti-corrosion plating remnants, fuel may leak from where the fuel pressure sensor is attached to the fuel delivery pipe.
24 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
500h V6 Hybrid Multistage
Hybrid · 359 hp · RWD · automatic
Built 2021–2026