Lexus LS Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 13, 2026 · 214 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 214 owner complaints and 7 safety recalls on file for the Lexus LS, across 29 model years (1995–2025). The 2007 model year has the most complaints (45). The most reported problem area overall is service brakes.

Lexus LS
22 Lexus LS 500h Base - Shot at Genesis of Chandler in Chandler AZ. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: HJUdall, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Peak: 2007, with 45 complaints
1995: 219951996: 11997: 11998: 219981999: 32000: 12001: 320012002: 72003: 12004: 820042005: 52006: 172007: 452007452008: 432009: 132010: 820102011: 92012: 52013: 620132014: 32015: 32016: 520162018: 152019: 12020: 020202021: 52023: 12024: 020242025: 1

n = 214 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Lexus LS years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical LS year: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2018. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2007 LS: 45 complaints, 1 recall
  2. 2008 LS: 43 complaints, 1 recall
  3. 2006 LS: 17 complaints, 1 recall

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 1996 LS: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
  2. 1997 LS: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
  3. 2000 LS: 1 complaint, 0 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common Lexus LS problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Service Brakes5691
Electrical System25140
Engine24120
Structure1891
Vehicle Speed Control1879
Air Bags1368
Fuel/propulsion System1270
Tires1170
Wheels1160
Power Train970
Service Brakes, Hydraulic951
Steering970
Electronic Stability Control (esc)820
Forward Collision Avoidance650
Suspension540
Engine and Engine Cooling430
Exterior Lighting440
Visibility/wiper440
Seats330
Fuel System, Gasoline220
Seat Belts220
Latches/locks/linkages110
Visibility110

All Lexus LS model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2025 LS12—Air Bags
2024 LS02——
2023 LS12—Seats
2021 LS51—Engine
2020 LS01——
2019 LS11—Engine
2018 LS152—Electrical SystemFar more complaints than other years
2016 LS50—Air Bags
2015 LS30—Service Brakes
2014 LS30—Engine
2013 LS60—Service Brakes
2012 LS50—Air Bags
2011 LS90—Service Brakes
2010 LS80—Service Brakes
2009 LS130—EngineFar more complaints than other years
2008 LS431—Service BrakesFar more complaints than other years
2007 LS451—Service BrakesFar more complaints than other years
2006 LS171—TiresFar more complaints than other years
2005 LS51—Unknown or Other
2004 LS81—Air Bags
2003 LS10—Structure
2002 LS70—Structure
2001 LS30—Electrical System
2000 LS10—Electrical System
1999 LS30—Vehicle Speed Control
1998 LS20—Electrical System
1997 LS10—Electrical System
1996 LS10—Electrical System
1995 LS20—Electrical System

More from Lexus: all Lexus models · Lexus VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Lexus LS years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2006 (17), 2007 (45), 2008 (43), 2009 (13), 2018 (15) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical LS year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the Lexus LS?

Service Brakes, with 56 complaints across 9 model years.

How many recalls does the Lexus LS have?

7 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.