Lexus LC 500: performance, engines and what owners say

How fast is the LC 500?

Coupe, convertible (from 2021), 2018–. 0–60 times are magazine tests where we have one, otherwise the maker's figure.

The engine: Lexus 2UR-GSE

5.0-liter V-8, naturally aspirated

Redline7,300 rpm

Output471 hp at 7,100 rpm, 398 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm (LC 500)

ValvetrainTitanium intake and exhaust valves, forged connecting rods

FuelDirect plus port injection (D-4S), 12.3:1 compression

Engine's YouTube owner tone 60/100 (videos about the Lexus 2UR-GSE in every car that uses it, so it differs from this car's own tone below)

Lexus 2UR-GSE engine page →

Why the engine page shows fewer: it counts only the 0 owner complaints and 2 recalls for 2018– that name this engine or a version that only had it. This page counts all 14 complaints and 0 recall campaigns NHTSA files under "Lc 500" for those years, other engines included.

Known issues

• High-pressure fuel pump recallRecall

  On some 2018 LC 500s (and RC F, GS F), a damper in one of the two high-pressure fuel pumps could crack the pump cover and leak fuel.

  Fix: Dealer replaces the high-pressure fuel pumps for free (NHTSA 18V-107).

• In-tank fuel pump recallRecall

  The low-pressure fuel pump in the tank of some 2018–2020 LC 500 and LC 500h cars can fail, which can stall the engine while driving.

  Fix: Dealer fits an improved fuel pump for free (NHTSA 20V-012 and 20V-682).

  1 owner complaint to NHTSA mentions it (2018–)
• Water pump seepage vs. real leakMaker bulletin

  A Lexus bulletin covering 2018–2021 LC 500, LC 500 convertible and LC 500h says dry coolant residue at the pump is normal; wet residue or drips is a real leak.

  Fix: Replace the water pump only for an active, wet leak.

• Valley plate coolant leakOwner-reported

  Sealant under the valley plate can fail with heat cycles and leak coolant. Guides tie it mainly to older IS F engines past about 8 years and 80,000 miles, not the LC.

  Fix: Reseal the valley plate; Jalopnik puts it at about $1,500 to over $3,000.

What owners say on YouTube

Share of the 192 most-watched LC 500 videos that praise or criticize each topic (a praise or trouble word near it in the title or transcript).

Most-watched videos

2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible - POV Driving ImpressionsTheTopher · 8.7M viewsHere's Why the 2018 Lexus LC500 Costs $100,000Doug DeMuro · 6.1M viewsThe 2021 Lexus LC500 Convertible Is the Coolest Car Nobody Will BuyDoug DeMuro · 4.4M views

Should you buy a LC 500?

• New, the LC 500 coupe cost $92,000 (2018, plus $995 destination; 2025: $100,425 including $1,175).
• YouTube likes the 2025 best (67/100).
• Recall: High-pressure fuel pump recall. Dealer replaces the high-pressure fuel pumps for free (NHTSA 18V-107).
• Budget for in-tank fuel pump recall: 1 owner complaint mentions it. Dealer fits an improved fuel pump for free (NHTSA 20V-012 and 20V-682).
• Repair costs: we don't have owner-reported repair costs for the LC 500 yet.