The Lemon IndexLexus LS reliability.
Is it reliable? Yes. About three-quarters as many complaints as the average car.
Better than average · 2005–2008
20084th generation (XF40)
What owners say on YouTube: we haven't studied Lexus LS videos yet. When that study runs, the most-watched owner reviews and buyer guides for each generation, and what owners praise and complain about, show up here.
Fewest complaints
2007.
Only 2 Lexus LS years have enough complaints and sales to score, too few for best and worst lists. 2007 drew about three-quarters as many complaints as the average car.
Every year. Lower is better. Tap a year for its full report.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
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<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/lexus-ls/" title="Lexus LS reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="261" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/lexus-ls/">Lemon Index</a> (Lexus LS reliability by year)</p>Scores before 2010 are rough: fewer owners filed complaints back then.
Compare the Lexus LS.
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Quick answers.
Is the Lexus LS reliable?
Yes. It draws about three-quarters as many complaints as the average car. Fewest complaints: 2007.
Is the Lexus LS a good car?
Yes, it draws fewer complaints than the average car, by owner complaints to the government per car sold (2005-2008: Lemon Index 78; 100 is average). Some years are much better than others: 2007 drew the fewest complaints and 2008 the most.
What are the best Lexus LS years to buy?
Only 2 Lexus LS years have enough data to score, so we don't list best years. 2007 drew the fewest complaints (about three-quarters as many complaints as the average car).
What Lexus LS years should you stay away from?
Only 2 Lexus LS years have enough data to score, too few to single out years to avoid.
How many recalls does the Lexus LS have?
29 safety recalls across the 18 model years we track. Most: 2018 (4), 2019 (4), 2007 (3). Each year's page lists them, and every Lexus LS recall is in one list here.
What are the most common Lexus LS problems?
Across every year, owners' complaints to the government name engine, tires and transmission & drivetrain most. Some years are much worse than others: see the chart above.
Every year in one table
| Year | Index | Compared with average | Complaints | Top complaint | Recalls | Crash test | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | – | too few complaints to score | 7 | transmission & drivetrain (29%) | 2 | — | 18 |
| 2006 | – | complaints only, too few sold to score | 5 | tires (40%) | 1 | — | 19 |
| 2007 | 77 | about three-quarters as many complaints as the average car | 24 | engine (17%) | 3 | — | 19–20 |
| 2008 | 114 | a bit more than the average car's complaints | 23 | engine (26%) | 3 | — | 19–21 |
| 2009 | – | complaints only, too few sold to score | 2 | transmission & drivetrain (50%) | 2 | — | 18–21 |
| 2010 | – | complaints only, too few sold to score | 12 | steering (33%) | 2 | — | 18–21 |
| 2011 | – | complaints only, too few sold to score | 3 | engine (33%) | 0 | — | 18–20 |
| 2012 | – | complaints only, too few sold to score | 2 | brakes (50%) | 0 | — | 18–20 |
| 2013 | – | complaints only, too few sold to score | 3 | brakes (67%) | 1 | — | 18–20 |
| 2014 | – | complaints only, too few sold to score | 3 | electrical (67%) | 1 | — | 18–20 |
| 2015 | – | complaints only, too few sold to score | 1 | fuel system, gasoline (100%) | 1 | — | 18–20 |
| 2016 | – | complaints only, too few sold to score | 1 | engine (100%) | 0 | — | 18–20 |
| 2017 | – | complaints only, too few sold to score | 1 | fuel system (100%) | 0 | — | 18–19 |
| 2018 | – | complaints only, too few sold to score | 9 | wheels (44%) | 4 | — | 21–28 |
| 2019 | – | complaints only, too few sold to score | 5 | fuel system (40%) | 4 | — | 21–28 |
| 2021 | – | complaints only, too few sold to score | 3 | wheels (33%) | 1 | — | 21–28 |
| 2023 | – | complaints only, too few sold to score | 1 | seats (100%) | 2 | — | 21–25 |
| 2025 | – | complaints only, too few sold to score | 3 | airbags (33%) | 2 | — | 21–25 |
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. U.S. sales source: goodcarbadcar.net. How it works
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Updated · Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com)
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