2018 Lexus LS

Routine

Owners filed 14 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 2 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System3
000
Engine and Engine Cooling2
000
Engine2
000
Wheels1
000
Unknown or Other1
000
Tires1
000
Steering1
000
Seats1
000
Power Train1
000
Fuel/Propulsion System1
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger24V275000
Filed Apr 17, 2024509 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. 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."

Risk. Incorrect detection of an occupant may result in improper air bag deployment during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and repair the front passenger seat, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 7, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 24LA03.

Tires › Sidewall19V134000
Filed Feb 27, 20196,296 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. 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.

Risk. If the tire tread layer separates from the vehicle, vehicle handling and stability may be affected, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy. Toyota will notify owners, and Lexus dealers will replace the affected tires, free of charge. The recall began April 26, 2019. Owners may contact Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. The Toyota number for this recall is KLC.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Jul 20, 2026NY

At 55,310 miles the car stalled without warning while driving at low speed. The car was towed to a Lexus dealership and it was reported by the dealer after inspection that the engine had seized. The vehicle is available for inspection. The motor failed while driving the vehicle. The V35A-FTS engine has numerous reports of main bearing failure and is subject to a recall for other models that have this engine, however, the Lexus LS500 model is not included in the recall despite having the same/similar catastrophic engine failure with low miles. Lexus corporate has been notified and has contacted the dealer directly regarding the failure. There were no warning lights, no engine sounds, and no indications that there were any issues with the engine.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 28, 2026SC

See attached document for complaint.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 20, 202636,000 milesSC

The contact owns a 2018 Lexus LS 500. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle coasted and was steered over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where the oil was drained and the cap and filter were removed. The contact stated that there were metal shavings inside the oil. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was no oil in the engine and that the oil filter was not the correct oil filter. Additionally, the contact was informed that the engine had seized, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 36,000.

Engine
Filed Oct 28, 2025TX

VIN: [XXX] Current Mileage: 70,440 Vehicle: 2018 Lexus LS500 In November 2021, I purchased this vehicle with approximately 19,000 miles. Routine maintenance was performed every 7,500 miles. At approximately 44,000 miles (in 2023), the vehicle experienced severe engine failure following warning lights for Parking Support Brake Malfunction, Secondary Collision Brake System Malfunction, Check Engine, Reduced Engine Power, and Traction Control Off. The vehicle lost power and stalled. The engine began emitting smoke and was replaced under manufacturer warranty in March 2024 at a Lexus dealership. The repair exceeded $50,000 and included a new engine block and related components. Shortly after receiving the vehicle back, additional major failures occurred: Fuel pump failure resulting in “Reduced Engine Power” and restricted speed (~20 mph). The pump was replaced under warranty (approx. $4,600 cost). Brake system failure occurring three days after that repair (January 2024). As of October 28, 2025, the vehicle has again failed and is currently at Christian Brothers Automotive with the following findings: “Fuel pressure sensor located under the intake manifold is actively leaking fuel when the engine is running. This creates a fire hazard and can affect engine performance and fuel pressure regulation. Immediate attention required.” This repeated pattern of engine and fuel-system failures within a short period after a full engine replacement raises serious concerns about component rel

Seats
Filed Jan 1, 2025VA

Large lump/lumps on the lower left / bottom portion of the driver's seat, protruding from the seat bottom closest to the lower bolster. As a direct result my left leg loses its circulation, it causes numbness and muscle pain in thigh and groin due to this. Regardless of seat adjustment the lump / imperfection in the seat cushion is present. This can become dangerous during longer drives and trips. According to the Lexus forums this is a known issue in the 2018-2024 LS500 that Lexus is apparently aware of but has not resolved or seriously looked into. My Lexus service advisor admitted that she has heard of this problem from other LS500 owners and said that the issue has been reported to Lexus. Despite this known issue, no technical service bulletin has been issued by Lexus and no corrective action has taken place. The imperfection in the seat can create a safety issue during trips due to it causing numbness, pain and discomfort in the leg. This is not an issue one would expect in owning a $100K plus vehicle.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 11, 2024MA

Recently I purchased a CPO Lexus 2018 LS 500. I realized I am not able to enter Coordinate in the GPS Navigation system. Lexus took away the most import tool (The coordinate Entry) in navigation system away, this make the navigation system useless and easy to get lost when cell service not available especially in and around State and Nation Park area.

Wheels
Filed Jan 14, 2024FL

All 4 tires have tread wear on the inner side. Took it to lexus they said no remedy is available ended up selling the car. May cause slip and accident

Electrical System
Filed Jan 4, 2022NJ

The vehicle exhibited 3 episodes of premature battery failure. Mileage of the vehicle is 6000 miles. Without any warning the car would just not start from a gas pump or such locations in the middle of the road. This is a dangerous problem because there was no warning that the battery is running low or there is any problem. Car runs 100 miles every day. Lexis dealership diagnosed battery failure and replace the battery but this is a safety issue particularly because it happens in the middle of the night when you are driving in a remote location and gas pumps tell you to switch off engine before filling And there is no warning sign to indicate that there is a problem with the battery THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AS A SAFETY ISSUE

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 27, 202022,087 milesTX

VEHICLE HESITATES WHILE DRIVING. RECALL ANNOUNCED TO US 1/20/2020. HAVE ATTEMPTED NUMEROUS TIMES TO HAVE DEALERSHIP DO THE FREE RECALL REPAIR. EVEN WHILE THERE FOR OIL CHANGES AND REGULAR SERVICES THROUGHOUT THIS YEAR. HAVE BEEN TOLD EACH TIME THEY NEED TO ORDER THE PART AND THEY WILL CALL ME. 10 MONTHS OF THIS NOW AND CAR IS UNSAFE- THEY KEEP STALLING ON DOING THE REPAIR THAT IS A SAFETY RISK FOR MYSELF AND FAMILY. WANT THIS DOCUMENTED IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO US AND WE HAVE AN INJURY OR DEATH BECAUSE THE CAR HAS BEEN HESITATING AND THEY CONTINUE TO TELL US THEY DON'T HAVE THE FUEL PUMP TO DO THE REPAIR.

Power Train
Filed Mar 4, 20207,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 LEXUS LS 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED FROM TENTH GEAR TO FOURTH GEAR WITHOUT WARNING. THE RPMS REVVED UP AND THE CONTACT FLICKED THE SWITCH ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO GO BACK TO THE TENTH GEAR. THE FAILURE RECURRED 6 TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JOHNSON LEXUS OF RALEIGH LOCATED AT (5839 CAPITAL BLVD, RALEIGH, NC 27616 (919) 436-3916). THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING TEST DRIVEN. A SPECIALIST WAS BROUGHT IN FROM THE MANUFACTURER TO ASSIST WITH THE DIAGNOSTIC AND INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT WAS GIVEN A LOANER FOR THE DURATION OF THE INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 11, 20196,300 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 LEXUS LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH A PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM, WHICH WAS SUPPOSED TO AID IN PREVENTING A CRASH. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, IT RELEASED THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS CUT OFF BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL IMMEDIATELY AND THE PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM ACTIVATED. AS A RESULT, THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE RELEASED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO JIM HUDSON LEXUS (LOCATED AT 3410 WASHINGTON RD, AUGUSTA, GA 30907, 706-650-9999) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE DIAGNOSTIC BOX INDICATED THAT A COLLISION WAS NOT DETECTED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE'S PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED AND THE ACTUATORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,300. *LN THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE PEDESTRIAN HOOD POP UP FEATURE ACTIVATED AS DESIGNED.*JB

Steering
Filed Nov 18, 2019CA

APEAL AGAINST THE RECALL DONE BY LEXUS TOYOTA ON MAY 16TH, 2019, I TOOK MY CAR LEXUS 2018 LS 500 TO THE DEALER, LEXUS OF WOODLAND HILLS, WHERE I BOUGHT IT, FOR BEING RECALLED BY THE COMPANY. (NHTSA RECALL NO. 19V-134) AFTER RECALL DEFECTS WERE FIXED, I DROVE ABOUT 4,000 MILES AND TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER FOR MAINTENANCE. AT THIS TIME, TREMENDOUS NUMBER OF DEEP LARGE SCRAPES ON ALL FOUR TIRES, WHICH I HAD NEVER SEEN IN THE ENTIRE DRIVING EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE WERE POINTED OUT BY THE DEALER. THE DEALER VIOLENTLY INSISTED ON THE SCRAPES WERE NOT CAUSED BY THE DEFECTS. AFTER TREMENDOUS ARGUMENT, THE DEALER WROTE, 'DIAGNOSTICS IS REQUIRED TO DETERMINE THE RECOMMENDED CORRECTION FOR YOUR CONCERN.' THE CAR ALSO HAS STABILITY PROBLEM. FROM THE BEGINNING, IT LACKS STABILITY COMPARED WITH LS460 TRADED-IN. I VISITED LEXUS OF GLENDALE, SANTA MONICA, AND THOUSAND OAKS. THEY WERE SURPRISED AT CONDITION OF SCRAPES, BUT THEY WITHHELD COMMENT. I HAD NO CHOICE, BUT TO APPEAL TO LEXUS OF TOYOTA. I CONTACTED; <DATE> <CONTACTED TO THE PERSON OF..> <BY > 10/02/19 TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. EMAIL 10/16/19 LEXUS CASE MANAGER PHONE 10/18/19 LEXUS GUEST EXPERIENCE CENTER EMAIL 10/22/19 LEXUS EXECUTIVE OFFICE PHONE 10/24/19 LEXUS GUEST EXPERIENCE CENTER EMAIL 10/31/19 LEXUS GUEST EXPERIENCE CENTER EMAIL 11/06/19 FACTORY REP. AT LEXUS OF BEVERLY HILLS. 11/11/19 LEXUS EXECUTIVE OFFICE EMAIL THEIR RESPONSE WAS 'VERY NEGATIVE' AND GAVE ME HARDEST TIME TO APPEAL. I BELIEVE THAT I HAVE A RIGHT FOR S

Tires
Filed Sep 23, 20198,300 milesNY

I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT TODAY WITH LEXUS CORPORATION BECAUSE BOTH MY DEALERSHIP, NEW COUNTRY LEXUS OF LATHAM, AND LEXUS CORPORATION HAVE CHOSEN TO IGNORE THE DANGER THEY HAVE PLACED MYSELF AND MY FAMILY. I HAVE PURCHASED THREE LEXUS' OVER THE YEARS FROM NEW COUNTRY LEXUS AND AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE SERVICE FROM BOTH MY DEALER AND LEXUS CORPORATION. I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT NEW COUNTRY AND LEXUS CORPORATION WOULD PUT ME AND MY FAMILY AT RISK OF INJURY AND/OR DEATH. PARTICULARLY IN LIGHT OF THE FACT THAT I HAVE REACHED OUT TWICE TO MY DEALERSHIP AND THREE TIMES TO LEXUS CORPORATION. THEREFORE, I AM DOCUMENTING MY CONCERNS IN THE EVENT OF A SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH OCCURRING IN WHICH I WILL HOLD BOTH LEXUS CORPORATION AND NEW COUNTRY LEXUS RESPONSIBLE. ON FEBRUARY 26, 2019 A SAFETY RECALL WAS ANNOUNCED REGARDING CERTAIN RUN-FLAT TIRES WHICH INCLUDED MY NEW VEHICLE, 2018 LS 500. I DID NOT RECEIVE THIS RECALL NOTICE UNTIL FRIDAY MARCH 29, 2019. THE PREVIOUS WEEK, ON MARCH 24TH, I WAS ON MY WAY TO KENNEDY AIRPORT IN NEW YORK CITY AND HAD A BLOW-OUT CROSSING THE GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE. THE SIDE WALL OF MY FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE HAD BLOWN OUT (PICTURE ATTACHED). THIS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO VEER INTO TRAFFIC WHICH I FORTUNATELY WAS ABLE TO AVOID. I WAS EVENTUALLY TOWED TO A 24HR TIRE REPAIR STATION WHERE A REPLACEMENT TIRE WAS PUT ON THE VEHICLE. THE TOWING CHARGE AND NEW TIRE COST ME $400 WHICH LEXUS HAS REFUNDED ME A CHECK FOR $400. TO THIS DAY I CONTINUE TO BE TOLD THE TIRES ARE

Electrical System
Filed May 24, 2019NY

THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM BLOWS FUSES AND STOPS WORKING, BUT THE LIGHT ON THE DASH CONTINUES TO INDICATE THAT EVERYTHING IS WORKING. IN OTHER WORDS, THERE IS NO WAY TO LEARN THAT THE COLLISION SYSTEM IS OFFLINE UNLESS YOU'RE WILLING TO SIMULATE A NEAR CERTAIN COLLISION (WHICH I DID WITH THE DEALER IN MY CAR AND HE FINALLY ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM), OR HAVING AN ACTUAL ACCIDENT. THIS IS CLEARLY A DESIGN FLAW. IF THE FUSE IS BLOWN, OBVIOUSLY THE SYSTEM SHOULD SHOW AN ERROR WHEN IT'S ENGAGED - NOT A GREEN INDICATOR.

14 of 14 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2007
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20251200Routine
20240200Routine
20231200Routine
20215100Routine
20200100Routine
20191100Routine
2018 — this page14200Routine
20165000Routine
20152000Routine
20143000Routine
20135000Routine
20125000Routine
20119000Routine
20108000Routine
200913000Routine
200843110Routine
200745100Routine
200617100Routine
20055200Routine
20048200Routine
20031100Routine
20027200Routine
20013200Routine
20001200Routine
19993100Routine
19982100Routine
19971010Routine
19961000Routine
19952000Routine
19944000Routine

Compare every LS year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 17, 2024. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.