Which Lexus LS years should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA data, the years to avoid are 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2018. These years show the highest complaint indexes among LS model years, ranging from 77 to 100.

What is the most common problem area for the Lexus LS?

Across all covered years, brakes account for 31% of total complaints, followed by engine at 15% and suspension, wheels & tires at 14%.

Does the 2018 Lexus LS have any recalls?

Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2018 LS, one for front passenger seat assembly affecting airbags and one for run-flat tire sidewall reinforcement issues.

Is the 2016 Lexus LS reliable?

The 2016 LS has the highest complaint index (100) of any LS model year in this data and is flagged as an Avoid year, with airbag deployment failures reported alongside 2 injuries and 1 crash.

Are there any standout best years for the Lexus LS?

No LS year in this dataset is marked as a Best year; 2013 has the lowest complaint index at 46 among years with a verdict and is rated Good.

Lexus LS Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)

The Lexus LS years to avoid are 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2018, based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. 2016 has the highest complaint index (100) with airbag deployment failures, while 2018 logged 14 complaints and 2 recall campaigns covering engine, electrical, and suspension issues. No LS year is flagged as a top pick in this data.

Avoid 2011 Avoid 2012 Avoid 2016 Avoid 2018

Model years: 14; 2010–2025
NHTSA complaints: 59
Recall campaigns: 5
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 0
Top problem area: Brakes

LS Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Lexus LS problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Caution	62	8	0	0	Brakes	19	—
2011	Avoid	85	9	1	0	Brakes	19	—
2012	Avoid	77	5	2	0	Airbags	19	—
2013	Good	46	5	0	0	Brakes	19	—
2014	No verdict	38	3	0	0	Brakes	19	—
2015	No verdict	23	2	0	0	Brakes	19	—
2016	Avoid	100	5	1	0	Airbags	19	—
2018	Avoid	92	14	0	2	Engine	24.5	—
2019	No verdict	15	1	0	1	Engine	24.5	—
2020	No verdict	0	0	0	1	—	24.5	—
2021	Caution	69	5	0	1	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	24	—
2023	No verdict	31	1	0	2	Structure & Body	25	—
2024	No verdict	8	0	0	2	—	23.5	—
2025	No verdict	54	1	0	2	Airbags	23.5	—

LS years to avoid: what went wrong

2016 Lexus LS Index 100 · 5 complaints · 0 recalls

The 2016 LS has the worst complaint index of any year in this lineup, at 100, despite only 5 total complaints. It also recorded 2 injuries and 1 crash. Airbags were a top concern: one owner reported both front airbags failing to deploy in a 35 mph rear-end crash at 122,000 miles, resulting in injuries to driver and passenger. Other owners described engine hesitation shifting gears and a loss of electronic power steering while starting the vehicle. No recalls are listed for this model year.

2018 Lexus LS Index 92 · 14 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2018 LS logged 14 complaints, the second-highest complaint index at 92, and 2 recall campaigns covering airbag seat assembly and run-flat tire sidewall issues. Engine problems were the top category at 29% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 36,000. Electrical issues, including collision avoidance systems that failed silently, appeared at a median of 6,300 miles. Other owners reported unexpected transmission downshifts at highway speed and fuel system hesitation tied to a recall repair that dealers repeatedly delayed.

2011 Lexus LS Index 85 · 9 complaints · 0 recalls

The 2011 LS carries a complaint index of 85, driven mainly by brakes, which made up 67% of its complaints. Owners describe brake actuator and booster pump malfunctions, including a beeping noise and a warning that the car was not stopping correctly. One brake-related complaint involved a crash. Another owner reported the brake actuator issue surfacing beyond 150,000 miles, past Lexus's stated warranty cutoff. A separate steering complaint described the wheel sticking and locking up temporarily on the highway. NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.

2012 Lexus LS Index 77 · 5 complaints · 0 recalls

The 2012 LS has a complaint index of 77 and involved 2 crashes among its 5 total complaints. Airbags were the top problem area at 40% of complaints, including a report where airbags failed to deploy in a front collision. Brake complaints included nose-diving and vibration when stopping, with one failure reported at 32,500 miles despite recently checked pads. No recall campaigns are listed for this year.

Most common Lexus LS problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Brakes18 (31%)
Other11 (19%)
Engine9 (15%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (14%)
Electrical System7 (12%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras5 (8%)
Structure & Body5 (8%)
Airbags4 (7%)
Steering4 (7%)
Fuel System3 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

Which Lexus LS years should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA data, the years to avoid are 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2018. These years show the highest complaint indexes among LS model years, ranging from 77 to 100.
What is the most common problem area for the Lexus LS?: Across all covered years, brakes account for 31% of total complaints, followed by engine at 15% and suspension, wheels & tires at 14%.
Does the 2018 Lexus LS have any recalls?: Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2018 LS, one for front passenger seat assembly affecting airbags and one for run-flat tire sidewall reinforcement issues.
Is the 2016 Lexus LS reliable?: The 2016 LS has the highest complaint index (100) of any LS model year in this data and is flagged as an Avoid year, with airbag deployment failures reported alongside 2 injuries and 1 crash.
Are there any standout best years for the Lexus LS?: No LS year in this dataset is marked as a Best year; 2013 has the lowest complaint index at 46 among years with a verdict and is rated Good.