Lexus LS Best and Worst Years (2005–2025)
Avoid the 2006-2009 and 2016 Lexus LS years, which post complaint indexes of 89, 100, 94, 78, and 83 out of 182 total complaints, led mostly by brakes (36% share) and engine issues (18% share). The 2005 and 2013 model years are rated Good, with no LS year yet earning a Best verdict.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- Model years
- 19
- 2005–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 182
- Recall campaigns
- 7
- Crashes reported
- 13
- Fires reported
- 1
- 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.
Lexus LS problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Good | 44 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Structure & Body | 18 | — |
| 2006 | Avoid | 89 | 17 | 6 | 0 | 1 | Engine | 19 | — |
| 2007 | Avoid | 100 | 45 | 3 | 0 | 1 | Brakes | — | — |
| 2008 | Avoid | 94 | 43 | 0 | 1 | 1 | Brakes | 21 | — |
| 2009 | Avoid | 78 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 21 | — |
| 2010 | Caution | 50 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | 21 | — |
| 2011 | Caution | 67 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | 20 | — |
| 2012 | Caution | 61 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | 20 | — |
| 2013 | Good | 39 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | 20 | — |
| 2014 | No verdict | 28 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | 20 | — |
| 2015 | No verdict | 17 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | 20 | — |
| 2016 | Avoid | 83 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | 20 | — |
| 2018 | Caution | 72 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Engine | 24.5 | — |
| 2019 | No verdict | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Engine | 24.5 | — |
| 2020 | No verdict | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | 24.5 | — |
| 2021 | Caution | 56 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 24 | — |
| 2023 | No verdict | 22 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Structure & Body | 25 | — |
| 2024 | No verdict | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | 23.5 | — |
| 2025 | No verdict | 33 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Airbags | 23.5 | — |
LS years to avoid: what went wrong
2007 Lexus LS Index 100 · 45 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2007 LS has the highest complaint index of any year at 100, driven largely by brakes, which accounted for 44% of its 45 complaints at a median mileage of 86,000. Owners reported vehicle stability control failures and sudden unintended acceleration while parking, in some cases resulting in crashes and injuries. Engine complaints, tied to a fuel rail corrosion recall, made up another 13%. Three crashes and three injuries were logged for the year.
2008 Lexus LS Index 94 · 43 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2008 LS has a complaint index of 94, the second-highest across all LS years. Brakes dominate at 53% of its 43 complaints, with a median failure mileage of 107,000, including reports of clunking brake actuators. Owners also described a fire linked to the electrical system near 132,000 miles and melting or sticky dashboard panels. Engine complaints tied to the same fuel rail recall as 2007 made up 19% of reports. One fire was recorded for the year.
2006 Lexus LS Index 89 · 17 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2006 LS carries a complaint index of 89, the third-worst of all years. Engine and suspension complaints each made up 35% of the year's reports, with a median failure mileage around 71,000 and 44,000 miles respectively. Owners described unintended acceleration during low-speed maneuvers and brakes that failed to stop the vehicle, sometimes resulting in crashes. NHTSA recorded one airbag inflator recall for this year. Six crashes and five injuries were reported among the 17 total complaints.
2016 Lexus LS Index 83 · 5 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2016 LS has a complaint index of 83 despite only 5 total complaints and no recalls, driven by severity rather than volume. One airbag complaint described both front airbags failing to deploy in a crash at 122,000 miles, causing serious injuries to both occupants. Owners also reported engine lag when shifting gears and an electronic power steering failure at startup. One crash and two injuries were recorded among the year's complaints.
2009 Lexus LS Index 78 · 13 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2009 LS carries a complaint index of 78 across 13 complaints, with no recalls on file. Engine problems led at 31%, with a median failure mileage of 73,500, including reports of hesitation during acceleration and transmission fluid leaking through a hole in the case near 32,000 miles. Electrical and transmission complaints each made up 23% of reports. Owners also mentioned sticky dashboard surfaces affecting visibility.
Most common Lexus LS problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Brakes66 (36%)
- Engine33 (18%)
- Other32 (18%)
- Electrical System21 (12%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires20 (11%)
- Structure & Body15 (8%)
- Fuel System12 (7%)
- Airbags11 (6%)
- Steering9 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain7 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What years of the Lexus LS should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2016 Lexus LS carry the highest complaint indexes, ranging from 78 to 100 out of 182 total complaints logged for the model.
- What is the best year for the Lexus LS?
- No Lexus LS year earns a Best verdict. The 2005 and 2013 model years are rated Good, the strongest verdicts currently given for this model.
- What is the most common problem with the Lexus LS?
- Brakes are the top problem area across all LS years, accounting for 66 of 182 total complaints, or 36% of all reports, followed by engine issues at 18%.
- Is the 2007 Lexus LS reliable?
- The 2007 LS has the highest complaint index of any LS year, at 100, with brakes making up 44% of its 45 complaints at a median failure mileage of 86,000.
- Does the Lexus LS have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns across all Lexus LS model years, including airbag inflator and fuel delivery pipe corrosion recalls affecting 2006-2008 vehicles.