2009 Lexus LS Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2009 Lexus LS carries a complaint index of 78, the fifth-worst year among 19 model years for this vehicle, earning an Avoid verdict. Engine problems lead the complaints at 31% share, with a median failure mileage of 73,500 miles, though NHTSA lists no recalls for this year.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 78/100
- #5 of 19 LS years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 13
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 20 city / 22 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2009 Lexus LS problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine4 (31%)
- Brakes3 (23%)
- Electrical System3 (23%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (23%)
- Fuel System2 (15%)
- Other2 (15%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (15%)
- Steering1 (8%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (8%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine hesitates or fails to accelerate promptly when the gas pedal is pushed, even as RPM climbs.
- Vehicle feels like it slips gears or stalls when slowing down or coming to a stop.
- Transmission fluid leaks from a hole in the transmission side wall, requiring full replacement.
- Brakes shake violently or produce loud noises when applied, sometimes linked to the ABS actuator or brake pump module.
- Steering locks up while driving, accompanied by check VSC and power steering warning lights.
- Battery drains repeatedly even after multiple replacements, with no identifiable electrical cause found.
2009 Lexus LS recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2009 Lexus LS fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 22 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2009 compared with other LS years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Lexus LS reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the 2009 LS ranks fifth-worst among 19 model years with a complaint index of 78, resulting in an Avoid verdict relative to other LS years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Lexus LS?
- NHTSA complaints show Engine issues lead at 31% of complaints, followed by Brakes, Electrical System, and Transmission & Powertrain, each at 23%.
- Does the 2009 Lexus LS have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2009 Lexus LS.
- At what mileage do 2009 Lexus LS problems typically show up?
- Median mileage at failure across all complaints is 58,000 miles, with engine-specific issues showing a median of 73,500 miles.
- How does the 2009 LS compare to other model years?
- The 2009 LS has a complaint index of 78, higher than 2010 (50), 2011 (67), and 2013 (39), but lower than 2007 (100) and 2008 (94), which are also rated Avoid.