2009 Lexus LS460 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2009 Lexus LS460 has a complaint index of 50, ranking 6th worst of 11 model years, with a Caution verdict. Brakes account for 80% of its 10 complaints, and it has 2 recalls covering fuel system and steering.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #6 of 11 LS460 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 10
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18.5
- 16 city / 23.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2009 Lexus LS460 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes8 (80%)
- Engine2 (20%)
- Fuel System1 (10%)
- Other1 (10%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (10%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Braking feels irregular or inconsistent under normal driving, with drivers suspecting the system misreads data.
- A loud rumble or creaking noise comes from the front end when stopping abruptly or releasing the brake pedal.
- Multiple dashboard warning lights (ABS, VSC, brake system, brake hold) illuminate together, instructing drivers to stop immediately and contact a dealer.
- Clunking noises occur during braking, linked to worn control arms and a faulty brake actuator.
- Engine vibration and warning lights appear alongside a major loss of power, traced to a broken valve spring among the engine's 32 valves.
2009 Lexus LS460 recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 14V647000Oct 15, 2014Fuel System422,509 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Lexus LS vehicles manufactured May 9, 2006, to July 20, 2010, 2006-2011 Lexus GS vehicles manufactured January 6, 2005, to September 10, 2010, and 2006-2011 Lexus IS vehicles manufactured August 30, 2005, to September 10, 2010. Due to anti-corrosion plating remnants, fuel may leak from where the fuel pressure sensor is attached to the fuel delivery pipe.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will clean and reseal the fuel pressure sensor mounting area, free of charge. The recall began March 3, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
- NHTSA 10V218000May 21, 2010Steering3,800 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 lexus ls460 and ls600 vehicles manufactured from august 20, 2009 through may 13, 2010. A programming change of the steering control ecu for the variable gear ratio steering (vgrs) system can cause improper activation of the steering system protection logic designed to protect the system when larger than normal steering inputs are applied at a fully turned position.
Risk: Improper activation of the steering system protection logic can cause the steering wheel to become off-centered up to 90 degrees. This may occur after the driver has fully turned the steering wheel in one direction then quickly attempts to turn it back to the center position. Should this occur while driving, the risk of a crash is increased.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and lexus dealers will replace the steering control ecu free of charge. The safety recall began on july 12, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
2009 Lexus LS460 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16 MPG
- Highway
- 23.5 MPG
- Combined
- 18.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,325
- 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 LS460 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2009 Lexus LS460 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2009 LS460 a complaint index of 50, better than the 2007 and 2008 model years but worse than the 2011-2017 model years, earning a Caution verdict.
- What is the most common problem with the 2009 Lexus LS460?
- Brakes are the top problem area, making up 8 of the 10 complaints (80%), with a median mileage at failure of 93,593.5 miles.
- Does the 2009 Lexus LS460 have any recalls?
- Yes, it has 2 recalls: one for a fuel pressure sensor mounting area in the fuel system, and one for a steering control ECU programming issue affecting variable gear ratio steering.
- How does the 2009 LS460 compare to other LS460 model years?
- With a complaint index of 50, the 2009 ranks 6th worst out of 11 model years; the 2007 and 2008 are rated Avoid with higher indexes of 90 and 100, while the 2011 model year is rated Good with an index of 30.