2015
New 2021
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Lexus LS

Unlock Ratings
The Lexus LS sets a benchmark for soothing luxury motoring, providing a cosseting and isolating environment in a very spacious cabin. Even though this generation's 4.6-liter V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission date back to the 2007 makeover, the powertrain remained a paragon of response and smoothness. We measured 21 mpg overall -- impressive for this very large and swift sedan.
Alerts
There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.
2015
New 2021
Used 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Lexus LS

Reliability
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Owner Satisfaction
See All
Crash and Rollover Tests
IIHS Front Moderate Overlap Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver NA
IIHS Side Crash NA
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver NA
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger NA
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Road Test Results

Performance
Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit.
Comfort / Convenience
Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.
Fuel Economy & Emissions
Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
Greenhouse Gas Greenhouse Gas The Greenhouse Gas Rating represents the amount of carbon dioxide the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).
NA
Smog Rating Smog Rating The Smog Rating represents the amount of health-damaging and smog-forming airborne pollutants the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).
NA

Owner Reports

Worse Better
Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
NA
2001
NA
2002
NA
2003
NA
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NA
2020
NA
Reliability Trouble Spots
Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
NA
Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
NA
Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
NA
Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
NA
Transmission Minor Transmission Minor Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.
NA
Drive System Drive System Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.
NA
View all Reliability
Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
NA
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
NA
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
NA
Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
NA
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
NA
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
NA
Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
NA
View all Owner Satisfaction
Safety Equipment
ABS and side air bags standard. ESC standard from 2000. Head protection air bags standard from 2001. Rear side air bags available from 2007.
Road Test

The Lexus LS sets a benchmark for soothing luxury motoring, providing a cosseting and isolating environment in a very spacious cabin. Even though this generation's 4.6-liter V8 and eight-speed automatic transmission date back to the 2007 makeover, the powertrain remained a paragon of response and smoothness. We measured 21 mpg overall -- impressive for this very large and swift sedan.

Updates for 2013 include updated styling, a revised dashboard and suspension tweaks for more responsive handling, while preserving the creamily serene ride. The LS remains a terrific highway cruiser and yet it won't completely disappoint if it's occasionally hurried.

Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
AWD , Rear
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Body Styles
sedan
Transmissions Available
  • 8-speed Automatic
  • CVT
Engines Available
  • 4.6-liter V8 (386 hp)
  • 4.6-liter V8 (360 hp)
  • 5-liter V8 hybrid (438 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2015 Lexus LS owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"Gets losst on where to go. Use iPhone to then get directions. Also frequently unable to provide video directions. Appears to be lost"

Anonymous, IN (2015 Lexus LS 460)

"Lexus's mouse system is not safe!!! Touch screen much better. Had both"

Anonymous, AZ (2015 Lexus LS 460 4.6-L V8)
Software update fixes

"After the last software update fix several new problems were created. I have not been able to get a resolution about those problems. While the service department of my dealer is EXCELLENT (because of them I purchased a new car from that dealer. I feel the commission should go to the service department and not the ORDER TAKER.) However, they are not trained in the area of software/firmware or whatever it is called."

Jeff P., NJ (2015 Lexus LS 460.0 4.6-L V8)
Voice control commands

"This is my second Lexus AND VOICE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK. Why? I dictate messages to my iPhone 7s and now 10x, and it is at least 95% perfect. As for my Lexus, IT DOES NOT WORK."

Jeff P., NJ (2015 Lexus LS 460.0 4.6-L V8)

"The automatic voice controls on my LS are very pedantic and almost childish the way they work. For example if I want to use the automatic call feature I say call John Jones. It responds by showing me a screen with John Jones name and phone number and then says would you like to call the contact? I say yes. It says yes and then dials the number. Sometimes when It says would you like to call the contact I respond by saying obviously and it responds by saying pardon? I understand that it is programmed to give feedback etc but working with it is incredibly pedantic. There are pauses that make the whole process very frustrating."

Gene S., VA (2015 Lexus LS 460.0 4.6-L V8)

"Will not recognize my voice. I say "Zoom In" it displays "Post Offices""

Anonymous, AZ (2015 Lexus LS 460 4.6-L V8)
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Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Bushings

"car cannot be driven in a relaxed manner. must have both hands high on wheel as the steering takes the contour of the road. any wrinkle at all in the pavement and the car wants to go and stay in that direction. It is very subtle but, i have driven over 2,000,000 miles and I have never experienced a car steering like this one. It wanders with the road or wind and when you correct it over steers and when you correct the over steer it over steers again. Lexus said i needed lower forward control arm bushings as they were cracked so i replaced them and the upper control arms. It is a bit tighter but still wants to wander. cannot hold the wheel with my fore finger and thumbs down low and relax when I drive. very frustrating since my 2010 avalon was a dream to buy. At 80K new the LS 460 should drive like a dream campared to my 30K new, avalon. the avalon had 150K miles on it and drove like a dream come true, I thought i was stepping up but honestly I should have bought another avalon. I am hoping that I can find what will make this car steer better. any tips? thanks"

Anonymous, FL (2015 Lexus LS 460 4.6-L V8)
Electronic or air suspension

"air suspension did function as normal, repaired under warranty"

Anonymous, (2015 Lexus LS 460 4.6-L V8)
Shocks or struts

"Right strut broke."

Anonymous, GA (2015 Lexus LS 460 4.6-L V8)

"One month after snow tires were put on my car the rear shocks were leaking and had to be replaced. I wondered it the technician could have accidentally caused a problem with the shocks. In all of the years I had owned cars I never had to replace the shocks. My Lexus LS 430 2006 had 118,500 and its original shocks when I sold it."

Anonymous, NJ (2015 Lexus LS 460 4.6-L V8)

"Needed front struts replaced twice in the first 10k miles of gentle driving"

Anonymous, CA (2015 Lexus LS F Sport 4.6-L V8)
Springs or torsion bars

"The car handled poorly on bumpy roads. The dealer serviced the car and found the issue. The right front strut was defective and was replaced under warranty."

Jeff P., NJ (2015 Lexus LS 460.0 4.6-L V8)
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Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Normal routine brake wear

"The cost of replacement for worn brakes by Lexus dealership is absurdly high. Suggest that once past warranty period, always find a good independent shop."

Philip W., CA (2015 Lexus LS 460.0 4.6-L V8)

"Brake warning light....prompted me to obtain repair of worn brakes"

Anonymous, LA (2015 Lexus LS 460.0 4.6-L V8)

"My brakes lasted a long time, but they were worn down and needed to be replaced as advised by my mechanic. There was no grinding or indication from driving the car."

Anonymous, (2015 Lexus LS F Sport 4.6-L V8)
Premature brake wear

"All brake disks needed replacement in less than 10k miles. This cost $1250 despite full prepaid 3-years of warranty"

Anonymous, CA (2015 Lexus LS F Sport 4.6-L V8)
Squeaking

"When slowing down to stop, the brakes start squeaking. Lexus said this is common to the F series"

Anonymous, IL (2015 Lexus LS F Sport 4.6-L V8)
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Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"It was something in the dash/glove box and they padded it to minimize the noise."

Anonymous, NE (2015 Lexus LS 460 4.6-L V8)

"Popping noise that was determined to be part of the frame structure not being torqued correctly"

Marvin C., TX (2015 Lexus LS 460 4.6-L V8)

"Wanted a very quiet car and it is not one."

Anonymous, NE (2015 Lexus LS 460.0 4.6-L V8)
Wind noise

"This is a very noisy car to drive. I have had two other lexus vehicles and all were much more quiet. road noisy is very loud. i will not buy another one."

Anonymous, UT (2015 Lexus LS 460L 4.6-L V8)
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Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Mirrors

"Became inoperable for a while after trying to adjust them"

Philip W., CA (2015 Lexus LS 460.0 4.6-L V8)
Sunroof

"Driving on freeway at 75MPH and glass top exploded. It was not hit by an object."

M K., AZ (2015 Lexus LS 460.0 4.6-L V8)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Automatic climate control

"When I park my car in the sun and enter the car it is about 100 degrees inside the car. When I turn on the car engine the fan does not immediately come on in the high mode. I have to manually move the control to the lotemperature position to get the fan to begin to come on high. If I wait for it to come on automatically to the high position it usually takes a minute or so, instead of immediately. It always came on immediately in my earlier models of the LS. When I discussed this with Lexus they told me that it worked that way by design because they didn't want any action in the vehicle to appear to be sudden. Well, whoever made that decision never sat in a 100 degree car waiting for it to cool down."

Gene S., VA (2015 Lexus LS 460.0 4.6-L V8)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Paint in trunk area started cracking in spots along with some peeling. The problem was with the overcoat paint layer."

M K., AZ (2015 Lexus LS 460.0 4.6-L V8)

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Headlights

"There are non working headlights they are there for appearance only"

Jim F., KY (2015 Lexus LS 460.0 4.6-L V8)

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

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