RoadVitals

2005 Lexus LS

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
5
Latest May 4, 2020
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Apr 7, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 5 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Lexus LS, most frequently naming the body & structure, powertrain (other) and tires & wheels categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 44 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Body & structure133.3%
  • Powertrain (other)133.3%
  • Tires & wheels133.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
SABERSPORTView on NHTSA.gov
06V096000

AIR BAGS

Apr 3, 2006
133 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF THE HEATING AGENTS NECESSARY FOR PROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXPANSION FORCE OF THE GAS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROPERLY INFLATE THE AIR BAG WHEN THE SRS SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED DURING A CRASH.
The risk: THIS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT IN THE INVOLVED SEATING POSITION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPECIFIC SRS AIR BAG. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371, SCION AT 1-866-548-1851, OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.Manufacturer number 60B 6LBView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Filed May 4, 2020

HORN NOT WORKING. VERIFIED THE FUSES ASSOCIATED WITH HORN AND ALL OR OK.

NHTSA ID
11323243
Incident
Apr 30, 2020
Body & structure
Filed Aug 30, 2018

THE CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH THE AUTOMATIC DOOR CLOSING SYSTEM, WHICH MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING REAR SIDE PASSENGER DOOR TO BE INCAPABLE OF SECURELY BEING CLOSED. WHEN THE DOORS ARE SOFTLY PARTIALLY SHUT, THIS SYSTEM GRABS THE DOOR AND FINISHES COMPLETELY SHUTTING THE DOOR FLUSH TO THE OUTER BODY OF THE CAR. WHEN THE SYSTEM FAILS, THE DOOR CANNOT BE SHUT EVEN MANUALLY. IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN WHILE ON A TRIP, THE DOOR WOULD FLOP OPEN AND CLOSED AND BE A SERIOUS HAZARD AND DANGER TO PASSENGERS, OTHER TRAFFIC AND THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE DOOR MIGHT COME COMPLETELY OFF THE BODY OF THE CAR. FORTUNATELY, IN MY INCIDENT, I WAS IN TOWN AND GOT TO A STORE TO PURCHASE ROPE TO TIE THE DOOR CLOSED BY STRAPPING IT TO THE OPPOSITE SIDE REAR DOOR AND TAKING IT TO THE DEALER FOR VERY COSTLY REPAIR.

NHTSA ID
11123441
Incident
May 21, 2016
Mileage
79,526 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Dec 15, 2005

WHEEL CENTER CAP BECAME LOOSE AND FELL OFF; DEALER AND MANUFACTURER REFUSE TO HONOR NEW CAR WARRANTY. *JB

NHTSA ID
10145403
Incident
Dec 12, 2005
Mileage
38,500 mi
Filed Aug 2, 2005

PAINT FLAKING ON BAND NEW LEXUS LS 430 WITH ONLY 1800 MILES. 8JB

NHTSA ID
10131138
Incident
Jul 18, 2005
Mileage
1,850 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 8, 2005
1 injury reported

I OWN A 2005 LEXUS GX470 WITH 10,000 MILES. WE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE TOYOTA/LEXUS "BUMP/STOP" WHIPLASH SIMULATION ON A DAILY BASIS. LEXUS/TOYOTA HAD BEEN REPLACING DRIVE SHAFTS ON MANY VEHICLES WHICH "JUMP FORWARD" FOR NO REASON. LEXUS IS NOW SAYING THAT THIS DANGEROUS CONDITION IS A "NORMAL DESIGN FUNCTION" OF THE VEHICLE. I SPOKE WITH TOM NORTON, ONE OF THE OWNERS OF LEXUS OF CHERRY HILL, NJ TODAY. HE TOLD ME THAT HIS GX470 DOES THE SAME THING THAT MY $50,000 VEHICLE DOES. MR. NORTON DID AGREE THAT LEXUS HAD REPLACED MULTIPLE DRIVESHAFTS IN THE PAST & THAT THIS CONDITION IS ABSOLUTELY NOT NORMAL. HOWEVER, HE, & I'M NOW USING MY OWN WORDS, MUST HOLD THE COMPANY LINE, & TELL CUSTOMERS WHAT THEY'RE BEING INSTRUCTED FROM LEXUS HEADQUARTERS. AS A POLICE SUPERVISOR, I DRIVE FOR A LIVING. I'VE NEVER EXPERIENCED A VEHICLE "JUMPING FORWARD" AS I HAVE ON MY LEXUS GX470. SHOULD THIS PROBLEM NOT BE CORRECTED, I WILL SUE UNDER LEMON LAW. I WILL WRITE MY LEGISLATORS. I WILL WRITE EDITORIALS TO EVERY NEWSPAPER IN THE REGION. I WILL PICKET DEALERSHIPS ON MY DAYS OFF. SHOULD NHTSA AND/OR LEXUS/TOYOTA NEGLECT IMMEDIATE ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER, I WILL SHARE MY EXPERIENCE WITH INVESTIGATIVE REPORTERS. WHY SHOULD MY 4 YEAR OLD HAVE TO SIT IN A VEHICLE THAT IS UNSAFE? WHY SHOULD MY WIFE HAVE TO CRY IN A SERVICE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE HER PLEAS FOR ASSISTANCE GO COMPLETELY UNANSWERED? WHY SHOULD A COCKY SERVICE MANAGER CALL MY CELL PHONE TO EXPLAIN TO ME THAT I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT? TOYOTA NOW CONTEMPLATES BUYING THE FAILING GM AS TOYOTA FEARS POSSIBLE AMERICAN CONSUMER & GOVERNMENTAL BACKLASH. IF YOU HAVE TO RECALL VEHICLES, SO BE IT. AS 60 MINUTES' ANDY ROONEY WOULD SAY, "...IT DOESN'T TAKE A ROCKET SCIENTIST TO KNOW THERE'S A PROBLEM HERE..." LADIES & GENTLEMEN, THERE'S A PROBLEM HERE. WE'VE PAID TOP DOLLAR FOR WHAT ARE BILLED AS SUPERIOR VEHICLES. LIVE UP TO YOUR REPUTATION & FIX THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID
10124623
Incident
Jun 8, 2005
Mileage
200 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

L-SB-0030-24 Rev2

STRUCTURE:BODY

Some 2005 – 2026 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

L-SB-0030-24 Rev1

STRUCTURE:BODY

Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

L-SB-0030-24 Rev1

STRUCTURE:BODY

Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

L-SB-0030-24

STRUCTURE:BODY

Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to all model and model year specific Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

L-SB-0030-24

STRUCTURE:BODY

Some 2005 – 2024 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to all model and model year specific Repair Manuals and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. This Service Bulletin is to provide a general overview and direction for the odor remediation process.

L-SB-0021-24

STRUCTURE:BODY

Lexus vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-PG004-94. •The entire bulletin has been updated.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Lexus LS by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026000—
2025120—
2024020—
2023120—
2022000—
2021510—
2020010—
2019110—
2018142050.4
2016500—
2015200—
2014300—
2013500—
2012500—
2011900—
2010800—
2009130035.9
2008431041.8
2007451046.2
2006171048.6
2005Viewing520—
2004820—
2003110—
2002720—
2001320—
2000120—
1999310—
1998210—
1997100—
1996100—
1995200—
1994400—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.