2018 Lexus LS

I am submitting this complaint to Lexus Customer Relations and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding a potential defect involving the front differential carrier seals in my 2018 Lexus LS 500 AWD. The vehicle was diagnosed with leaking inner and outer front differential carrier seals, with an estimated repair cost of $5,875.38. My concern is that failure of relatively small sealing components may require extensive drivetrain disassembly, reportedly including engine removal, resulting in disproportionately high repair costs. Differential fluid loss can compromise lubrication, damage gears and bearings, and potentially lead to drivetrain failure or vehicle breakdown in hazardous traffic conditions. I request an investigation into whether these seals or related O-rings are prone to premature failure, whether design or installation factors contribute to leakage, and whether similar complaints exist across affected Lexus models. Please review relevant consumer complaints, warranty claims, technical service records, and Lexus Technical Service Bulletin L-SB-0002-20 Rev. If a recurring defect is identified, I request consideration of a recall, improved repair procedures, warranty extensions, or reimbursement for affected owners. I also request written acknowledgment and a substantive response outlining findings and potential corrective actions. Vehicle Information: VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 152,055 miles Problem Discovered: XXX Repair Facility: Balise Lexus, [XXX] Diagnosis: Inner and outer front differential carrier seal leaks Estimated Repair Cost: $5,875.38 This complaint seeks appropriate technical investigation, vehicle safety, manufacturer accountability, and fair consumer protection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11774836

Incident

Oct 21, 2026

Main rod bearing failure in the motor. No lights on the dash. Pulling away from the traffic light, heard loud banging from the engine and loss of power. Two blocks away from home, fortunately the car made it. 97,500 miles on the car. Oil was changed at Len Stoler Lexus 1,242 ago. Service history of maintenance is superb. Had the vehicle towed to Pro Care Auto in Reisterstown Maryland, where that stated the main rod bearings failed. Estimate for engine replacement $20,000. Towed vehicle to Len Stoler Lexus where they found the same diagnostic results. I asked to get help from customer service which they said they will not help. Used motor replacement cost $38,000. Lexus knows about these engine failures and will not help the owners. Same motor is in Toyota pickup trucks and that vehicle had a recall but not the LS500 for Main rod bearings failure.

NHTSA ID

11770475

Incident

Sep 25, 2026

At 55,310 miles the car stalled without warning while driving at low speed. The car was towed to a Lexus dealership and it was reported by the dealer after inspection that the engine had seized. The vehicle is available for inspection. The motor failed while driving the vehicle. The V35A-FTS engine has numerous reports of main bearing failure and is subject to a recall for other models that have this engine, however, the Lexus LS500 model is not included in the recall despite having the same/similar catastrophic engine failure with low miles. Lexus corporate has been notified and has contacted the dealer directly regarding the failure. There were no warning lights, no engine sounds, and no indications that there were any issues with the engine.

NHTSA ID

11751587

Incident

Jul 7, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11740631

Incident

Apr 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Lexus LS 500. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle coasted and was steered over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where the oil was drained and the cap and filter were removed. The contact stated that there were metal shavings inside the oil. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was no oil in the engine and that the oil filter was not the correct oil filter. Additionally, the contact was informed that the engine had seized, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 36,000.

NHTSA ID

11732331

Incident

Aug 24, 2022

Mileage

36,000 mi

VIN: [XXX] Current Mileage: 70,440 Vehicle: 2018 Lexus LS500 In November 2021, I purchased this vehicle with approximately 19,000 miles. Routine maintenance was performed every 7,500 miles. At approximately 44,000 miles (in 2023), the vehicle experienced severe engine failure following warning lights for Parking Support Brake Malfunction, Secondary Collision Brake System Malfunction, Check Engine, Reduced Engine Power, and Traction Control Off. The vehicle lost power and stalled. The engine began emitting smoke and was replaced under manufacturer warranty in March 2024 at a Lexus dealership. The repair exceeded $50,000 and included a new engine block and related components. Shortly after receiving the vehicle back, additional major failures occurred: Fuel pump failure resulting in “Reduced Engine Power” and restricted speed (~20 mph). The pump was replaced under warranty (approx. $4,600 cost). Brake system failure occurring three days after that repair (January 2024). As of October 28, 2025, the vehicle has again failed and is currently at Christian Brothers Automotive with the following findings: “Fuel pressure sensor located under the intake manifold is actively leaking fuel when the engine is running. This creates a fire hazard and can affect engine performance and fuel pressure regulation. Immediate attention required.” This repeated pattern of engine and fuel-system failures within a short period after a full engine replacement raises serious concerns about component reliability, workmanship, and safety. Fuel leakage near the intake manifold poses a significant fire risk. There are currently no open recalls addressing this defect. I request that NHTSA investigate potential defects or systemic issues in the engine or fuel-delivery systems of the 2018 Lexus LS500, as these failures appear premature, hazardous, and recurrent despite dealer and manufacturer repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11696175

Incident

Oct 27, 2025

Large lump/lumps on the lower left / bottom portion of the driver's seat, protruding from the seat bottom closest to the lower bolster. As a direct result my left leg loses its circulation, it causes numbness and muscle pain in thigh and groin due to this. Regardless of seat adjustment the lump / imperfection in the seat cushion is present. This can become dangerous during longer drives and trips. According to the Lexus forums this is a known issue in the 2018-2024 LS500 that Lexus is apparently aware of but has not resolved or seriously looked into. My Lexus service advisor admitted that she has heard of this problem from other LS500 owners and said that the issue has been reported to Lexus. Despite this known issue, no technical service bulletin has been issued by Lexus and no corrective action has taken place. The imperfection in the seat can create a safety issue during trips due to it causing numbness, pain and discomfort in the leg. This is not an issue one would expect in owning a $100K plus vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11633566

Incident

Apr 5, 2024

Recently I purchased a CPO Lexus 2018 LS 500. I realized I am not able to enter Coordinate in the GPS Navigation system. Lexus took away the most import tool (The coordinate Entry) in navigation system away, this make the navigation system useless and easy to get lost when cell service not available especially in and around State and Nation Park area.

NHTSA ID

11582292

Incident

Apr 11, 2024

Although the Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assembly are covered by Lexus’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 4 years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Lexus care about the guests’ ownership experience. Lexus is providing coverage for repairs in the subject vehicles related to certain internal malfunctions of the Brake Booster Pump Assembly and/or Brake Booster, depending on the model.

Some 2018 – 2023 model year LC 500, and LC 500h, 2021 – 2023 model year LC 500c, 2018 – 2023 model year LS 500, and LS 500h, 2015 model year RX 450h, and 2018 – 2022 model year RX 450h vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the brake, ABS, and/or TRAC warning lights are on and/or a Check VSC message displays. One or more of the following specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) C1391, C1252, C1256, and/or C1253 will be stored in the vehicle memory to be used as verification. This condition may be caused by a small internal brake fluid leak inside the brake actuator.

OBSOLETE NOTICE February 2, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0004-26.

Some 2018 – 2025 model year Lexus vehicles equipped with the Enform™ 2.0 Navigation System, require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update the map, points of interest, and system software.

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.

Some customers may experience operational difficulties with some telematics features which they cannot resolve on their own. These resources, in conjunction with the Repair Manual, are for dealership personnel to assist those customers with user issues, user errors, and compatibility issues with other vehicle systems and external applications encountered while operating telematics features.