RoadVitals

2018 Lexus LS Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
14
Latest Jul 20, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
9
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 Lexus LS, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Engine423.5%
  • Other / unspecified317.6%
  • Electrical317.6%
  • Fuel system211.8%
  • Driver assistance15.9%
  • Tires & wheels15.9%
  • Interior & seats15.9%
  • Powertrain (other)15.9%
  • Steering15.9%

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 20, 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID 11740631 · filed May 28, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

All 4 tires have tread wear on the inner side. Took it to lexus they said no remedy is available ended up selling the car. May cause slip and accident

NHTSA ID 11565489 · filed Jan 14, 2024

APEAL AGAINST THE RECALL DONE BY LEXUS TOYOTA ON MAY 16TH, 2019, I TOOK MY CAR LEXUS 2018 LS 500 TO THE DEALER, LEXUS OF WOODLAND HILLS, WHERE I BOUGHT IT, FOR BEING RECALLED BY THE COMPANY. (NHTSA RECALL NO. 19V-134) AFTER RECALL DEFECTS WERE FIXED, I DROVE ABOUT 4,000 MILES AND TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER FOR MAINTENANCE. AT THIS TIME, TREMENDOUS NUMBER OF DEEP LARGE SCRAPES ON ALL FOUR TIRES, WHICH I HAD NEVER SEEN IN THE ENTIRE DRIVING EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE WERE POINTED OUT BY THE DEALER. THE DEALER VIOLENTLY INSISTED ON THE SCRAPES WERE NOT CAUSED BY THE DEFECTS. AFTER TREMENDOUS ARGUMENT, THE DEALER WROTE, 'DIAGNOSTICS IS REQUIRED TO DETERMINE THE RECOMMENDED CORRECTION FOR YOUR CONCERN.' THE CAR ALSO HAS STABILITY PROBLEM. FROM THE BEGINNING, IT LACKS STABILITY COMPARED WITH LS460 TRADED-IN. I VISITED LEXUS OF GLENDALE, SANTA MONICA, AND THOUSAND OAKS. THEY WERE SURPRISED AT CONDITION OF SCRAPES, BUT THEY WITHHELD COMMENT. I HAD NO CHOICE, BUT TO APPEAL TO LEXUS OF TOYOTA. I CONTACTED; <DATE> <CONTACTED TO THE PERSON OF..> <BY > 10/02/19 TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. EMAIL 10/16/19 LEXUS CASE MANAGER PHONE 10/18/19 LEXUS GUEST EXPERIENCE CENTER EMAIL 10/22/19 LEXUS EXECUTIVE OFFICE PHONE 10/24/19 LEXUS GUEST EXPERIENCE CENTER EMAIL 10/31/19 LEXUS GUEST EXPERIENCE CENTER EMAIL 11/06/19 FACTORY REP. AT LEXUS OF BEVERLY HILLS. 11/11/19 LEXUS EXECUTIVE OFFICE EMAIL THEIR RESPONSE WAS 'VERY NEGATIVE' AND GAVE ME HARDEST TIME TO APPEAL. I BELIEVE THAT I HAVE A RIGHT FOR SAFETY STANDARD GUARANTEED AND DECIDED TO APPEAL. *JS

NHTSA ID 11280921 · filed Nov 18, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The vehicle exhibited 3 episodes of premature battery failure. Mileage of the vehicle is 6000 miles. Without any warning the car would just not start from a gas pump or such locations in the middle of the road. This is a dangerous problem because there was no warning that the battery is running low or there is any problem. Car runs 100 miles every day. Lexis dealership diagnosed battery failure and replace the battery but this is a safety issue particularly because it happens in the middle of the night when you are driving in a remote location and gas pumps tell you to switch off engine before filling And there is no warning sign to indicate that there is a problem with the battery THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AS A SAFETY ISSUE

NHTSA ID 11446122 · filed Jan 4, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 LEXUS LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH A PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM, WHICH WAS SUPPOSED TO AID IN PREVENTING A CRASH. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, IT RELEASED THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS CUT OFF BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL IMMEDIATELY AND THE PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM ACTIVATED. AS A RESULT, THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE RELEASED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO JIM HUDSON LEXUS (LOCATED AT 3410 WASHINGTON RD, AUGUSTA, GA 30907, 706-650-9999) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE DIAGNOSTIC BOX INDICATED THAT A COLLISION WAS NOT DETECTED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE'S PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED AND THE ACTUATORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,300. *LN THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE PEDESTRIAN HOOD POP UP FEATURE ACTIVATED AS DESIGNED.*JB

NHTSA ID 11288488 · filed Dec 11, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Oct 28, 2025

VEHICLE HESITATES WHILE DRIVING. RECALL ANNOUNCED TO US 1/20/2020. HAVE ATTEMPTED NUMEROUS TIMES TO HAVE DEALERSHIP DO THE FREE RECALL REPAIR. EVEN WHILE THERE FOR OIL CHANGES AND REGULAR SERVICES THROUGHOUT THIS YEAR. HAVE BEEN TOLD EACH TIME THEY NEED TO ORDER THE PART AND THEY WILL CALL ME. 10 MONTHS OF THIS NOW AND CAR IS UNSAFE- THEY KEEP STALLING ON DOING THE REPAIR THAT IS A SAFETY RISK FOR MYSELF AND FAMILY. WANT THIS DOCUMENTED IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO US AND WE HAVE AN INJURY OR DEATH BECAUSE THE CAR HAS BEEN HESITATING AND THEY CONTINUE TO TELL US THEY DON'T HAVE THE FUEL PUMP TO DO THE REPAIR.

NHTSA ID 11366701 · filed Oct 27, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 LEXUS LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH A PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM, WHICH WAS SUPPOSED TO AID IN PREVENTING A CRASH. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, IT RELEASED THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS CUT OFF BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL IMMEDIATELY AND THE PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM ACTIVATED. AS A RESULT, THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE RELEASED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO JIM HUDSON LEXUS (LOCATED AT 3410 WASHINGTON RD, AUGUSTA, GA 30907, 706-650-9999) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE DIAGNOSTIC BOX INDICATED THAT A COLLISION WAS NOT DETECTED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE'S PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED AND THE ACTUATORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,300. *LN THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE PEDESTRIAN HOOD POP UP FEATURE ACTIVATED AS DESIGNED.*JB

NHTSA ID 11288488 · filed Dec 11, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT TODAY WITH LEXUS CORPORATION BECAUSE BOTH MY DEALERSHIP, NEW COUNTRY LEXUS OF LATHAM, AND LEXUS CORPORATION HAVE CHOSEN TO IGNORE THE DANGER THEY HAVE PLACED MYSELF AND MY FAMILY. I HAVE PURCHASED THREE LEXUS' OVER THE YEARS FROM NEW COUNTRY LEXUS AND AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE SERVICE FROM BOTH MY DEALER AND LEXUS CORPORATION. I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT NEW COUNTRY AND LEXUS CORPORATION WOULD PUT ME AND MY FAMILY AT RISK OF INJURY AND/OR DEATH. PARTICULARLY IN LIGHT OF THE FACT THAT I HAVE REACHED OUT TWICE TO MY DEALERSHIP AND THREE TIMES TO LEXUS CORPORATION. THEREFORE, I AM DOCUMENTING MY CONCERNS IN THE EVENT OF A SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH OCCURRING IN WHICH I WILL HOLD BOTH LEXUS CORPORATION AND NEW COUNTRY LEXUS RESPONSIBLE. ON FEBRUARY 26, 2019 A SAFETY RECALL WAS ANNOUNCED REGARDING CERTAIN RUN-FLAT TIRES WHICH INCLUDED MY NEW VEHICLE, 2018 LS 500. I DID NOT RECEIVE THIS RECALL NOTICE UNTIL FRIDAY MARCH 29, 2019. THE PREVIOUS WEEK, ON MARCH 24TH, I WAS ON MY WAY TO KENNEDY AIRPORT IN NEW YORK CITY AND HAD A BLOW-OUT CROSSING THE GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE. THE SIDE WALL OF MY FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE HAD BLOWN OUT (PICTURE ATTACHED). THIS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO VEER INTO TRAFFIC WHICH I FORTUNATELY WAS ABLE TO AVOID. I WAS EVENTUALLY TOWED TO A 24HR TIRE REPAIR STATION WHERE A REPLACEMENT TIRE WAS PUT ON THE VEHICLE. THE TOWING CHARGE AND NEW TIRE COST ME $400 WHICH LEXUS HAS REFUNDED ME A CHECK FOR $400. TO THIS DAY I CONTINUE TO BE TOLD THE TIRES ARE ON BACK ORDER AND I AM STILL DRIVING ON DEFECTIVE TIRES. IT HAS BEEN NEARLY 6 MONTHS.

NHTSA ID 11257525 · filed Sep 23, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 1, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 LEXUS LS 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED FROM TENTH GEAR TO FOURTH GEAR WITHOUT WARNING. THE RPMS REVVED UP AND THE CONTACT FLICKED THE SWITCH ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO GO BACK TO THE TENTH GEAR. THE FAILURE RECURRED 6 TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JOHNSON LEXUS OF RALEIGH LOCATED AT (5839 CAPITAL BLVD, RALEIGH, NC 27616 (919) 436-3916). THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING TEST DRIVEN. A SPECIALIST WAS BROUGHT IN FROM THE MANUFACTURER TO ASSIST WITH THE DIAGNOSTIC AND INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT WAS GIVEN A LOANER FOR THE DURATION OF THE INSPECTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.

NHTSA ID 11316040 · filed Mar 4, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

APEAL AGAINST THE RECALL DONE BY LEXUS TOYOTA ON MAY 16TH, 2019, I TOOK MY CAR LEXUS 2018 LS 500 TO THE DEALER, LEXUS OF WOODLAND HILLS, WHERE I BOUGHT IT, FOR BEING RECALLED BY THE COMPANY. (NHTSA RECALL NO. 19V-134) AFTER RECALL DEFECTS WERE FIXED, I DROVE ABOUT 4,000 MILES AND TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER FOR MAINTENANCE. AT THIS TIME, TREMENDOUS NUMBER OF DEEP LARGE SCRAPES ON ALL FOUR TIRES, WHICH I HAD NEVER SEEN IN THE ENTIRE DRIVING EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE WERE POINTED OUT BY THE DEALER. THE DEALER VIOLENTLY INSISTED ON THE SCRAPES WERE NOT CAUSED BY THE DEFECTS. AFTER TREMENDOUS ARGUMENT, THE DEALER WROTE, 'DIAGNOSTICS IS REQUIRED TO DETERMINE THE RECOMMENDED CORRECTION FOR YOUR CONCERN.' THE CAR ALSO HAS STABILITY PROBLEM. FROM THE BEGINNING, IT LACKS STABILITY COMPARED WITH LS460 TRADED-IN. I VISITED LEXUS OF GLENDALE, SANTA MONICA, AND THOUSAND OAKS. THEY WERE SURPRISED AT CONDITION OF SCRAPES, BUT THEY WITHHELD COMMENT. I HAD NO CHOICE, BUT TO APPEAL TO LEXUS OF TOYOTA. I CONTACTED; <DATE> <CONTACTED TO THE PERSON OF..> <BY > 10/02/19 TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. EMAIL 10/16/19 LEXUS CASE MANAGER PHONE 10/18/19 LEXUS GUEST EXPERIENCE CENTER EMAIL 10/22/19 LEXUS EXECUTIVE OFFICE PHONE 10/24/19 LEXUS GUEST EXPERIENCE CENTER EMAIL 10/31/19 LEXUS GUEST EXPERIENCE CENTER EMAIL 11/06/19 FACTORY REP. AT LEXUS OF BEVERLY HILLS. 11/11/19 LEXUS EXECUTIVE OFFICE EMAIL THEIR RESPONSE WAS 'VERY NEGATIVE' AND GAVE ME HARDEST TIME TO APPEAL. I BELIEVE THAT I HAVE A RIGHT FOR SAFETY STANDARD GUARANTEED AND DECIDED TO APPEAL. *JS

NHTSA ID 11280921 · filed Nov 18, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .