Lexus LS Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Lexus LS model year (2012–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, injuries, and deaths. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Lexus LS Years to Avoid
2 recalls · 10 complaints
Top issue: SEATS
Problem score: 16
1 recall · 3 complaints
Top issue: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 6
2 recalls · 0 complaints
Top issue: No complaints on record
Problem score: 6
Best Lexus LS Years to Buy
0 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 0
0 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 0
0 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 0
Found the right year? Verify that specific LS with a free VIN report.
Lexus LS — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 2 | 0 | 6 | Caution |
| 2024 | 2 | 0 | 6 | Caution |
| 2023 | 2 | 0 | 6 | Caution |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 1 | 3 | 6 | Caution |
| 2020 | 1 | 0 | 3 | Good |
| 2019 | 1 | 1 | 4 | Good |
| 2018 | 2 | 10 | 16 | Avoid |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Excellent |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Excellent |
| 2015 | 0 | 2 | 2 | Good |
| 2014 | 0 | 3 | 3 | Good |
| 2013 | 0 | 5 | 5 | Good |
| 2012 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Excellent |
Higher scores indicate more reported safety issues across recalls, complaints, and injury data.
Lexus LS Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2026Recent LS models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. Lower problem scores typically appear in this era. The 2026 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2017Mid-decade LS units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder LS models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report. Confirm all historical recalls have been completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year LS should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2018 Lexus LS if possible. It has 2 recalls, 10 owner complaints, and the most common complaint category is SEATS. The overall problem score is 16 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year LS to buy?+
The 2012 Lexus LS is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 0. It has only 0 recalls and 0 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which LS has the fewest problems?+
The 2012, 2016, 2017 model years have the fewest documented problems across recall and complaint databases. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Lexus LS Research
Check a Specific Lexus LS VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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