Lexus LS Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Lexus LS model year (2001–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Lexus LS Years to Avoid
2 recalls · 88 complaints
4 reported injuries
Top issue: SERVICE BRAKES
Problem score: 102
2 recalls · 71 complaints
1 reported injury
Top issue: SERVICE BRAKES
Problem score: 79
1 recall · 29 complaints
15 reported injuries
Top issue: STRUCTURE:BODY:TRUNK LID
Problem score: 62
Best Lexus LS Years to Buy
0 recalls · 3 complaints
Main area: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 3
1 recall · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 3
0 recalls · 6 complaints
Main area: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Problem score: 6
Found the right year? Verify that specific LS with a free VIN report.
Lexus LS — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 3 | 2 | — | — | 11 | Good |
| 2024 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 6 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 6 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 3 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 1 | 3 | — | — | 6 | Excellent |
| 2020 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 6 | Excellent |
| 2019 | 4 | 2 | 1 | — | 16 | Good |
| 2018 | 4 | 13 | — | — | 25 | Good |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2016 | 0 | 8 | — | — | 8 | Excellent |
| 2015 | 1 | 3 | — | — | 6 | Excellent |
| 2014 | 1 | 10 | — | — | 13 | Good |
| 2013 | 1 | 12 | — | — | 15 | Good |
| 2012 | 0 | 3 | — | — | 3 | Excellent |
| 2011 | 0 | 6 | — | — | 6 | Excellent |
| 2010 | 1 | 21 | 4 | — | 32 | Good |
| 2009 | 1 | 18 | — | — | 21 | Good |
| 2008 | 2 | 88 | 4 | — | 102 | Avoid |
| 2007 | 2 | 71 | 1 | — | 79 | Avoid |
| 2006 | 0 | 19 | 9 | — | 37 | Caution |
| 2005 | 1 | 18 | 6 | 1 | 38 | Caution |
| 2004 | 3 | 18 | — | — | 27 | Good |
| 2003 | 1 | 13 | 7 | — | 30 | Good |
| 2002 | 1 | 27 | 14 | — | 58 | Caution |
| 2001 | 1 | 29 | 15 | — | 62 | Caution |
All 26 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Lexus LS Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2026Recent LS models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year LS should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2008 Lexus LS if possible. It has 2 recalls, 88 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 102 — 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 3. It has only 0 recalls and 3 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which LS has the fewest problems?+
The 2012, 2022, 2011 model years have the fewest documented problems. 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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