2018 LEXUS LS — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
17
Owner Complaints
2
Recalls
10
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2018 LEXUS LS
The 2018 LEXUS LS has received a total of 17 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 5 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER. 10 technical service bulletins have been issued by Toyota Motor Corporation for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (3 complaints), Unknown Or Other (3 complaints), and Wheels (3 complaints).
Recalls for the 2018 LEXUS LS
NHTSA has recorded 5 recalls for the 2018 LEXUS LS, potentially affecting up to 14,119 vehicles.
Recall 24V275000 — AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
| 509 vehicles affected
Defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Lexus LS500 and 2018-2020 Lexus LS500 Hybrid vehicles equipped with the "Executive Package." The front passenger seat may have been assembled with interference between internal parts that can cause the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor to incorrectly detect the occupant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements...
Consequence: Incorrect detection of an occupant may result in improper air bag deployment during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the front passenger seat, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 7, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 24LA03.
View full details →Recall 24V275000 — AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
| 509 vehicles affected
Defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Lexus LS500 and 2018-2020 Lexus LS500 Hybrid vehicles equipped with the "Executive Package." The front passenger seat may have been assembled with interference between internal parts that can cause the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor to incorrectly detect the occupant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements...
Consequence: Incorrect detection of an occupant may result in improper air bag deployment during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the front passenger seat, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 7, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 24LA03.
View full details →Recall 24V275000 — AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
| 509 vehicles affected
Defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Lexus LS500 and 2018-2020 Lexus LS500 Hybrid vehicles equipped with the "Executive Package." The front passenger seat may have been assembled with interference between internal parts that can cause the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor to incorrectly detect the occupant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements...
Consequence: Incorrect detection of an occupant may result in improper air bag deployment during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the front passenger seat, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 7, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 24LA03.
View full details →Recall 19V134000 — TIRES
| 6,296 vehicles affected
Defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Lexus LS vehicles equipped with run-flat tires with a sidewall reinforcement layer inside the tire. The tire-on-wheel assembly process may have caused the reinforcement layer to crack, possibly resulting in the tire tread layer separating from the tire.
Consequence: If the tire tread layer separates from the vehicle, vehicle handling and stability may be affected, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and Lexus dealers will replace the affected tires, free of charge. The recall began April 26, 2019. Owners may contact Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. The Toyota number for this recall is KLC.
View full details →Recall 19V134000 — TIRES:SIDEWALL
| 6,296 vehicles affected
Defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Lexus LS vehicles equipped with run-flat tires with a sidewall reinforcement layer inside the tire. The tire-on-wheel assembly process may have caused the reinforcement layer to crack, possibly resulting in the tire tread layer separating from the tire.
Consequence: If the tire tread layer separates from the vehicle, vehicle handling and stability may be affected, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and Lexus dealers will replace the affected tires, free of charge. The recall began April 26, 2019. Owners may contact Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. The Toyota number for this recall is KLC.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2018 LEXUS LS
17 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 LEXUS LS. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown Or Other | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuelpropulsion System | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
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)
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)
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.
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.
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
Safety Rating for the 2018 LEXUS LS
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2018 LEXUS LS in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2018 LEXUS LS
Toyota Motor Corporation has issued 10 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2018 LEXUS LS. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
L-SB-0022-24 — STRUCTURE:BODY
Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain...
L-TT-0273-19 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TT: If the D/C Cut Fuses are not properly seated in the correct main relay block location, multiple body electronic systems can be affected. Some systems that may become inoperative or operate abnormally due to a loose or missing D/C Cut Fuse are listed below: ? Clock ? Wireless Door...
L-TT-0273-19 — EQUIPMENT
TT: If the D/C Cut Fuses are not properly seated in the correct main relay block location, multiple body electronic systems can be affected. Some systems that may become inoperative or operate abnormally due to a loose or missing D/C Cut Fuse are listed below: ? Clock ? Wireless Door...
L-TT-0273-19 — STRUCTURE
TT: If the D/C Cut Fuses are not properly seated in the correct main relay block location, multiple body electronic systems can be affected. Some systems that may become inoperative or operate abnormally due to a loose or missing D/C Cut Fuse are listed below: ? Clock ? Wireless Door...
L-SB-0019-19 — EQUIPMENT
TSB: Some 2018 model year LS500 vehicles may exhibit a vibration due to a rough idle after cold soak. This condition is only present when the vehicle is first started after cold soak. The check engine light will not be present with this condition. Follow the Repair Procedure in this...
L-SB-0019-19 — ENGINE
TSB: Some 2018 model year LS500 vehicles may exhibit a vibration due to a rough idle after cold soak. This condition is only present when the vehicle is first started after cold soak. The check engine light will not be present with this condition. Follow the Repair Procedure in this...
L-SB-0018-19 — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
TSB: Some 2018 model year LS500 and LS500h vehicles equipped with air suspension may exhibit an uneven ride height appearance (lean) after parked on an uneven road surface. This condition can be observed when viewed from the rear of the vehicle or while driving from behind. Follow the Repair Procedure...
L-SB-0039-18_Rev — ENGINE
TSB: Some 2018 ? 2019 model year LS500 vehicles may exhibit one or both of the following transmission-related conditions: ? R to D shift delay when vehicle is cold ? Shift bump when slowing to a stop The Engine Control Module/ECM (SAE Term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) logic has been revised...
L-SB-0039-18_Rev — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TSB: Some 2018 ? 2019 model year LS500 vehicles may exhibit one or both of the following transmission-related conditions: ? R to D shift delay when vehicle is cold ? Shift bump when slowing to a stop The Engine Control Module/ECM (SAE Term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) logic has been revised...
L-SB-0039-18_Rev — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
TSB: Some 2018 ? 2019 model year LS500 vehicles may exhibit one or both of the following transmission-related conditions: ? R to D shift delay when vehicle is cold ? Shift bump when slowing to a stop The Engine Control Module/ECM (SAE Term: Powertrain Control Module/PCM) logic has been revised...
NHTSA Investigations for the 2018 LEXUS LS
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the LEXUS LS
- 2013 LEXUS LS — 8 complaints
- 2014 LEXUS LS — 3 complaints
- 2015 LEXUS LS — 3 complaints
- 2016 LEXUS LS — 7 complaints
- 2018 LEXUS LS (current)
- 2019 LEXUS LS — 1 complaint
- 2020 LEXUS LS — 0 complaints
- 2021 LEXUS LS — 3 complaints
- 2022 LEXUS LS — 0 complaints
- 2023 LEXUS LS — 1 complaint
Other LEXUS Models
- LEXUS ES350 — 1,531 total complaints
- LEXUS RX — 1,154 total complaints
- LEXUS RX350 — 1,065 total complaints
- LEXUS IS 250 — 938 total complaints
- LEXUS ES300 — 862 total complaints
- LEXUS RX300 — 849 total complaints
- LEXUS ES — 817 total complaints
- LEXUS IS — 765 total complaints