VehicleVerdict

2005 Lexus LS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2005 Lexus LS — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

6

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other LS years?

LS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted59 complaints1994: 6 complaints1995: 2 complaints1996: 3 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 2 complaints1999: 3 complaints2000: 1 complaints2001: 3 complaints2002: 10 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 11 complaints2005: 6 complaints2006: 26 complaints2007: 58 complaints2008: 59 complaints2009: 23 complaints2010: 9 complaints2011: 12 complaints2012: 6 complaints2013: 8 complaints2014: 3 complaints2015: 3 complaints2016: 7 complaints2018: 19 complaints2019: 1 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 5 complaints2023: 1 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 3 complaints
LS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all LS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Lexus LS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other233%
Transmission233%
Body & Structure117%
Tires & Wheels117%

Does the 2005 Lexus LS have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

06V096000AirbagsApril 3, 2006 · 133 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF THE HEATING AGENTS NECESSARY FOR PROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXPANSION FORCE OF THE GAS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROPERLY INFLATE THE AIR BAG WHEN THE SRS SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED DURING A CRASH.

Consequence

THIS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT IN THE INVOLVED SEATING POSITION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPECIFIC SRS AIR BAG. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 6, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371, SCION AT 1-866-548-1851, OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I OWN A 2005 LEXUS GX470 WITH 10,000 MILES. WE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE TOYOTA/LEXUS "BUMP/STOP" WHIPLASH SIMULATION ON A DAILY BASIS. LEXUS/TOYOTA HAD BEEN REPLACING DRIVE SHAFTS ON MANY VEHICLES WHICH "JUMP FORWARD" FOR NO REASON. LEXUS IS NOW SAYING THAT THIS DANGEROUS CONDITION IS A "NORMAL DESIGN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 8, 2005

“THE CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH THE AUTOMATIC DOOR CLOSING SYSTEM, WHICH MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING REAR SIDE PASSENGER DOOR TO BE INCAPABLE OF SECURELY BEING CLOSED. WHEN THE DOORS ARE SOFTLY PARTIALLY SHUT, THIS SYSTEM GRABS THE DOOR AND FINISHES COMPLETELY SHUTTING THE DOOR FLUSH TO THE OUTER BODY OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 21, 2016

2005 Lexus LS — common questions

Is the 2005 Lexus LS reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2005 Lexus LS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Lexus LS. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Lexus LS years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the LS years to avoid are 2008, 2007. The cleanest record among LS years belongs to 2024.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.