VehicleVerdict

2018 Lexus LS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 19 complaints on file for the 2018 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.

19

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other LS years?

LS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 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, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all LS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Lexus LS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels421%
Electrical System316%
Engine316%
Other316%
Fuel System211%
Transmission15%
Seats15%
Steering15%
Driver Assistance15%

Does the 2018 Lexus LS have recalls?

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

24V275000AirbagsApril 17, 2024 · 509 units

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 of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

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.

19V134000Tires & WheelsFebruary 27, 2019 · 6,296 units

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · January 12, 2023

“THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM BLOWS FUSES AND STOPS WORKING, BUT THE LIGHT ON THE DASH CONTINUES TO INDICATE THAT EVERYTHING IS WORKING. IN OTHER WORDS, THERE IS NO WAY TO LEARN THAT THE COLLISION SYSTEM IS OFFLINE UNLESS YOU'RE WILLING TO SIMULATE A NEAR CERTAIN COLLISION (WHICH I DID WITH THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 24, 2019

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 11, 2024

“The contact owns a 2018 Lexus LS 500. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle coasted and was steered over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where the oil was drained and the cap and filter were…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 24, 2022

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 25, 2020

2018 Lexus LS — common questions

Is the 2018 Lexus LS reliable?

The record is thin — 19 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2018 LS problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (4 complaints), engine (3 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints).

Does the 2018 Lexus LS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 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.