VehicleVerdict

2021 Lexus LS problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2021 Lexus LS — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

5

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other LS years?

LS NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all LS years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Lexus LS problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels240%
Engine120%
Lighting120%
Other120%

Does the 2021 Lexus LS have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“OEM Bridgestone Turanza EL440 RFT 245/45 R20 These tires have not retained recommended air pressure for more than a few weeks at a time since new. Inspection earlier this year by a Bridgestone dealer found no problem with a tire that had lost 5 psi in a week. The tire subsequently began making a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 12, 2024

“My vehicle has the V6 twin turbo engine that’s been recalled on other years and models and was diagnosed with an internal engine failure. The mechanic at the dealership couldn’t figure out the problem so an expert TAS Lexus specialist was called in and couldn’t figure out the problem either.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 21, 2026

“I was driving and my sunroof exploded sounding like a gun shot. The sunroof shattered and was blown apart on all 4 sides. Glass fell in my face and all over me”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 13, 2025

“Both headlight assemblies on a 2021 Lexus LS 500 show external lens delamination, along with visible condensation inside the sealed units. The vehicle has been garage kept, has not been involved in any accidents, and has no external damage to the headlight assemblies. The outer lens surfaces are…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · June 1, 2025

2021 Lexus LS — common questions

Is the 2021 Lexus LS reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2021 Lexus LS have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 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.