2009 Lexus LS problems

Filed Sep 26, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · CA

This particular model 2009 Lexus LS460 apparently has an issue with the ABS system module (ABS Brake pump actuator) and when it fails it is like a domino effect not to mention having to reprogram the cars whole computer system all over again, I researched this issue and found that the issue is rampant with this year and model, not only is it expensive to fix (4k) the part alone is over 1k. If the system was to fail while driving it would pose a significant danger to myself and others as I would not be able to brake, or if I drive in wet weather the system could fail on me again. Everyone that owns this model has the same issue. once it happens it is said that it will happen every 30000 miles or so. I bought the car in 2024; I hadn't even had it a year before the system failed and I have not been able to drive the car since March 2025. I think issues involving the cars ABS should automatically be a recall. Now I feel like I am stuck with a car payment for a car I can't even drive because the brake system failed, and will continue to fail over and over, even if I could drive it I would be scared to. If the car senses and accident or spinout and the abs fails and locks up that's dangerous. I can't afford to fix this issue multiple times no one should have to go through this when buying a car as luxury and expensive as Lexus is. The car is too old for the lemon law but I bought a lemon, as big as this issue is this should have been a recall. Please help...

Filed May 15, 2025 · Electrical · SC

The battery died and we have replaced it with 3 new batteries and something keeps draining the battery. We have had multiple mechanics come and try to figure out what is going on with it, checked the alternator, checked every fuse, checked everything and no one can figure it out

Filed May 10, 2022 · Brakes · GA

My wife was driving, we got check engine & VSC sign, we checked with car mechanic, who asked us to take to dealer, they diagnosed & fixed some parts & charged us around 1000.00 $, Next day she drove around 6 miles, she was ready to enter highway sign came, stop car immediately at safe place, she called dealer who advised to bring car back, she took car back ,they diagnosed again & told us it will cost 4042.11 to replace brake actuator & brake pump,we searched that this was manufacturing defect, we contacted Lexus corporate office, they said that it factory defect only till 2018 & declined to fix,they said they send us letter,we never received any letter.Car mileage is around 120,000 only,my wife narrowly escaped accident, Is not dealer responsible to contact customers by phone or E mail for safety issues ,moreover we took car to dealer multiple times for not staring ,they fixed battery all the time , we also got car maintainece service from the dealer many times ,was not it their responsibility to make us aware for this defect & fix? they should have diagnosed this problem when we took car for VSC & engine check sign? Pleas investigate so no body else suffers or dies in an accident, Thanks

Filed Feb 12, 2022 · Brakes · FL

Brake shake violently when applied makes loud noises does this most times car has new brakes and rotors mechanic thinks it’s the brake actuator makes car unsafe to drive

Filed Dec 30, 2021 · Electrical, Steering · 16,000 miles · CA

I was driving and my steering locked up and my check VSC light came on, and check power steering system came on and told me to check with dealer.If someone can please contact me ASAP would be wonderful and appreciated..Thank you

Filed May 8, 2021 · Visibility · CA

Dashboard is sticky/tacky. Dashboard is also very shiny and make it's almost impossible to drive in sunlight. Which is very unsafe

Filed Oct 14, 2020 · Acceleration, Engine · 58,000 miles · CA

When driving, slowing to make a turn, putting foot back on gas....feels either like gear slipping or fuel injection slip. Makes quick catch and jumps. Also, when coming to stop, feels like stalling. Very scary.

Filed Apr 25, 2020 · Acceleration, Engine · 115,000 miles · LA

I purchased my 2009 ls460 in 2017 at lexus of huntsville, al with 115k miles. It began having poor acceleration 1 month after I purchased it. I went back to the dealer and expressed my concern. They asked me to start using premium gas form the same station. Nothing changed and 3mo latter I moved to indianapolis and had my lexus serviced at tom wood lexus of indianapolis. I asked them to do a full diagnostic for repairing the now dangerously low acceleration. Tom wood changed and checked fuel filter fuel lines fuel injectors air intake mass airflow air filter reflashed ECM cost me 2 separate visits, 10+ days in a loaner vehicle and $800+ and the issue behind what was causing the low acceleration was never found. So I filed my first complaint case with lexus corporate and they denied my claim in that it was no longer under their powertrain warranty. Despite my effort to simply request and state that I purchased my lexus at a lexus dealer and it has been maintained by a lexus dealer. I ought to be able to rely on lexus (especially an ls on of their high end designs) to be of reasonable quality, fit for safe use as an automobile. The liability for defects of the engineering of the internal mechanics and any future wrecks or injuries caused by the engineering defect is lexus' liability. Just trying to have a safe vehicle for my family. Well that got me nowhere with lexus. Now my job has me lining in louisiana and I tried a second time and took my ls460 to price leblanc lexus of baton rouge. Their service team was fantastic and their tech let me know that this is a known issue with lexus and that I'd need to replace all cylinder heads and values. Total cost being $13-15k. That is more than the value of the vehicle. I have filed a second complaint and repair request with lexus corporate and am being told the same line as before. Not their problem.

Filed Aug 26, 2019 · IN

The safety issue our car has is delayed acceleration. This is a very concerning safety hazard. After reading many online forums, there are many other '09 ls owners experienced the same problem. We have brought our car to the lexus dealership a few times and they have not been able to properly fix or even diagnose the cause. There are no lights on the dashboard indicating where the problem lies. All we have been told is that it's in the knock sensor. We have only been told that lexus has designed the knock sensor in such a way that a check engine light or code will not be given. This is not good for us as the customer. We believe this is a urgent recall problem that lexus must own and repair. This is a mayor safety hazard that has potential to put the lives of my family or others at stake.

Filed May 3, 2016 · 75,540 miles · FL

Several interior parts are melting. Lexus is aware and authorized a repair in certain models, but they have not issued a recall to stand behind their product. I need your assistance in forcing the issue. Finally, I just remembered to google this today and was very surprised by what I discovered.