2018 Lexus LS problems

Filed Oct 31, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · MA

I am submitting this complaint to Lexus Customer Relations and the federal safety agency regarding a potential defect involving the front differential carrier seals in my 2018 Lexus LS 500 AWD. The vehicle was diagnosed with leaking inner and outer front differential carrier seals, with an estimated repair cost of $5,875.38. My concern is that failure of relatively small sealing components may require extensive drivetrain disassembly, reportedly including engine removal, resulting in disproportionately high repair costs. Differential fluid loss can compromise lubrication, damage gears and bearings, and potentially lead to drivetrain failure or vehicle breakdown in hazardous traffic conditions. I request an investigation into whether these seals or related O-rings are prone to premature failure, whether design or installation factors contribute to leakage, and whether similar complaints exist across affected Lexus models. Please review relevant consumer complaints, warranty claims, technical service records, and Lexus Technical Service Bulletin L-SB-0002-20 Rev. If a recurring defect is identified, I request consideration of a recall, improved repair procedures, warranty extensions, or reimbursement for affected owners. I also request written acknowledgment and a substantive response outlining findings and potential corrective actions. Vehicle Information: VIN: [XXX] Mileage: 152,055 miles Problem Discovered: XXX Repair Facility: Balise Lexus, [XXX] Diagnosis: Inner and outer front differential carrier seal leaks Estimated Repair Cost: $5,875.38 This complaint seeks appropriate technical investigation, vehicle safety, manufacturer accountability, and fair consumer protection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 11, 2026 · Engine · MD

Main rod bearing failure in the motor. No lights on the dash. Pulling away from the traffic light, heard loud banging from the engine and loss of power. Two blocks away from home, fortunately the car made it. 97,500 miles on the car. Oil was changed at Len Stoler Lexus 1,242 ago. Service history of maintenance is superb. Had the vehicle towed to Pro Care Auto in Reisterstown Maryland, where that stated the main rod bearings failed. Estimate for engine replacement $20,000. Towed vehicle to Len Stoler Lexus where they found the same diagnostic results. I asked to get help from customer service which they said they will not help. Used motor replacement cost $38,000. Lexus knows about these engine failures and will not help the owners. Same motor is in Toyota pickup trucks and that vehicle had a recall but not the LS500 for Main rod bearings failure.

Filed Jul 20, 2026 · Engine · NY

At 55,310 miles the car stalled without warning while driving at low speed. The car was towed to a Lexus dealership and it was reported by the dealer after inspection that the engine had seized. The vehicle is available for inspection. The motor failed while driving the vehicle. The V35A-FTS engine has numerous reports of main bearing failure and is subject to a recall for other models that have this engine, however, the Lexus LS500 model is not included in the recall despite having the same/similar catastrophic engine failure with low miles. Lexus corporate has been notified and has contacted the dealer directly regarding the failure. There were no warning lights, no engine sounds, and no indications that there were any issues with the engine.

Filed May 28, 2026 · Engine · SC

See attached document for complaint.

Filed Apr 20, 2026 · Engine · 36,000 miles · SC

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 removed. The contact stated that there were metal shavings inside the oil. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was no oil in the engine and that the oil filter was not the correct oil filter. Additionally, the contact was informed that the engine had seized, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 36,000.

Filed Oct 28, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

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 the federal safety agency 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)

Filed Jan 1, 2025 · Seats · VA

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.

Filed Apr 11, 2024 · MA

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.

Filed Jan 14, 2024 · Wheels · FL

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

Filed Jan 4, 2022 · Electrical · NJ

The vehicle exhibited 3 episodes of premature battery failure. Mileage of the vehicle is 6000 miles. Without any warning the car would just not start from a gas pump or such locations in the middle of the road. This is a dangerous problem because there was no warning that the battery is running low or there is any problem. Car runs 100 miles every day. Lexis dealership diagnosed battery failure and replace the battery but this is a safety issue particularly because it happens in the middle of the night when you are driving in a remote location and gas pumps tell you to switch off engine before filling And there is no warning sign to indicate that there is a problem with the battery THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AS A SAFETY ISSUE