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2021 Lexus LS problems

The most common problem on the 2021 Lexus LS is engine and cooling. It has fewer complaints than a typical LS model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
35
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
21-28mpg

The worst 2021 Lexus LS problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Recalls 1

Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passengerReported April 17, 2024 · 509 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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."
Risk
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.

Recall number 24V275000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2021 Lexus LS

Technical service bulletins for the 2021 Lexus LS 35

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 35 bulletins for the 2021 Lexus LS

2021 Lexus LS fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.5L 6‑cyl HybridRWD253328
3.5L 6‑cyl HybridAWD232926
3.4L 6‑cylRWD182922
3.4L 6‑cylAWD172721

What 2021 Lexus LS owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 26, 2026 · Engine · WV

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. They’ve had the car for 3 months and since they don’t know how to fix it they are telling me to just replace the engine with a used engine at a cost of $25,000. The vehicle is just out of warranty and Toyota/Lexus is refusing to cover any of the costs. The vehicle was serviced regularly so this shouldn’t have happened. This is a common problem with this model of engine. I believe it’s a design flaw as this model engine is assembled at different plants/locations and over long periods of time that would indicate a design flaw and not due to Toyota’s official stance of debris left in engine block during assembly. Toyota should recall and replace all these engines at no charge to the owner of the vehicle.

Filed Apr 29, 2026 · Lights · CT

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 deteriorating, and moisture is present inside components that are designed to be sealed. The condition has progressively worsened over time. These issues reduce headlight clarity and light output, negatively affecting forward visibility during nighttime driving and creating a potential safety hazard.

Filed Apr 14, 2025 · TN

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

Filed Nov 21, 2024 · Tires · IL

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 rotational noise that the Lexus dealer diagnosed as a slipped belt. Having replaced the defective tire, I now have the same noise symptoms arising in another tire. The dealer can find no reason for the chronic air loss in the two left side tires which, given the developing rotational noise, I expect will soon have similar belt failure. Dealer personnel admit that these tires are problematic. Bridgestone customer service has been unresponsive.

Filed Jan 14, 2024 · Wheels · FL

The car slipped because of tread wear on the inner side of all four tires. Car has manufacturer installed tires.

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Questions about the 2021 Lexus LS

Is the 2021 Lexus LS reliable?

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2021 Lexus LS, fewer than a typical LS model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Lexus LS?

Engine and cooling, with 1 complaint. Next is lights (1).

How many recalls does the 2021 Lexus LS have?

1 recall, covering air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2021 Lexus LS get?

Official estimates for the 2021 Lexus LS range from 21 to 28 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl hybrid, RWD) gets 25 city and 33 highway.

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