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.
The worst 2021 Lexus LS problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine1
- Lights1
- Tires1
- Wheels1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine1
- Lights1
- Tires1
- Wheels1
Recalls 1
Air bags: sensor: occupant classification: front passenger
- 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
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.
- Some 2018 – 2023 model year LC 500, and LC 500h, 2021 – 2023 model year LC 500c, 2018 – 2023 model year LS...
- Obsolete notice
- Some 2018 – 2025 model year Lexus vehicles equipped with the Enform™ 2.0 Navigation System, require a...
- Some 2005 – 2026 Lexus vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a...
- Some customers may experience operational difficulties with some telematics features which they cannot...
- The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air...
- To assist with the early detection and early resolution of audio related concerns you may be asked to...
- The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master...
- Some 2010 – 2026 model year Lexus vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard™. The...
- Some 2021 model year Lexus vehicles are equipped with an eOwner’s Manual (eOM), which is installed into...
2021 Lexus LS fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6‑cyl Hybrid | RWD | 25 | 33 | 28 |
| 3.5L 6‑cyl Hybrid | AWD | 23 | 29 | 26 |
| 3.4L 6‑cyl | RWD | 18 | 29 | 22 |
| 3.4L 6‑cyl | AWD | 17 | 27 | 21 |
What 2021 Lexus LS owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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
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.
The car slipped because of tread wear on the inner side of all four tires. Car has manufacturer installed tires.
Compare the 2021 Lexus LS
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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.
VIN decoder
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