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Lexus LS stalling problems

11 of the 220 owner complaints about the Lexus LS describe engine stalls while driving, most of them for the 2008 model year.

owner complaints
11
worst model year
2008
typical mileage
44,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2018
    4
  • 2009
    1
  • 2008
    5
  • 2004
    1

What owners say

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 5, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · MD

this vehicle stalled while driving on a highway without any sign or warning. on some occasions the vehicle will not stop. I reported this to Lexus company / Manufacturer

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 Jan 14, 2026 · TX

Purchased a used 2008 Lexus LS460 and within about two hours the vehicle abruptly and completely shut down while driving in traffic, with no warning and no practical ability to predict the failure or safely pull off the road. Near collisions were narrowly avoided only because other drivers swerved or slammed on brakes. At the time of purchase there were no warning lights illuminated, but immediately after the shutdown multiple warning lights illuminated (including brake/ABS/stability-related warnings as documented by an independent service center). The vehicle was inspected the next day by an independent service center, which documented multiple diagnostic trouble codes across major systems and stated that repairs would be in the thousands and not recommended. The inspection also noted indications consistent with diagnostic codes having been cleared prior to purchase, and the battery at inspection could not hold a charge aiding the clearing of codes. The vehicle had no functional exhaust system (mufflers cut off), creating a carbon monoxide exposure risk that was only mitigated because the driver had the windows down unknowingly to the leak. The service center also reported tires beyond safe wear limits that were not readily visible without lifting the vehicle. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request and has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance.

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 Mar 23, 2021 · Engine · 44,000 miles · KS

2004 lexus ls430 vehicle stalled and would not restart immediately on the road presenting dangerous condition. Engine would crank but not restart. Vehicle would restart the next day. This happened twice before pump failed completely. Research indicates this problem identical to that identified in the federal safety agency campaign id o4v295000.build dates 2003-07-29 until 2004-01-23. Lexus campaign 4lb 2004 ls 430. This vehicle has 44,000 miles on it and has no previous engine repair history defect summary: on certain passenger vehicles, the impeller inside the fuel pump may have been improperly molded due to a manufacturing error. Alcohol in some fuels may deform the impeller and cause it to come into contact with the pump housing. Consequence summary: this condition could increase the rotational resistance of the impeller and, in the worst case, may result in failure of the fuel pump. Owner replaced original failed fuel pump with pump supplied by lexus dealer. Service manager at walcher lexus in wichita, ks indicates vehicle was manufactured in february, 2004 outside the range of the recall vehicles.lexus technical support was contacted and referred me back to my local service manager. No one seems concerned that defective cars continued to exist outside of the range of vehicles identified in the original recall.

Filed Oct 27, 2020 · Fuel system · 22,087 miles · TX

Vehicle hesitates while driving. Recall announced to us 1/20/2020. Have attempted numerous times to have dealership do the free recall repair. Even while there for oil changes and regular services throughout this year. Have been told each time they need to order the part and they will call me. 10 months of this now and car is unsafe- they keep stalling on doing the repair that is a safety risk for myself and family. Want this documented if something happens to us and we have an injury or death because the car has been hesitating and they continue to tell us they don't have the fuel pump to do the repair.

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 Feb 26, 2020 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 163,000 miles · MS

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 lexus ls460. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the vsc (vehicle stability control) warning light illuminated. The contact stated that on several occasions the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH. The contact stated that on one occasion while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was unresponsive while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact then depressed the accelerator to the floorboard and the vehicle responded and exceeded safe driving speeds. The contact stated that the vehicle was uncontrollable. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics where the cause of the failure was not determined. Herrin-gear lexus located at (1685 high st, jackson, ms 39202) was contacted and informed of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted or informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 163,000.

Filed Feb 25, 2020 · Body, Driver assistance · 16,200 miles · MS

My car is stalling all the lights are on. I was told that the recall was out for this one.

Related recalls

Engine and engine coolingReported January 16, 2009 · 214,570 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Toyota is recalling 214,570 my 2006-2008 lexus is, my 2006-2007 gs and my 2007-2008 ls passenger vehicles equipped with aluminum fuel delivery pipes (fuel rails). Ethanol fuels with a low moisture content will corrode the internal surface of the fuel rails. As this condition progresses, the engine malfunction indicator light may illuminate.
Risk
Over time, the corrosion may create a pinhole resulting in fuel leakage. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel delivery pipes free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during february 2009. Owners may contact toyota/lexus at 1‑800‑255‑3987.

Recall number 09V020000 · Recall details

Questions about the Lexus LS stalling

Which Lexus LS years have engine stalls while driving problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2008 (5 complaints), 2018 (4 complaints) and 2004 (1 complaints).

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