Model year record

2021 Lexus LS recalls & problems

The 2021 Lexus LS has 1 safety recall and 5 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is wheels (1 complaint).

Recalls1safety recalls

Complaints5filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Air bagsApr 17, 2024

Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger

Recall 24V275000509 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2021 Lexus LS 500 4 DR AWD

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2021 Lexus LS 500 4 DR RWD

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2021 Lexus LS 500h 4 DR AWD

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2021 Lexus LS 500h 4 DR RWD

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

LS 500h Hybrid

28mpg combined

City / highway	25 / 33 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (AV-S10) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $2,950/year to fuel

LS 500h AWD Hybrid

26mpg combined

City / highway	23 / 29 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (AV-S10) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,150/year to fuel

LS 500

22mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 29 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3.4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S10) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,750/year to fuel

LS 500 AWD

21mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3.4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S10) · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Typical mileage*
Wheels	1	—
TiresTread/belt	1	—
Unknown or other	1	—
Exterior lighting	1	—
Engine	1	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Engine
My vehicle has the V6 twin turbo engine thatâs been recalled on other years and models and was diagnosed with an internal engine failure. The mechanic at the dealership couldnât figure out the problem so an expert TAS Lexus specialist was called in and couldnât figure out the problem either. Theyâve had the car for 3 months and since they donât 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 shouldnât have happened. This is a common problem with this model of engine. I believe itâs a…
Feb 21, 2026
Exterior lighting
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.
Jun 1, 2025
Unknown or other
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
Apr 13, 2025
Tires › Tread/belt
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.…
Jul 12, 2024
Wheels
The car slipped because of tread wear on the inner side of all four tires. Car has manufacturer installed tires.
Jan 7, 2024

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.