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2011 Lexus LS460

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2011 Lexus LS460 is a luxury sedan known for its smooth ride, quiet cabin, and comfortable interior. It offered a high level of refinement and numerous features expected of a flagship luxury vehicle. Common praises include its reliability, comfortable seating, and overall build quality. Common complaints include the somewhat dated technology compared to newer competitors and the potential for expensive repairs on complex systems. The 2011 LS460 came standard with a 4.6L V8 engine producing 380 horsepower and 367 lb-ft of torque (357 hp and 344 lb-ft in AWD models). It was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Engine options were the same whether you chose rear wheel drive or all wheel drive. The LS460L offered a long wheelbase version of the car.

Engine

4.6L V8 (1UR-FSE)

  • Valve Spring Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, check engine light, rough running, potential for significant engine damage if not addressed. Can be caused by manufacturer defect of the valve springs.
    • Solution: Replace valve springs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • VVTi Actuator Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Ticking noise from the engine, especially upon startup. Check engine light may illuminate with codes related to variable valve timing. Reduced performance and fuel economy.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty VVTi actuator(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ depending on the number of actuators needing replacement
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Coolant Leak (Water Pump)
    • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, visible coolant leak near the front of the engine.
    • Solution: Replace the water pump and coolant.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

A760E 8-Speed Automatic

  • Torque Converter Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during light acceleration, especially at low speeds. May also experience hard shifting or hesitation.
    • Solution: Replace or rebuild the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, failure to shift, transmission slipping, check engine light.
    • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Failure (If Equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, error messages on the dashboard, compressor running constantly, uneven ride height.
    • Solution: Replace the air struts, air compressor, or ride height sensors as needed.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per strut, $500 - $1,500 for the compressor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Control Arm Bushing Wear
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, especially over bumps. Loose steering, uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replace the worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 per control arm.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Navigation System/Display Screen Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Blank screen, unresponsive touch controls, distorted graphics, system reboots.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the navigation unit/display screen.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,500+ depending on the extent of the damage.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Bluetooth Connectivity Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty pairing devices, dropped connections, poor audio quality.
    • Solution: Update the navigation system software, replace the Bluetooth module, or check for wiring issues.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting the car, parasitic draw on the electrical system.
    • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic draw. Common culprits include aftermarket accessories, faulty relays, and failing modules.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the cause.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Automatic Trunk Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Trunk fails to open or close automatically, makes grinding noises, or operates intermittently.
    • Solution: Replace the trunk actuator motor or the entire trunk lift assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Power Folding Mirror Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Mirror fails to fold or unfold, makes grinding noises, operates intermittently.
    • Solution: Replace the folding mirror motor or the entire mirror assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per mirror.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Dash Cracking (Sun Damage)
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, especially in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
    • Solution: Replace the dashboard or use a dashboard cover to conceal the damage.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ for dashboard replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 2011 Lexus LS460, while a luxurious and generally reliable vehicle, does have some common issues. Engine problems can range from relatively minor VVTi actuator issues to more serious valve spring failures. Transmission issues, particularly with the torque converter and valve body, can also be costly. Air suspension problems (if equipped) are another potential source of expensive repairs. Electrical issues can be frustrating, and interior issues like dash cracking are common due to sun exposure. The severity and cost of these issues can vary, but it is important for potential buyers to be aware of these potential problems and have the vehicle thoroughly inspected before purchasing.

Lexus, LS460
Lexus LS460 2011
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