2019 Lexus LS500

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2019 Lexus LS 500, organized by category and configuration. This information is based on publicly available data from owner forums, technical service bulletins, and recall databases.

The 2019 Lexus LS 500 is a full-size luxury sedan known for its comfortable ride, opulent interior, and refined driving experience. It comes standard with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Some owners praise the LS 500 for its smooth power delivery, quiet cabin, and advanced technology features. Common criticisms include the somewhat unintuitive infotainment system and the lack of a traditional V8 engine option. A hybrid version, the LS 500h, is also available which utilizes a 3.5L V6 paired with two electric motors for a combined output of 354 horsepower.

Engine

3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 (V35A-FTS)

• Wastegate Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation during acceleration, reduced power, check engine light. This is often due to the wastegate actuator rod becoming stuck or malfunctioning.
  • Solution: Replacement of the wastegate actuator or the entire turbocharger assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ (depending on whether the actuator or entire turbocharger needs replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, check engine light. Fuel injectors may become clogged or fail, leading to improper fuel delivery.
  • Solution: Fuel injector cleaning or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (depending on the number of injectors replaced).
  • Recalls: None Found

3.5L V6 Hybrid (8GR-FXS)

No Issues Found

Transmission

AWR10L65 10-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough or jerky shifts, especially between lower gears. Some owners report hesitation during acceleration from a stop. This can sometimes be attributed to software glitches or mechanical issues within the transmission.
  • Solution: Transmission control module (TCM) reprogramming, valve body replacement, or, in severe cases, transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (TCM reprogram) - $5,000+ (Transmission Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Leaks (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting unevenly, compressor running excessively, “suspension height low” warning light. Air struts or air lines may develop leaks.
  • Solution: Replacement of leaking air struts or air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ (per strut, depending on location and shop rates).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Knocking Sound Over Bumps
  • Description/Symptoms: A knocking or rattling sound coming from the suspension when driving over bumps. This could be caused by worn sway bar links or bushings.
  • Solution: Replacing the worn sway bar links or bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$500
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Rebooting
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or spontaneously reboots. This can be due to software glitches or hardware issues.
  • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $2,000+ (unit replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring)
  • Description/Symptoms: Parking sensors not working properly, false alarms from blind spot monitoring system. This may require recalibration or replacement of the affected sensors.
  • Solution: Sensor recalibration or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (per sensor, depending on type and location).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle’s battery drains quickly, especially if left sitting for a few days. This may be caused by a parasitic draw from an electrical component.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the parasitic draw. This may involve tracing the circuit and replacing the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ (depending on the complexity of the issue).
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Automatic Trunk Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The automatic trunk not opening or closing correctly, trunk makes unusual noises.
  • Solution: Replacement of struts or motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$500
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or making excessive noise. May be due to a faulty motor or damaged tracks.
  • Solution: Lubrication of tracks, motor replacement, or track repair/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the severity of the issue).
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2019 Lexus LS 500, while a luxurious and generally reliable vehicle, has exhibited some common issues. Engine problems, particularly with the turbocharger wastegate actuators, can be costly. Transmission issues, especially rough shifting, are also a point of concern. Electrical problems, like infotainment glitches and sensor malfunctions, can be frustrating. Suspension issues, specifically with the air suspension (if equipped) are expensive to repair. While the LS 500 does not have any high-profile widespread issues or recalls, potential buyers should be aware of these potential problem areas and carefully inspect any vehicle they are considering purchasing. The cost of repairs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand dollars for major component replacements.