2020 Lexus LC500
The 2020 Lexus LC 500 is a luxury grand tourer known for its striking design, comfortable ride, and engaging driving experience. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid variant, the LC 500h, features a 3.5-liter V6 engine combined with an electric motor, producing a total system output of 354 horsepower, using a unique multi-stage hybrid transmission. Owners often praise the LC 500 for its stunning aesthetics, luxurious interior, and the powerful sound of the V8 engine. Common criticisms include the limited rear seat space, the sometimes cumbersome infotainment system, and the relatively high price point.
Engine
5.0L V8 (2UR-GSE)
- Fuel Injector Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, reduced fuel economy, and potentially a check engine light illuminating. Can happen randomly at any time.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty fuel injector(s). Diagnosis includes checking fuel pressure, injector pulse, and visual inspection.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per injector, depending on dealer vs. independent mechanic and number of injectors replaced.
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leak from Valve Cover Gaskets
- Description/Symptoms: Oil drips or puddles under the vehicle, burning oil smell, visible oil residue on the engine.
- Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+, depending on location and shop rates.
- Recalls: None Found
3.5L V6 Hybrid (2GR-FXS)
No Issues Found
Transmission
AWR10L65 10-Speed Automatic (Paired with 5.0L V8)
- Harsh or Delayed Shifts
- Description/Symptoms: Noticeable hesitation or abruptness during gear changes, especially at lower speeds.
- Solution: Software update to the transmission control module (TCM). In some cases, valve body replacement or transmission rebuild may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update $150-$300, Valve body replacement $1500 - $3500+, Transmission rebuild $4000 - $7000+.
- Recalls: None Found
- Transmission Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle RPMs spike under acceleration without a corresponding increase in speed, indicating that the transmission is not properly engaging the gears.
- Solution: The fix can range from a software update or fluid change to a valve body replacement or a complete transmission rebuild, depending on the severity and cause of the slippage.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update $150-$300, Valve body replacement $1500 - $3500+, Transmission rebuild $4000 - $7000+.
- Recalls: None Found
Multi-Stage Hybrid Transmission (Paired with 3.5L V6 Hybrid)
No Issues Found
Suspension
- Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) Malfunction
- Description/Symptoms: Ride quality becomes overly stiff or bouncy, warning lights appear on the dashboard, and error codes related to the AVS system are stored.
- Solution: Diagnosis to identify the faulty component (e.g., shock absorber, sensor, or control module). Replacement of the defective part.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ per shock absorber, plus labor and diagnostic fees.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Infotainment System Freezing or Rebooting
- Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen becomes unresponsive, freezes intermittently, or spontaneously reboots.
- Solution: Software update to the infotainment system. If the problem persists, replacement of the infotainment unit may be required.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update (if available) is typically free at the dealership. Replacement of the infotainment unit could range from $1,500 to $3,000+.
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The vehicle’s battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not driven for several days. This can lead to difficulty starting the engine.
- Solution: Identify the parasitic drain using diagnostic tools. Common culprits include faulty relays, aftermarket accessories, or a failing battery. Replacing the battery may be a temporary fix, but addressing the underlying issue is essential.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Battery Replacement $200 - $500, Diagnosis and parasitic draw repair $100-$500+.
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Automatic Trunk/Hatch Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The trunk/hatch fails to open or close automatically, or it may only open/close partially. The problem could be intermittent.
- Solution: Check the trunk/hatch struts and motor. Replacement of the strut or motor may be needed.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Strut Replacement $200-$500+, Motor Replacement $500-$1000+.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Navigation System Errors
- Description/Symptoms: Inaccurate GPS location, inability to find destinations, system freezing.
- Solution: Software update, GPS antenna replacement, or head unit replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: GPS antenna replacement ($200-$400), head unit replacement ($1500-$3000+).
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2020 Lexus LC 500 is a generally reliable luxury vehicle, but some owners have reported issues, mainly concerning the fuel injectors, and oil leaks on the V8 engine, as well as shift quality on the 10-speed transmission. Infotainment glitches and AVS malfunctions can also occur, contributing to repair costs. While some fixes like software updates are relatively inexpensive, more significant issues, such as fuel injector replacements or transmission repairs, can lead to considerable expenses. Overall, prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor them into their purchasing decision.