2021 Lexus LS500

The 2021 Lexus LS500 represents the pinnacle of Lexus luxury, offering a smooth ride, a meticulously crafted interior, and a host of advanced technologies. However, even with Lexus’s reputation for reliability, some owners have reported issues. The LS500 is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. While many appreciate the LS500 for its comfortable ride, quiet cabin, and luxurious features, some criticisms include the somewhat controversial exterior styling, infotainment system complexity, and the lack of a V8 engine option that was a hallmark of previous LS models.

Engine

3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 (V35A-FTS)

• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with fuel injectors failing prematurely. Symptoms include rough idling, misfires, decreased fuel economy, and the check engine light illuminating.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty fuel injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

10-Speed Automatic (AA80E)

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported harsh or jerky shifting, particularly between lower gears. This can manifest as a noticeable lurch or hesitation during acceleration.
  • Solution: Software updates, transmission fluid flush, valve body replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $3000+ (depending on the issue, a software update is cheap, while valve body replacement is more expensive)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Issues (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Models equipped with air suspension may experience issues like compressor failure, air leaks in the system, or uneven ride height. This can result in a bumpy ride, the car sitting lower than normal, or warning lights on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacing the air compressor, repairing or replacing leaking air struts or lines, recalibrating the system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ (depending on the component that needs replacing)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can be complex and prone to glitches, including slow response times, screen freezes, Bluetooth connectivity issues, and navigation errors.
  • Solution: Software updates, resetting the system, replacing the infotainment unit (in rare cases).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $2000+ (infotainment unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Issues with various sensors, such as parking sensors, blind spot monitoring sensors, or radar sensors for adaptive cruise control, can occur. This can result in false warnings, system malfunctions, or impaired driver assistance features.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor, recalibrating the system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ (per sensor, depending on location and complexity)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof/Moonroof Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the sunroof or moonroof, such as getting stuck, making excessive noise, or leaking.
  • Solution: Lubricating the tracks, repairing or replacing the motor, replacing the seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Automatic Trunk Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The automatic trunk can experience issues opening or closing properly. The trunk may stop mid-way during operation, fail to latch, or provide error messages.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the trunk motor, checking for obstructions, or resetting the system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Lexus LS500, while generally reliable, has reported issues ranging from minor infotainment glitches to more significant mechanical problems like fuel injector failures and air suspension problems. The severity and cost of these issues vary widely. Infotainment and sensor issues can often be resolved with software updates, while mechanical issues may require more extensive and costly repairs. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor them into their purchasing decision. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is highly recommended.