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2024 Lexus LS500

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2024 Lexus LS 500 is a flagship luxury sedan known for its smooth 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. A hybrid version, the LS 500h, is also available, combining a 3.5-liter V6 with an electric motor. Owners often praise the LS 500 for its comfortable seats, quiet cabin, and advanced technology. However, some criticisms include the infotainment system’s touchpad interface, which can be distracting to use while driving, and the car’s somewhat conservative styling compared to some of its rivals. This analysis focuses on common issues reported specifically for the 2024 LS 500, categorized for clarity.

Engine

3.5L Twin-Turbo V6

  • Turbocharger Wastegate Actuator Malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine may exhibit reduced power, hesitation during acceleration, or unusual whistling noises from the engine bay. Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) related to turbocharger boost pressure may be present.
    • Solution: Replacement of the affected turbocharger wastegate actuator or, in some cases, the entire turbocharger assembly. A software update may be available to optimize the wastegate control.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2500+ depending on whether just the actuator can be replaced or the entire turbo needs to be replaced.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Fuel Injector Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, reduced fuel economy, and potential difficulty starting the engine. Check engine light may illuminate with codes related to fuel injector performance.
    • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the faulty injector(s) followed by replacement. Cleaning the fuel injectors may offer a temporary solution in some cases.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1200+ depending on the number of injectors that need to be replaced.
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

10-Speed Automatic

  • Harsh Shifting/Jerking
    • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable harshness during gear changes, particularly between lower gears (1st-3rd). The transmission may exhibit jerking or shuddering during acceleration or deceleration.
    • Solution: A transmission control module (TCM) software update can often improve shift quality. If the problem persists, a more detailed inspection of the transmission may be required, including checking fluid levels and condition. Replacement of valve body components or the entire transmission may be necessary in severe cases.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 for software update, $500-$1500+ for valve body repair, $5000+ for transmission replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Delayed Engagement
    • Description/Symptoms: A noticeable delay between shifting into Drive or Reverse and the vehicle actually moving. This can be accompanied by a slight “clunk” sound.
    • Solution: Check the transmission fluid level and condition. A fluid flush and refill with the correct type of fluid may resolve the issue. If the problem persists, internal transmission damage may be present, requiring more extensive repairs or replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150-$300 for fluid flush, $3000+ for internal repairs, $5000+ for transmission replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Compressor Failure (if equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle may sit unevenly or lower than normal. A warning light related to the air suspension system may be illuminated. The air suspension compressor may be excessively noisy or fail to activate.
    • Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor. Check for leaks in the air lines and struts.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2500+ depending on the shop labor rates.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) Malfunction (if equipped)
    • Description/Symptoms: Stiff or unusually harsh ride, regardless of the selected drive mode. A warning light may be illuminated.
    • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the faulty AVS component (shock absorber, sensor, or control module). Replacement of the affected component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ depending on the failed component.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Infotainment System Glitches/Freezing
    • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system may occasionally freeze, become unresponsive to touch or touchpad inputs, or exhibit software glitches.
    • Solution: Performing a system reset (often by holding down the power button). Software updates from Lexus may address these issues. In some cases, replacement of the infotainment system control module may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 for reset/software update, $1000+ for module replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sensor Malfunctions (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring)
    • Description/Symptoms: False alarms from parking sensors, failure of blind spot monitoring system, or other sensor-related issues.
    • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the faulty sensor(s). Replacement of the affected sensor(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per sensor depending on the sensor location and labor rates.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Automatic Trunk Lid/Hatchback Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The automatic trunk lid/hatchback may fail to open or close properly, or may exhibit slow or jerky movement.
    • Solution: Check the hydraulic struts and hinges for damage or wear. Lubricate moving parts. If the problem persists, the motor or control module may need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ for strut replacement, $500 - $1500+ for motor/module replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Power Seat Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: One or more of the power seat functions (adjustment, lumbar support) may stop working.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof may become stuck, make unusual noises, or leak.
    • Solution: Inspection of the sunroof tracks and mechanism. Lubrication and cleaning of the tracks. Replacement of the sunroof motor or seals may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 for lubrication/cleaning, $400 - $1200+ for motor/seal replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2024 Lexus LS 500, while generally reliable, can experience issues related to its turbochargers, transmission, suspension, electrical systems, and interior components. The severity and cost of these issues can vary widely. Some problems, like infotainment glitches, may be minor inconveniences, while others, like turbocharger or transmission failures, can be more significant and costly to repair. It is crucial for potential buyers to be aware of these potential issues and to have the vehicle thoroughly inspected by a qualified mechanic before purchase. Regularly scheduled maintenance is also essential to minimize the risk of these problems occurring.

Lexus, LS500
Lexus LS500 2024
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