Is the Lexus LS reliable?
34% of the 27 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 54/100 — it scores noticeably below average.
27
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections54/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/10034%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 53%Across 27 used Lexus LSs we inspected, this model scores noticeably below average — average condition 54/100 vs 61 for all cars we check. Every number on this page comes from real pre-purchase inspections — cars people were about to buy and paid an independent inspector to go through point by point, engine to underbody, paint depth to error codes. Not owner surveys, not warranty statistics, not forum lore: what we actually found.
What we found
Most common faults
Oil leaks · Engine
67%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
56%
Cracked or torn suspension bushings · Suspension
56%
Fuel trim out of range · Engine
48%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
37%
Share of inspected Lexus LSs where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 4%
Good 30%
Mediocre 48%
Poor 19%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.
81%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
4%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
26%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 23%
More on Lexus
GS
25 cars · 72% good
RX
72 cars · 63% good
IS
39 cars · 54% good
ES
48 cars · 39% good
GX
26 cars · 31% good
Other Lexus models we've inspected — or see the full Lexus profile.
Straight from recent Lexus LS reports
2005 Lexus LS · 110k mi — flagged: low coolant / cooling system issues, oil leaks, charging voltage. Inspected Jun 30.
2005 Lexus LS · 94k mi — flagged: fault codes recently cleared, engine control module, vibration. Inspected Jun 19.
The bottom line
Engine oil leaks show up on 67% of these LS cars and cracked suspension bushings nearly as often, with active error codes and fuel-trim problems rounding out a picture of deferred maintenance. The 81% repaint rate means prior body work is the norm, so verify panel history carefully. When you find one, go straight to the engine for leaks and trims, scan every module, and inspect the bushings and tires first. Any combination of those faults is reason to push for a big price cut or walk, since the typical example sits well below excellent and will cost you soon enough.
FAQ
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What are the most common problems on a used Lexus LS?
The items we flag most often are oil leaks (67%), active error codes (56%), cracked or torn suspension bushings (56%). Have these checked before buying.
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Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 26% of these cars the ECU codes had been erased shortly before sale, which can hide active faults. Ask for a diagnostic scan and start the engine from cold.
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Based on 27 inspections · updated Aug 1, 2026
