Lexus

LS (XF30)

2001-2006 · Full-Size Sedan · 8 engines
Best Engine Recommended (4.7)
203 NHTSA Complaints
3 Recalls
3 Fire Reports
43 Crash Reports

Engine Reliability Comparison

C35A1

3.5L 6-cyl / 210 hp
Recommended (4.7)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
1

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class (2003-2009)LEXUS LS (2001-2006)HONDA Accord (2000-2002)ACURA RL (2000-2004)

1UZ-FE

4.0L 8-cyl / 290 hp
Recommended (4.7)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

interior
1

Known Issues

Interior Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

LEXUS GS (2000-2005)LEXUS LS (2000-2000)LEXUS LS (2001-2006)TOYOTA Prius (2010-2015)LEXUS RX (2004-2009)

2JZ-GE

3.0L 6-cyl / 215 hp
Recommended (4.7)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

interior
1

Known Issues

Interior Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

LEXUS ES (2000-2001)MAZDA CX-7 (2007-2012)LEXUS GS (2000-2005)LEXUS LX (2000-2007)LEXUS RX (2000-2003)LEXUS SC (2001-2001)LEXUS IS (2001-2005)LEXUS LS (2001-2006) +3 more

2GR-FE

3.5L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.7)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

exterior
1

Known Issues

Exterior Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

JEEP Grand Cherokee (2011-2021)HONDA Pilot (2016-2022)TOYOTA Camry (2002-2006)LEXUS IS (2006-2013)JEEP Wrangler (2007-2018)LOTUS Evora (2014-2014)LOTUS Evora (2017-2017)TOYOTA Venza (2009-2015) +44 more

3MZ

3.3L 6-cyl / 230 hp
Recommended (4.7)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
1

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

TOYOTA Camry (2002-2006)LEXUS LS (2001-2006)TOYOTA Prius (2016-2022)LEXUS GS (2006-2011)LEXUS ES (2007-2012)LEXUS ES (2002-2006)

2UZ-FE

4.7L 8-cyl / 227 hp
Recommended (4.7)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
1

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

TOYOTA Camry (2002-2006)TOYOTA Toyota Truck (2000-2000)HONDA Pilot (2003-2008)TOYOTA Toyota Truck (2003-2003)TOYOTA Highlander (2001-2007)TOYOTA Prius (2000-2003)TOYOTA Avalon (2000-2004)LEXUS LX (2000-2007) +44 more

1UR-FSE

4.6L 8-cyl / 385 hp
Recommended (4.1)
3 complaints 3.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

wheels tires
2
body
1

Known Issues

Wheels/Tires Issues (2 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

LEXUS LS (2007-2017)LEXUS LX (2000-2007)LEXUS LS (2001-2006)LEXUS GS (2006-2011)

3UZ-FE

4.3L 8-cyl / 300 hp
Avoid (1.5)
146 complaints 24.3 per year Gasoline
1 fire report 1 fatality
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
42
other
35
wheels tires
16
safety systems
14
brakes
13

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (42 complaints)
Wheels/Tires Issues (16 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (14 complaints)

Also found in

CADILLAC Escalade (2007-2014)LEXUS GS (2000-2005)LEXUS LX (2000-2007)HUMMER H3 (2006-2010)LEXUS LS (2001-2006)TOYOTA Prius (2010-2015)LEXUS GS (2006-2011)LEXUS RX (2004-2009) +2 more

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Lexus LS regardless of engine variant.

Body/Trim Issues (43 complaints)
body critical
Wheels/Tires Issues (18 complaints)
wheels_tires critical
Safety Systems Issues (15 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Brakes Issues (14 complaints)
brakes critical

Recalls (3)

09E012000Jul 3, 2009serious
Exterior Lighting

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

06E026000Mar 22, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

06E056000Jun 12, 2006serious
Fuel System

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2001-2006 Lexus LS problems?

The 2001-2006 Lexus LS has accumulated 203 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Body/Trim, Wheels/Tires, Safety Systems. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Lexus LS engine is most reliable?

The 2001-2006 Lexus LS was offered with 8 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 4.3L 8-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2001-2006 Lexus LS a good used car?

The 2001-2006 Lexus LS can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 203 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001-2006 Lexus LS have?

The 2001-2006 Lexus LS has 203 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2001-2006 Lexus LS?

There are 3 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2001-2006 Lexus LS vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Lexus LS?

Before buying a used Lexus LS, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Body/Trim, Wheels/Tires, Safety Systems, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 203 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

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