LS (XF30)
Data covers 3 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
3UZ-FE
4.3L 8-cyl / 300 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Lexus LS Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 3 additional engine variants with limited data
1UR-FSE
4.6L 8-cyl / 385 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
1UZ-FE
4.0L 8-cyl / 290 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
2UZ-FE
4.7L 8-cyl / 227 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Lexus LS, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2001-2006 Lexus LS
On a used 2001-2006 Lexus LS, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the body and structure (56), the wheels and tires (20) and the airbags and driver-assist systems (18). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 56 owner complaints on the 2001-2006 Lexus LS about the body and structure.
- Measure the tread on all four tires, read the date codes and look at each wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 20 owner complaints on the 2001-2006 Lexus LS about the wheels and tires.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 18 owner complaints on the 2001-2006 Lexus LS about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 16 owner complaints on the 2001-2006 Lexus LS about the brakes.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 11 owner complaints on the 2001-2006 Lexus LS about the engine.
Recalls (6)
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.
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.
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR, WHICH IS USED IN THE SIDE AIR BAG, THE CURTAIN SHIELD AIR BAG, AND THE KNEE AIR BAG ASSEMBLY, SOME INFLATORS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF THE HEATING AGENTS NECESSARY FOR PROPER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. IN THIS CONDITION, THE EXPANSION FORCE OF THE GAS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT TO PROPERLY INFLATE THE AIR BAG WHEN THE SRS SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED DURING A CRASH.
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.
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS OPERATED QUICKLY, A SMALL PIECE OF METAL MAY SEPARATE FROM A RETAINING COLLAR LOCATED IN THE INNER PART OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THIS SMALL PIECE OF METAL MAY BECOME CAUGHT IN THE PARKING LOCK MECHANISM.
Show 1 older recall
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE IMPELLER INSIDE THE FUEL PUMP MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MOLDED DUE TO A MANUFACTURING ERROR. ALCOHOL IN SOME FUELS MAY DEFORM THE IMPELLER AND CAUSE IT TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE PUMP HOUSING.
All Generations
Alternatives in Full-Size Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2001-2006 Lexus LS complaints?
Owners have filed 194 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001-2006 Lexus LS. The systems they name most often are the body and trim, the wheels and tires and the safety systems.
Is the 2001-2006 Lexus LS a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 194 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001-2006 Lexus LS. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001-2006 Lexus LS have?
NHTSA has 194 owner complaints on file for the 2001-2006 Lexus LS as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2001-2006 Lexus LS?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls covering some 2001-2006 Lexus LS vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Lexus LS?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the body and trim, the wheels and tires and the safety systems, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the LS have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2001-2006 Lexus LS. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 194 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.