LS (XF30)
Engine Reliability Ratings
3UZ-FE
4.3L 8-cyl / 300 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
7 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Lexus LS regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (3)
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 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.
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.
All Generations
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.
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. 203 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.