2018 Lexus LS recalls and problems

The 2018 Lexus LS has 2 safety recalls and 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Lexus dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2018 Lexus LS vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 Lexus LS recalls

Recall 24V-275: Air Bags

Reported Apr 17, 2024 · 509 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Lexus LS500 and 2018-2020 Lexus LS500 Hybrid vehicles equipped with the "Executive Package." The front passenger seat may have been assembled with interference between internal parts that can cause the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor to incorrectly detect the occupant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: Incorrect detection of an occupant may result in improper air bag deployment during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the front passenger seat, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 7, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 24LA03.

Recall 19V-134: Tires

Reported Feb 27, 2019 · 6,296 vehicles affected · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Problem: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Lexus LS vehicles equipped with run-flat tires with a sidewall reinforcement layer inside the tire. The tire-on-wheel assembly process may have caused the reinforcement layer to crack, possibly resulting in the tire tread layer separating from the tire.

Risk: If the tire tread layer separates from the vehicle, vehicle handling and stability may be affected, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and Lexus dealers will replace the affected tires, free of charge. The recall began April 26, 2019. Owners may contact Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. The Toyota number for this recall is KLC.

2018 Lexus LS problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	4
Electrical System	3
Unknown or Other	3
Wheels	3
Power Train	2
Fuel/Propulsion System	2
Engine and Engine Cooling	2
Tires	1
Steering	1
Forward Collision Avoidance	1
Seats	1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 8,300 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 Lexus LS complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · reported Oct 31, 2026

I am submitting this complaint to Lexus Customer Relations and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding a potential defect involving the front differential carrier seals in my 2018 Lexus LS 500 AWD. The vehicle was diagnosed with leaking inner and outer front differential carrier seals, with an estimated repair cost of $5,875.38. My concern is that failure of relatively small sealing components may require extensive drivetrain disassembly, reportedly including engine removal, resulting in disproportionately high repair costs. Differential fluid loss can compromise…

Engine · reported Oct 11, 2026

Main rod bearing failure in the motor. No lights on the dash. Pulling away from the traffic light, heard loud banging from the engine and loss of power. Two blocks away from home, fortunately the car made it. 97,500 miles on the car. Oil was changed at Len Stoler Lexus 1,242 ago. Service history of maintenance is superb. Had the vehicle towed to Pro Care Auto in Reisterstown Maryland, where that stated the main rod bearings failed. Estimate for engine replacement $20,000. Towed vehicle to Len Stoler Lexus where they found the same diagnostic results. I asked to get help from customer service…

Engine · reported Jul 20, 2026

At 55,310 miles the car stalled without warning while driving at low speed. The car was towed to a Lexus dealership and it was reported by the dealer after inspection that the engine had seized. The vehicle is available for inspection. The motor failed while driving the vehicle. The V35A-FTS engine has numerous reports of main bearing failure and is subject to a recall for other models that have this engine, however, the Lexus LS500 model is not included in the recall despite having the same/similar catastrophic engine failure with low miles. Lexus corporate has been notified and has contacted…

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 36,000 miles · reported Apr 20, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Lexus LS 500. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle coasted and was steered over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where the oil was drained and the cap and filter were removed. The contact stated that there were metal shavings inside the oil. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was no oil in the engine and that the oil filter was not the correct oil filter. Additionally, the contact was informed that the engine had…

Engine · reported Oct 28, 2025

VIN: [XXX] Current Mileage: 70,440 Vehicle: 2018 Lexus LS500 In November 2021, I purchased this vehicle with approximately 19,000 miles. Routine maintenance was performed every 7,500 miles. At approximately 44,000 miles (in 2023), the vehicle experienced severe engine failure following warning lights for Parking Support Brake Malfunction, Secondary Collision Brake System Malfunction, Check Engine, Reduced Engine Power, and Traction Control Off. The vehicle lost power and stalled. The engine began emitting smoke and was replaced under manufacturer warranty in March 2024 at a Lexus dealership.…

Other Lexus LS years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Lexus LS have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Lexus LS: 24V-275 (air bags), 19V-134 (tires). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Lexus LS?

Owners report engine problems most often (4 reports), followed by electrical system (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 8,300 miles.

Are Lexus recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Lexus dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.