The Test Drive: Get on board, and start with a full check of all on-board electronics. Confirm proper operation of the seat adjustment motors, the heated and chilled seat functions, and the seat memory system. Confirm that the climate control system works on all modes and fan speeds, and confirm proper operation from the stereo system, too, noting any sounds that could indicate a bad speaker. A repetitive clicking or buzzing sound could indicate a bad head unit.

While driving, be on the lookout for excessive bounciness or bounce-and-rebound from the suspension, especially in the rear. Some owners have reported bad or broken struts, often having them replaced under warranty. Bottoming out, or unwelcome clicking or banging noises when encountering a bump in the road, are other warning signs.

Here’s some more discussion about the suspension system in the Lexus LS.

And here’s a thread suggesting that the LS’s available air suspension system should last about 100,000 kilometres before the (pricey) shocks need to be replaced. Warning signs of a bad air shock, or a bad air suspension actuator, may include warning messages, excessively saggy or bouncy ride quality, a gentle thud or bump when hitting a bump, or rattling noises on rough surfaces. In virtually any car with air suspension, components will wear out and require expensive replacement—so avoid a used LS with air suspension if possible.

Be sure to ‘feel’ the brakes, during light, moderate and heavy application. Any unwelcome noises (squealing), or pulsations from the pedal (non-ABS related), or through the whole body of the car, could be signs of trouble. Some owners have reported issues with the ABS brake actuator, which will need to be replaced if it’s worn out.

Some owners have also reported simultaneous illumination of numerous warning lights in the instrument cluster, suggesting issues with the ABS brakes and stability control. Though this may point at a problem with the braking system, the likely culprit seems to be a weak or dying battery that’s failing to provide enough power to vehicle systems. Any warning lights detected should be investigated by a Lexus technician. A full ECU scan is also advised.

A weak battery may also cause issues with engine start up, likely presenting as intermittent delays between pressing the ‘engine start’ button, and the engine achieving ignition. Though this issue could be caused by a weak transponder remote battery or a bad engine start/stop switch too, a check of the battery and charging system is advised ahead of the purchase of any used LS. Here’s yet another car that will benefit from being connected to a trickle charger when it’s not being driven for extended periods.

Other issues include deteriorating moonroof seals, and the possibility of water leaking into the area where the moonroof parks, which could cause rust or other issues. Check the appearance of the moonroof seal, and the area where the moonrooof’s glass pane parks, for trouble signs and rust formation.

A few notes on the LS hybrid model. All used LS hybrid candidates should be checked by a Lexus technician before purchase, confirming that all electronics are operating properly, that all recalls and software updates have been carried out, and that all fluid changes (as applicable, and especially relating to the CVT transmission) are up to date, and have been performed at a Lexus dealer. Use of non-approved fluids can cause problems.

A final note: if the model you’re considering has remaining warranty, be sure to have the local dealer document any problems or issues you may experience as soon as possible – which may help speed up the warranty claim process, should it be required.

The Verdict: In your writer’s usual scouring of online owner forums, LS owners didn’t have a lengthy ‘STICKY’ section of frequently encountered problems posted atop other forum discussions. In all, though the LS has a few common issues to be aware of, this is a model that appears largely free of pervasive and systematic concerns present in comparable models. A used model with a clean bill of health should prove reliable and fuss-free for years to come.

Here’s some additional reading.

A few recalls

Crash Test Ratings
IIHS: Ratings here
NHTSA: N/A

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