repaired · 2026 Q1
Occupant classification: front passenger
Risk. Incorrect detection of an occupant may result in improper air bag deployment during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
2018 Lexus LSProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 16 owner complaints about the 2018 Lexus LS, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-275 the manufacturer reports only 80% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 31, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Lexus LS has problems
16 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
4Engine
3Electrical system
3Wheels
2Power train
2Engine and engine cooling
2Fuel/propulsion system
1Forward collision avoidance
1Steering
1Seats
11 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Wheels | 3 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 |
| 1 other systems | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2018 Lexus LS recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2020 Q3
Tires
Risk. If the tire tread layer separates from the vehicle, vehicle handling and stability may be affected, increasing the risk of crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Lexus.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other LS year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the LS median. How we score
'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'18'19'20'21'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What LS owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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…
Own a 2018 LS?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.