BestCarRank
Lexus

2018 Lexus LC500

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Lexus LC500 has 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 7. The most common issue is other problems (43% of all complaints), specifically: blind spot monitors on outside mirrors only register at best only approximately 50% of the time when a car is passed. this happens when my car is moving at different speeds, on different types of roads, and with varying types of vehicles passed (ie.semis, sports cars, box trucks, etc.).. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.

7

Total Complaints

3

Recalls Issued

/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 4 of 4)

OTHER

3 complaints
43%
  • BLIND SPOT MONITORS ON OUTSIDE MIRRORS ONLY REGISTER AT BEST ONLY APPROXIMATELY 50% OF THE TIME WHEN A CAR IS PASSED. THIS HAPPENS WHEN MY CAR IS MOVING AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS, ON DIFFERENT TYPES OF ROADS, AND WITH VARYING TYPES OF VEHICLES PASSED (IE.SEMIS, SPORTS CARS, BOX TRUCKS, ETC.).
  • THIS IS AN ADDENDUM TO MY PREVIOUS COMPLAINT NUMBER 11021722 REGARDING MALFUNCTION OF BLIND SPOT MONITORS AS I NEGLECTED TO INCLUDE THE HISTORY I HAVE HAD WITH THE DEALER. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER NO LESS THAN 4 TIMES. INITIALLY THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM (TECHNICIAN RODE WI
  • Driver’s side door handle/mechanism/latch failure results in issues with opening and closing door representing a potentially major safety issue. Door could open on its own at highway speeds resulting in mass injury and/or death resultant from driver falling out of uncontrolled vehicle. Multiple ow
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

BLIND SPOT MONITORS ON OUTSIDE MIRRORS ONLY REGISTER AT BEST ONLY APPROXIMATELY 50% OF THE TIME WHEN A CAR IS PASSED. THIS HAPPENS WHEN MY CAR IS MOVING AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS, ON DIFFERENT TYPES OF ROADS, AND WITH VARYING TYPES OF VEHICLES PASSED (IE.SEMIS, SPORTS CARS, BOX TRUCKS, ETC.).

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (3)

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP04/11/2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Lexus LC500

Live EIA prices
Per year
$2,527
Per month
$211
Per mile
21.1¢
MPG
19
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$3,001/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$1,847/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today
Current
$4.00
5-year low
$2.78
5-year high
$5.01
Since 2021
+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Lexus LC500

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$2,143
Full coverage / month
$179
Liability only / year
$710
vs US avg
+28%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating1.00x
× vehicle age1.00x
= Full coverage estimate$2143

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Lexus LC500 Service Intervals

Oil change
10K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
5K mi
Brake fluid
30 months
Transmission fluid
60K mi
Engine coolant
100K mi
Spark plugs
120K mi
Cabin air filter
30K mi
Engine air filter
30K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
60K mi

Toyota Motor Corporation-recommended 10K interval with 0W-20 synthetic. Hybrid models use conventional service intervals; battery is 10-year warranty.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Lexus New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
4 yr / 50K mi
Powertrain
6 yr / 70K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
10 yr / 150K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
6 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr / unlimited mi

Hybrid battery is now 10yr/150K miles for 2020+ hybrids

These are the terms for a new Lexus. If you're buying a used 2018 LC500, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Lexus dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

OTHER(~50K mi)
$500
FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)
$500
BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 7 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • OTHER: BLIND SPOT MONITORS ON OUTSIDE MIRRORS ONLY REGISTER AT BEST ONLY APPROXIMATELY 50% OF THE TIME WHEN A CAR IS PASSED. THIS HAPPENS WHEN MY CAR IS MOVING AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS, ON DIFFERENT TYPES OF ROADS, AND WITH VARYING TYPES OF VEHICLES PASSED (IE.SEMIS, SPORTS CARS, BOX TRUCKS, ETC.).

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • FUEL SYSTEM: BROUGHT CAR INTO DEALERSHIP FOR A FUEL PUMP RECALL . I TOOK IT HOME AND PARKED IT IN THE GARAGE TILL LATER THAT WEEK . WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT I NOTICED IT HAD A SMILE AND SMOKE CAME OUT INTO THE CABIN . SO PULLED OVER AND CALLED MY LOCAL LEXUS DEALER AND TOLD THEM WHAT WAES GOING ON . THE SERVICE MA

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • BODY/STRUCTURE: Driver’s side door handle/mechanism/latch failure results in issues with opening and closing door representing a potentially major safety issue. Door could open on its own at highway speeds resulting in mass injury and/or death resultant from driver falling out of uncontrolled vehicle. Multiple ow

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ELECTRICAL: Driver’s side door handle/mechanism/latch failure results in issues with opening and closing door representing a potentially major safety issue. Door could open on its own at highway speeds resulting in mass injury and/or death resultant from driver falling out of uncontrolled vehicle. Multiple ow

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Lexus dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Lexus LC500 — Year Comparison

How does 2018 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
7
Recalls
3
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
0
Injury reports
0
Segment avg
7

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2018 Lexus LC500