Is the 2018 Lexus LS reliable?

The 2018 Lexus LS has 19 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.4x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Lexus LS?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (3 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (3 complaints, avg repair $500); WHEELS (3 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Lexus LS?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): TIRES:SIDEWALL, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER. Contact any Lexus dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Lexus LS?

The 2018 Lexus LS gets 23 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2087. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Lexus LS?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Lexus LS is approximately $2,143/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2018 Lexus LS

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Lexus LS has 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.4x the segment average of 8. The most common issue is electrical problems (16% of all complaints), specifically: the collision avoidance system blows fuses and stops working, but the light on the dash continues to indicate that everything is working. in other words, there is no way to learn that the collision system is offline unless you're willing to simulate a near certain collision (which i did with the . There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

2.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ELECTRICAL

3 complaints

16%

• THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM BLOWS FUSES AND STOPS WORKING, BUT THE LIGHT ON THE DASH CONTINUES TO INDICATE THAT EVERYTHING IS WORKING. IN OTHER WORDS, THERE IS NO WAY TO LEARN THAT THE COLLISION SYSTEM IS OFFLINE UNLESS YOU'RE WILLING TO SIMULATE A NEAR CERTAIN COLLISION (WHICH I DID WITH THE
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 LEXUS LS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH A PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM, WHICH WAS SUPPOSED TO AID IN PREVENTING A CRASH. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, IT RELEASED THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS CUT OFF BY ANOTHER VE
• The vehicle exhibited 3 episodes of premature battery failure. Mileage of the vehicle is 6000 miles. Without any warning the car would just not start from a gas pump or such locations in the middle of the road. This is a dangerous problem because there was no warning that the battery is running l

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM BLOWS FUSES AND STOPS WORKING, BUT THE LIGHT ON THE DASH CONTINUES TO INDICATE THAT EVERYTHING IS WORKING. IN OTHER WORDS, THERE IS NO WAY TO LEARN THAT THE COLLISION SYSTEM IS OFFLINE UNLESS YOU'RE WILLING TO SIMULATE A NEAR CERTAIN COLLISION (WHICH I DID WITH THE ”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (2)

TIRES:SIDEWALL27/02/2019

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Lexus LS

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,087

Per month

$174

Per mile

17.4¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,527/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,600/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

Show:

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 LS

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.

Your state (affects local premium average)

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 LS 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 LS, 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

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

WHEELS(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 19 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM BLOWS FUSES AND STOPS WORKING, BUT THE LIGHT ON THE DASH CONTINUES TO INDICATE THAT EVERYTHING IS WORKING. IN OTHER WORDS, THERE IS NO WAY TO LEARN THAT THE COLLISION SYSTEM IS OFFLINE UNLESS YOU'RE WILLING TO SIMULATE A NEAR CERTAIN COLLISION (WHICH I DID WITH THE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: THE COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM BLOWS FUSES AND STOPS WORKING, BUT THE LIGHT ON THE DASH CONTINUES TO INDICATE THAT EVERYTHING IS WORKING. IN OTHER WORDS, THERE IS NO WAY TO LEARN THAT THE COLLISION SYSTEM IS OFFLINE UNLESS YOU'RE WILLING TO SIMULATE A NEAR CERTAIN COLLISION (WHICH I DID WITH THE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
WHEELS: I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT TODAY WITH LEXUS CORPORATION BECAUSE BOTH MY DEALERSHIP, NEW COUNTRY LEXUS OF LATHAM, AND LEXUS CORPORATION HAVE CHOSEN TO IGNORE THE DANGER THEY HAVE PLACED MYSELF AND MY FAMILY. I HAVE PURCHASED THREE LEXUS' OVER THE YEARS FROM NEW COUNTRY LEXUS AND AM VERY DISAPPOINTED
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: 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 li
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Lexus dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)