Model-year record
2021 Lexus LS
See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.
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Complaints filed
6
Reports to NHTSA, 2021
Safety recalls
1
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Not rated
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
24
EPA estimate
Known issues
Unknown Or Other issues lead owner complaints (33% of 6 reports), followed by engine (17%).
Share of all 6 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11478050, ODI 11654618.
Individual complaint reports(6)
Showing the 6 most recent reportsEngineMay 2026 · ODI 11740217Details +Close −
My vehicle has the V6 twin turbo engine that’s been recalled on other years and models and was diagnosed with an internal engine failure. The mechanic at the dealership couldn’t figure out the problem so an expert TAS Lexus specialist was called in and couldn’t figure out the problem either. They’ve had the car for 3 months and since they don’t know how to fix it they are telling me to just replace the engine with a used engine at a cost of $25,000. The vehicle is just out of warranty and Toyota/Lexus is refusing to cover any of the costs. The vehicle was serviced regularly so this shouldn’t have happened. This is a common problem with this model of engine. I believe it’s a design flaw as this model engine is assembled at different plants/locations and over long periods of time that would indicate a design flaw and not due to Toyota’s official stance of debris left in engine block during assembly. Toyota should recall and replace all these engines at no charge to the owner of the vehicle.
- Reported
- May 2026
- Incident date
- Feb 2026
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Exterior LightingApr 2026 · ODI 11734508Details +Close −
Both headlight assemblies on a 2021 Lexus LS 500 show external lens delamination, along with visible condensation inside the sealed units. The vehicle has been garage kept, has not been involved in any accidents, and has no external damage to the headlight assemblies. The outer lens surfaces are deteriorating, and moisture is present inside components that are designed to be sealed. The condition has progressively worsened over time. These issues reduce headlight clarity and light output, negatively affecting forward visibility during nighttime driving and creating a potential safety hazard.
- Reported
- Apr 2026
- Incident date
- Jun 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherApr 2025 · ODI 11654618Details +Close −
I was driving and my sunroof exploded sounding like a gun shot. The sunroof shattered and was blown apart on all 4 sides. Glass fell in my face and all over me
- Reported
- Apr 2025
- Incident date
- Apr 2025
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
TiresNov 2024 · ODI 11626674Details +Close −
OEM Bridgestone Turanza EL440 RFT 245/45 R20 These tires have not retained recommended air pressure for more than a few weeks at a time since new. Inspection earlier this year by a Bridgestone dealer found no problem with a tire that had lost 5 psi in a week. The tire subsequently began making a rotational noise that the Lexus dealer diagnosed as a slipped belt. Having replaced the defective tire, I now have the same noise symptoms arising in another tire. The dealer can find no reason for the chronic air loss in the two left side tires which, given the developing rotational noise, I expect will soon have similar belt failure. Dealer personnel admit that these tires are problematic. Bridgestone customer service has been unresponsive.
- Reported
- Nov 2024
- Incident date
- Jul 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
WheelsJan 2024 · ODI 11565488Details +Close −
The car slipped because of tread wear on the inner side of all four tires. Car has manufacturer installed tires.
- Reported
- Jan 2024
- Incident date
- Jan 2024
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Unknown Or OtherAug 2022 · ODI 11478050Details +Close −
Spontaneous shatter of tempered glass sunroof.
- Reported
- Aug 2022
- Incident date
- Aug 2022
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Recalls(1)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Air Bags · 24V275000Details +Close −
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.
Remedy: 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.
Open full NHTSA recall record →A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
No NHTSA crash test is on record for this year. Some vehicles and model years were not tested or do not have a published NCAP result.
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS 500h | 3.5L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S10) | 25 | 33 | 28 |
| LS 500h AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S10) | 23 | 29 | 26 |
| LS 500 | 3.4L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 18 | 29 | 22 |
| LS 500 AWD | 3.4L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S10) | 17 | 27 | 21 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
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Compare the year-by-year record
Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.
2021 Lexus LS: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2021 Lexus LS?
Owners filed 6 NHTSA complaints about the 2021 Lexus LS. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.
What are the most common problems on the 2021 Lexus LS?
The most-reported problem areas are Unknown Or Other (33% of complaints) and engine (17%).
How many recalls does the 2021 Lexus LS have?
1 recall has been issued that affect the 2021 Lexus LS, covering components such as air bags. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Lexus LS get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Lexus LS between 21 and 28 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.