Complaints Over Time
All Lexus Models
| Model | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| ES350 | 3,062 | 30 |
| RX | 2,230 | 15 |
| RX350 | 2,130 | 22 |
| IS 250 | 1,876 | 37 |
| ES300 | 1,724 | 0 |
| RX300 | 1,698 | 0 |
| ES | 1,606 | 8 |
| IS | 1,514 | 5 |
| RX330 | 1,318 | 6 |
| RX HYBRID | 946 | 22 |
| GS300 | 892 | 6 |
| LS400 | 848 | 0 |
| LS | 566 | 11 |
| ES330 | 564 | 2 |
| IS 350 | 558 | 60 |
| NX | 554 | 13 |
| GX470 | 478 | 3 |
| LS460 | 452 | 11 |
| GS 350 | 416 | 29 |
| GS | 400 | 3 |
| GX | 398 | 3 |
| ES 330 | 376 | 0 |
| CT | 372 | 0 |
| LS430 | 338 | 0 |
| IS 300 | 312 | 3 |
| GX460 | 258 | 28 |
| SC430 | 240 | 9 |
| HS 250 HYBRID | 212 | 4 |
| LX470 | 202 | 10 |
| ES 350 | 200 | 0 |
| GS400 | 160 | 0 |
| SC400 | 158 | 0 |
| HS | 154 | 3 |
| ES HYBRID | 132 | 13 |
| LX | 130 | 12 |
| LS460L | 124 | 8 |
| TX | 106 | 6 |
| LEXUS | 104 | 0 |
| RX 350 | 96 | 0 |
| LS 460 | 92 | 0 |
| GX 470 | 86 | 0 |
| NX200T | 86 | 1 |
| CT HYBRID | 78 | 2 |
| ES250 | 78 | 2 |
| SC300 | 74 | 0 |
| GS430 | 70 | 0 |
| NX300 | 60 | 2 |
| IS 350C | 58 | 28 |
| IS F | 52 | 25 |
| GS HYBRID | 50 | 10 |
| GS450H | 50 | 2 |
| IS 250C | 50 | 21 |
| LX450 | 46 | 0 |
| LX570 | 46 | 26 |
| RZ | 46 | 6 |
| IS200T | 44 | 2 |
| RC 350 | 42 | 4 |
| LS 430 | 40 | 0 |
| NX200 | 40 | 1 |
| SC | 40 | 22 |
| RX450H | 38 | 0 |
| UX | 30 | 0 |
| RC F | 28 | 7 |
| LX 470 | 26 | 0 |
| NX HYBRID | 26 | 9 |
| UX HYBRID | 24 | 2 |
| RC | 22 | 0 |
| RC 200T | 20 | 2 |
| LC500 | 18 | 7 |
| UX200 | 18 | 1 |
| ES 300H | 16 | 0 |
| LS500 | 16 | 6 |
| GS460 | 14 | 5 |
| LS600HL | 14 | 5 |
| SC 430 | 14 | 0 |
| LC | 12 | 3 |
| LS HYBRID | 10 | 13 |
| LX 570 | 6 | 0 |
| NX450H+ | 6 | 3 |
| GS 200T | 4 | 1 |
| LE300 | 4 | 0 |
| RC 300 | 4 | 3 |
| TX HYBRID | 4 | 4 |
| LS600H | 2 | 2 |
| NX250 | 2 | 4 |
| NX350 | 2 | 4 |
| NX350H | 2 | 2 |
| RX 351 | 2 | 0 |
| RX PLUG-IN HYBRID | 2 | 3 |
| GS F | 0 | 3 |
| LC HYBRID | 0 | 8 |
| LFA | 0 | 1 |
| LX HYBRID | 0 | 1 |
| LX600 | 0 | 1 |
| NX PLUG-IN HYBRID | 0 | 1 |
| RX350L | 0 | 5 |
| RX500H | 0 | 1 |
| TX PLUG-IN HYBRID | 0 | 3 |
Lexus Models to Avoid
The RX series, despite its popularity, has accumulated the most complaints and warrants careful inspection on used purchases. ES series vehicles show higher complaint counts than might be expected for a midsize sedan, particularly in earlier generations. IS series cars have experienced transmission and electrical issues that owners report frequently. GS series models have become less common but still carry concerns around suspension and brake durability. LS series vehicles, while generally solid, have aging issues when reaching higher mileage thresholds.
Most Reliable Lexus Models
The RX series, despite its complaint volume, remains one of the most reliable luxury SUVs when properly maintained. ES series sedans deliver dependable daily transportation with strong resale value. IS series coupes and sedans offer predictable performance and durability for sport-luxury buyers who maintain their vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lexus reliable?
Yes, Lexus is reliable. The brand benefits from Toyota's engineering and builds vehicles with solid bones and dependable mechanical systems. While any luxury vehicle requires proper maintenance, Lexus ownership typically results in fewer unplanned repairs than competing luxury brands.
What Lexus models to avoid?
Avoid early RX models from the 2000s if purchasing used, as they have documented transmission issues. First-generation IS-F models have expensive repair costs and less refined reliability. Early ES generations show higher-than-expected electrical problems and deserve pre-purchase inspection.
Most reliable Lexus?
The ES series offers the best reliability for the money, combining simplicity with Toyota engineering. RX series SUVs are exceptionally durable when maintained properly, though they attract complaints due to their high volume on the road. LS series sedans deliver reliability in the luxury segment when you find a well-maintained example.
Common Lexus problems?
Transmission hesitation and delayed shifting affect multiple RX and ES generations. Electrical gremlins including dashboard failures and sensor issues appear across multiple model lines. Suspension wear and brake issues emerge sooner than expected on some older models, particularly in higher-mileage vehicles.