2018 Lexus Ls Safety Report

2018 Lexus LS: Low complaint volume, but two safety recalls for airbags and tires, and no NHTSA crash test ratings.

10Complaints
2Recalls
75/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Seats (1)Unknown Or Other (1)Wheels (1)Electrical System (1)Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Power Train (1)Electrical System,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Steering,Wheels,Unknown Or Other (1)Tires,Wheels (1)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Lexus Ls

The 2018 Lexus LS exhibits a relatively clean safety record based on the limited NHTSA data available, with only 10 total complaints, and no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. This suggests a generally robust safety profile for a luxury vehicle. However, the absence of NHTSA overall, frontal, side, and rollover safety ratings means its crashworthiness performance has not been independently assessed by the agency, which is a notable gap for potential buyers. Despite the low complaint volume, some patterns emerge. There are specific concerns related to the 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' (3 complaints, including one for 'FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' and another for 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER'), 'WHEELS' (3 complaints, including one for 'TIRES' and another for 'STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER'), and 'TIRES' (2 complaints). One complaint specifically mentions 'TIRES:SIDEWALL' issues, which aligns with one of the two recalls issued for this vehicle. Another complaint details 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' issues, where the system blows fuses but the dash light indicates it's working, posing a significant hidden safety risk. The vehicle has been subject to two recalls. The first, NHTSA Recall 19V-134, addresses an issue with the 'AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER' in certain LS500 and LS500 Hybrid models, where incorrect occupant detection could lead to improper airbag deployment and increased injury risk. The second recall, NHTSA Recall 18V-200, pertains to 'TIRES:SIDEWALL' for vehicles equipped with run-flat tires, where tread layer separation could affect vehicle handling and stability, increasing crash risk. One complaint directly references the tire recall, indicating potential delays or issues with remedy implementation. The low number of complaints overall, combined with two safety-related recalls, suggests that while individual issues exist, they are not widespread enough to generate a high volume of public complaints.

Reliability Score

The 2018 Lexus Ls receives a reliability score of 75 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.

Known Issues for the 2018 Lexus Ls

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Lexus Ls:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Airbag Occupant Classification Sensor Malfunction
Recall 19V-134 addresses a front passenger seat sensor issue that could lead to improper airbag deployment, increasing injury risk.		 High Rare N/A miles
Run-Flat Tire Sidewall Separation
Recall 18V-200 concerns run-flat tires where the tread layer could separate, affecting vehicle handling and increasing crash risk. One complaint mentions inner tire wear.		 High Rare N/A miles
Electrical System Malfunctions (Including Forward Collision Avoidance)
Multiple complaints about the electrical system, including premature battery failure at 6,000 miles and a forward collision avoidance system that blows fuses but appears functional on the dash.		 Medium Occasional 6000-N/A miles
Transmission Hesitation/Shifting Issues
One complaint details the vehicle shifting from tenth to fourth gear without warning at 70 MPH, recurring multiple times.		 Medium Rare N/A miles
Driver'S Seat Comfort/Lump
A complaint describes a large lump in the driver's seat causing discomfort, numbness, and pain.		 Low Rare N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Lexus Ls:

Electrical System 30% of complaints

Issues reported include premature battery failure and a malfunctioning forward collision avoidance system that gives false operational indications.

Wheels 30% of complaints

Complaints related to tire wear (specifically inner side wear on all four tires) and general wheel issues.

Tires 20% of complaints

Concerns about tire wear and the recall related to run-flat tire sidewall separation.

Power Train 10% of complaints

One complaint details unexpected downshifting of the transmission at highway speeds.

Seats 10% of complaints

A specific complaint about a lump in the driver's seat causing discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Lexus Ls

Is the 2018 Lexus LS safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Lexus LS has a very low complaint volume (10 total) with no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths. However, it lacks NHTSA crash test ratings, meaning its performance in simulated crashes is unassessed by the agency. Two safety recalls have been issued for airbag sensors and run-flat tires, which are critical safety components.

What are common problems for the 2018 Lexus LS?

The most reported issues, though few in number, relate to the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (30% of complaints), including battery failures and a faulty collision avoidance system. WHEELS and TIRES also account for a significant portion (30% and 20% respectively), with concerns about tire wear and the recall for run-flat tire sidewall separation. There's also a reported issue with the POWER TRAIN (10%) involving unexpected transmission downshifts.

Are there any recalls for the 2018 Lexus LS?

Yes, there are two recalls for the 2018 Lexus LS. NHTSA Recall 19V-134 addresses an issue with the front passenger airbag occupant classification sensor, and NHTSA Recall 18V-200 concerns potential sidewall separation in run-flat tires. It is crucial to ensure these recall remedies have been performed.

How does the 2018 Lexus LS perform in crash tests?

The 2018 Lexus LS does not have official NHTSA crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover). Therefore, its crashworthiness performance has not been evaluated or rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

What should I check before buying a used 2018 Lexus LS?

Before purchasing, verify that both NHTSA recalls (19V-134 for airbags and 18V-200 for tires) have been completed. Pay close attention to the electrical system's functionality, including the forward collision avoidance system, and inspect the tires for unusual wear patterns, especially on the inner side. Also, test drive the vehicle to check for any transmission hesitation or unexpected shifting.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2018 Lexus LS has a low complaint count, ensure all two safety recalls are addressed and be mindful of potential electrical system and tire-related issues, especially given the lack of NHTSA crash test ratings.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Lexus Ls

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Lexus Ls. The data includes 10 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.