I have always owned Lexus LS models, (up to 2004) and was thinking of buying a 2007, and I love to get that warm fuzzy of seeing my current Lexus LS that I am about to purchase, smoke all other models in the Consumer Reports auto repair history (the largest database of unbiased auto repair/reliability history in the world) as they always do!

so imagine my SHOCK when I open up the Consumer Reports website and see a SOLID BLACK circle (very bad) on ENGINE MAJOR on the 2007 and 2008 LS

- Oh My God! WTF?

what is this major engine problem that so many folks are reporting and has it been corrected in the 2009 and newer models or are they just not old enough or not have enough miles to exhibit the problem yet?

 

Lexus had a valve spring recall on the 2007 and some 2008 LS models. The faulty spring impacted only a very small number of cars, but Lexus opted to recall all the cars. Check the service records of any car you are thinking of buying to see if this was done. If it wasn't, you can still have it done and Lexus will give you a $500 gift card.

There were also recalls for a fuel rail and idler pulley. These were less invasive so Lexus will do them, but there is no compensation other than a loaner car.

 

I sincerely hope others will agree with me, but I do not consider this (engine) an issue whatsoever today. Not at all. While I prefer a 2008 simply because I am 'leery' of first model year cars, I know of many HAPPY 2007 LS owners who have experienced virtually nil repair items, or none at all. And "the engine" is NEVER mentioned.

Good Luck no matter what you choose. But please know you are among a whole group of very very satisfied LS owners here. -

Mikey Lulejian - Backwoods of Georgia

 

Another common (but not serious) engine related problem that owners report is that the engine is noisy; certainly compared to the previous LS. There can be a clicking or tapping sound similar to when a valve adjustment is required. Lexus usual explanation is that it is due to the high pressure direct injection and is not a problem. Some owners have perfectly quiet cars which casts some doubt on this explanation.

 

Wow lexus does not gas up their cars when performing recalls in your area. That stinks.

 

I had the recall to my LS460 and GS350 in the same year. I wouldnt call it a problem but it was annoying to know that they had to open up the motor. In their defense the cars usually run bit smoother than before the work was done and at least we got $500 for our troubles

 

The problem are the 2 high gas pressure pumps behind the motor. When they did the recall to replace all the valve springs on our LS460 they had to remove those 2 pumps and something went wrong, because now there is laud knocking noise coming from the engine and Lexus is not taking responsibility for their repair. Toyota do not care.

 

They filled mine up, but I had to request premium fuel...

 

my 2008 was not part of the recall

 

My 2008 had the valve spring recall and 12,500 miles after the recall, the engine is as smooth and quiet as I would want. I could not be happier with the overall performance.

 

Proud 2007 owner with all recall and TSB work completed..car is great and resale value via kbb, nada and others reflect that..this vehicle is still the top for reliability per several sources that do ratings
...bottom line..be confident in the Ls460

 

Be cautious with Consumer Reports.
they just poll people (consumers) and base all of their data on how people respond to their surveys. It is not a very objective way of rating a car's reliability....

 

Actually, they gave the 07 IS350, GS350 and LS460 black marks to indicate "engine problems". This all came back to the valve spring recall. I wouldn't take their rankings too seriously

 

I love my 07. Had the recall done although I didnt have any problems prior to that. Just wanted the free tank full and 500 credit.

Many polls and things you read are from people that have had issues. Unfortunately, hardly anyone that doesnt have an issue post in polls or forums about how good their car is, so you end up with a lot of negatives and no positives.

 

I agree with 305Busa, my 07' had all recall and tsb done and everything is working to perfection for me. LOVE my LS