I'm looking at an 2009 LS460L with the touring package. I have read that the air suspension has reliability issues. Is this a common problem or just a few isolated cases?

Thanks,
Simon

 

welcome to clublexus

i don't know who you heard that from, i have not read a lot of air suspension issues on the ls460l. i have seen maybe 2-3 cases here on clublexus, but i wouldn't say it's anything out of norm. of course it's more easily to break compared to say traditional springs/shocks setup, but that's the tradeoff you make

 

I believe those were a couple isolated cases. I currently own an LS with the air suspension and have not had any problems.

 

I have seen 3 cases and one of them was with the data systems controller installed. I would say its a reliable system but more likely to give you issues that the standard suspension.

 

I have an 09 SWB and am currently waiting on parts for the front struts to be replaced, but in talking to the Service Advisor he indicated to me that the air bags were mostly utilized to level the car when cornering and if selecting the HIGH RIDE feature.

My understanding from him is that the struts are going to handle the ups/downs of the road, and the bags will cover the side/side.......how accurate that is or not I have no idea, but all I know is that the comfort of my ride is less smooth than my 2001 honda accord......hopefully that will be resolved with the struts being replaced.

 

Brian failed to mention that his air suspension is slammed too...so far with no issue. lol

Mine too have not had any issue running with Data Controller. Keeping my fingers cross...

 

lol, yes I failed to mention that my oem air suspension struts probably hate me, but nevertheless, no issues.

 

From what I know, the air suspension usually runs out after 3-4 years, but as long as it's still in its lifetime, nothing should be worried. I had to replace the struts on my 04 LS430 in 2008 and my current 08 LS460L in 2011.

 

Thanks Guys,

Just bought an 09 460l. Appreciate the input, makes me feel a lot better about buying the car.

 

awesome and congrats on your new car!!!

 

All four of my air suspension units and their respective actautors went bad. With 59,000 miles its a good thing I bought the extended warranty. ($7,300.00 item) Had to get Lexus Insurance adjuster to come into town and verify need for replacement before Dealer could even order parts.
Also, had a problem with brake actuator, righ front (electric for cruise speed reduction due to radar cruise control). Warranty covered this ($3,500.00)

Now both rotors went bad on front (warped).

Bought car second hand from broker. Previous owner wanted to get rid of it due to wind noise and I suspect he/she mistreated car in an effort to get Dealer to take it back. But he got it returned due to Lemon Law in his State. Lexus checked out the wind noise and issued a letter that the vehicle met Lexus's Standards.

 

Hey all - asking for a friend and reviving this old thread. Looking at a 2010 or 2011 Ls460L with air suspension; are you guys hearing of big issues with the air suspension?
From my indicative search, outside of random issues and electronic-related issues, not too many. Certainly not as "problematic" as the LS430's, though it is very much relative.

Anyone having issues with the air suspensions on a 07 or newer LS460/LS460L?

 

Gone through 3 RR Air shocks, 2 of them within 18k mile span.

 

Should be quite a bit that's already been written on the Air Shock reliability, but I think the general consensus is that they do tend to wear out and need to be replaced fairly commonly after 50-75K miles. All 4 of the Air Shocks on my 2008 LS600hL were replaced between 45-55K miles. I'm currently at 75K miles, and they are doing fine for now. Hoping to get Lexus to pay for one more replacement set at some point while my car is still under warranty (extended CPO warranty is good through 2020).

Many people specifically look for LS's without the air ride suspension when purchasing to avoid the potential cost of replacing the air shocks. My previous LS460 didn't have the air ride, and I didn't really feel much difference in ride quality. I do enjoy being able to hit the "High" button when I have to enter driveways with a big curb lip... keeps the road rash on the front end down.

 

You gotta pay to play.
I also like the high setting to avoid scraping the front end especially with my Sport package.