The January 2021 Consumer Reports just came out and predicted a reliability rating of a "RED 13", for the 2021 LS 500 automobile, where a 41 to 60 rating is considered "Average". How can this be?!? Is the LS 500 reliability data REALLY THAT TERRIBLE in the 2020, 2019, & 2018 model years'? The LS 500 is listed at the very bottom of the "Ultra-Luxury Car" section. Also as a note, in the prior two page graphic showing Brand Reliability, the LS Brand ranks at the VERY BOTTOM of the LEXUS brand. Now everything in a rank order has to have a "bottom", BUT in this case the bottom is BELOW a Dodge Durango? Really? What is Lexus doing to have their flagship vehicle ranked below a Durango and a Jeep Renegade?

....by the way, the Lexus GX was rated a 90, a Lexus UX, a 95.

 

I noticed this as well. The flagship models MB S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS and Audi A-8 always show as the least reliable of their brand. I always assumed that is because there is more stuff on them to break than lower level models.

Also, the LS500 is now pretty low volume as SUVs eclipse sedans. So the sample size is smaller.

Nevertheless, the ratings are concerning, especially since I'm currently in the market for a 2021 LS 500 myself.

 

It's over.....TESLA here I come...

 

They better pause, and rethink their strategy in designing their automobiles in the future. This new LS is a blunder for the brand, and they caused "this damage" to themselves. I feel Lexus's mentality is getting like GM in the 1980's where GM would just redesign a vehicle, and not take into account on what their loyal consumer has always expected in their brand. Putting the wrong powertrain in the latest gen LS, and have all this tech that the average person cannot operate, not to mention these run-flat tires, are a great recipe in neglecting their customer base, and losing their market share.

 

That's really disheartening, I'm a huge stickler for reliability, that's why I'm a loyal Lexus buyer (I've owned 5 in a row).

I might as well just buy/lease a German flagship if I'm going to have service headaches. I also never thought I would be looking seriously at a Tesla, but now I am.

Or just get a Lexus SUV like a GX that's basically a 4 Runner but I bet I can go 200k miles on it and easily service it.

Lexus has really dropped the ball as of late. Some of it is compliance with ridiculous upcoming environmental regs, but some of it is just too much unproven tech.

 

The GX is an easy 350k mile car from what I have seen. I have never worked on any of them for anything other than brakes and several are well over 200k miles.

 

I've had my LS500 for almost 15 months now, it's my first Lexus but not my first Toyota. To be honest I think Consumer Reports is out to lunch. There are a few more issues than an average Lexus but I disagree with what they said based on my experience and reading this forum. I am a paying CR member FYI.

 

I think there’s a few factors that go into this...

Top of the line flagship automobile probably is going to have every bell and whistle known to man, and with that comes problems.

Lexus dipped their toe in the V6 turbo department for the first time. I Imagine growing pains come with that when you throw in your direct injection to go along with it carrying itself in a large platform.

I don’t know how many speeds the transmission is, but if it’s more than 8? Again that would be new territory and problems.

And let’s not forget...this was an all new redesigned bold vehicle Lexus put out there. They took a big chance because they wanted to change the perception that the LS wasn’t boring and couldn’t keep up with the A8 and S Class in terms of style and performance. They just happened to apparently miss the mark. Hey, I like the cars, they’ve grown on me, but I would think that Lexus considers it a failure? I could be wrong (not sure how the sales on these things are, but I don’t see many of them on the road and they look an awful like the new ES350).

 

Just bought a 2019. I personally believe in Lexus / Toyota history when it comes to reliability. Not sure how CR tabulates it’s scores. I would wait until real owners of these fine machines start having consistent real issues. Form my research only the 2018 LS had the majority of the issues.

 

I agree, I bought a '19 F sport in October its been performing well.