I am starting this thread to share mechanical issues that have occurred with the LS500, and how the dealership has handled it. It is important to share these issues, as it will validate specific problems that the new LS is having. I have a relatively high-mileage 2018 LS500 (46K miles). I am not including the fuel pump and tires recalls - both have been addressed already on my car. These are the issues on my car (SO FAR):

• When slowing to a stop - just before slowing to a complete stop, it is natural to let up off the brake to create a gentle stop. However, the car tends to "slow abruptly". (Lexus reprogrammed ECM / PCM - issue was not resolved, still jerks when softening a stop - NOT associated with brakes)
• Driver headrest unusually loose - excessive movement allowed, moving front forward to backward. This appears to get much worse over time with wear and tear. (Lexus will not recognize it as an issue)
• Front wheel bearing needed to be replaced - no explanation for that. (Lexus replaced, did not have any explanation for the malfunction)
• Large lumps on the lower / bottom portion of the drivers seat, protruding from the bottom. My leg was losing its circulation due to this (Lexus is looking at it now - will update when I get answers)
• Large oil leak from under the front of vehicle - looks like steering fluid (Lexus is looking at it now - will update when I get answers)

• 
  Oil leaking from my LS500.
  
  Lumps protruding from the bottom of seat
  

 

I had an issue with the seat massage and they found it was a broken air bladder. That may be your seat issue as well/

 

Less than 10K miles for me, but...
- driver seat massage air leak (replaced seat cushion & electric module)
- air suspension not sitting level (they did the relearn procedure)
- rattle over bumps by heads up display (placed piece of foam in there)
- coolant level dropping (seems OK now I think it was burping air)
- white smoke from exhaust under heavy acceleration (they could not find anything, I think it's condensation)

Also had fuel pump recall done last summer.

Currently have to take it back next week for the seat massage air hiss again.

 

p.s. the LS500 has electric power steering I’m quite sure so no fluid.

 

I had a LS430 that did not sit level. Lexus threw a lot of parts at it. I kept telling them that it was the air shocks, but that's the only things they would not replace. Shortly after warranty expired I went in for service, and was told "the air shocks on the right side are both leaking." I told the SA, "Wrong....they've been leaking." Lexus refused to step up and fix, so I converted the car at my expense. Lexus is an amazing car, but the customer service was poor...and I spent a lot of time and effort pleading my case. I had records of seven visits in warranty. Male sure your leaning gets fixed properly before you have to pay for it.

 

Update on original post:

• When slowing to a stop - just before slowing to a complete stop, it is natural to let up off the brake to create a gentle stop. However, the car tends to "slow abruptly". (Lexus reprogrammed ECM / PCM - issue was not resolved, still jerks when softening a stop - NOT associated with brakes)

This still occurs - does anyone notice the same thing when they ease up on the brakes just before a complete stop?

• Driver headrest unusually loose - excessive movement allowed, moving front forward to backward. This appears to get much worse over time with wear and tear. (Lexus will not recognize it as an issue)

Both of my headrests "jiggle" in movements forward to backward, and backward to forward. Seems excessive, as my drivers side moves MUCH more than the passenger side. As if, the wear-and-tear takes place much quicker with the high use of the driver side seat (makes sense, as this seat I used most). Still, it doesn't make sense that headrests have so much play in such a premium car.

• Front wheel bearing needed to be replaced - no explanation for that. (Lexus replaced, did not have any explanation for the malfunction)

No big deal - Lexus did take care of that for me.

• Large lumps on the lower / bottom portion of the drivers seat, protruding from the bottom. My leg was losing its circulation due to this (Lexus is looking at it now - will update when I get answers)

My dealership recognizes this as being extremely unusual and out-of-place. The lumps in the seats actually disrupt blood circulation in my legs, and the Advisors understood that it is an issue. However, there is currently no fix for this. The crazy thing is, they have identified this same, large lump is LS's similar to mine. They promised that they would submit a ticket, and see if others come forward so that Lexus can put out a fix on it. Until then, I am forced to use a seat cover for my 100K luxury car because of a Lexus manufactured seat defect. Is this fair???

• Large oil leak from under the front of vehicle - looks like steering fluid (Lexus is looking at it now - will update when I get answers)

That was totally my bad - that is not oil. I just had my driveway paved, and learned that the fluid leaking was just the massive amount of A/C condensation that is supposed to drain from under the car. Because of the tar/oil mixture on my new driveway, it just appeared to be oil when I soaked it up from a paper towel.

 

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

Unfortunately, it is not the bladder. It is just a unusually large and protruding lump in the seat - the dealer has recognized it, and found similar bumps in cars like mine. I put out a response about it in this thread.

 

Ya, that was my goof. I mistook that as some type of oil after I just had my driveway paved. Wow... Thanks for the info though!

 

As for the abrupt stop... Not sure about that but could you be referring to a rough downshift from 2 to 1 that others have reported? Feels more like a clunk or hard shift sensation... Not really a hard stop tho

 

I have a 2020 LS500. I haven't had any issues at all. I just crossed 10k miles.

 

[QUOTE=LS500Fan;11021239]Less than 10K miles for me, but...
- driver seat massage air leak (replaced seat cushion & electric module)
- air suspension not sitting level (they did the relearn procedure)
- rattle over bumps by heads up display (placed piece of foam in there)
- coolant level dropping (seems OK now I think it was burping air)
- white smoke from exhaust under heavy acceleration (they could not find anything, I think it's condensation)

I am curious as to the rattle in the heads up display. Was it a loud rattle? I hear a soft rattle like a speaker vibration when going over bumps or rough paved roads and was thinking that it might be the HUD.

 

The very light rattle over bumps was from the big upper trim piece near the hud that extends to the front the also houses the ***** for drive mode select.

 

Had the car for a few weeks. 2018 LS 500 AWD Luxury package. Really liking the car but, I think I should have bought a 2019 or better to avoid the 1st year gremlins. Sometimes I feel the ES 350 loaner I received rode smoother than the 2018. The 2020 and 2021 LS rode more to my expectations.
1). Driver seat ventilation inoperable. Heating works fine.
2). Harsh ride especially with runflats. Changed out for regular tires. Moderate improvement is ride quality
3). Gas cap does not lock open. Loose at attachment hinge.
4). Loud squak/noise when I depress the brakes 1st think in the morning.
5). ML sub blew with music at 40.
6). L-SB-0019-19 performed
7). center console lid slightly loose. Utilized fix posted on the forum.

 

I just picked up a 2018 LS500 with 1200 miles on the clock from my dealer. I noticed that this drivers seat hurts to sit in after about 45 minutes. I noticed these lumps on the seats in the exact same spot as your car OP! My passenger seat is nice and smooth.

Three lumps to be exact. Two on the left side and one on the right side. Bringing my car in for a transmission issue on Friday and I’m also going to be bringing up this issue with the seat.


My finger and thumb are directly over the areas where it’s sticking out.