The 2021 Lexus LS demonstrates commendable reliability given its single recall concerning airbag sensors, along with a total of only three complaints. The peak failure range of 0-20k miles suggests that attention should be given early in ownership to ensure safety features function correctly.
Key Factor:Single recall for airbags
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (1) than the average LEXUS vehicle (0.8). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
1 recall for this vehicle0.8 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
📋Why This Matters
For a luxury sedan like the 2021 Lexus LS, maintaining a reputation for safety and quality is paramount. The single recall pertaining to the airbag system, specifically the Occupant Classification System sensor, highlights an area that necessitates vigilance but is not pervasive, reflecting well on Lexus's overall engineering standards for this model year. A clean sheet in terms of multiple recalls further enhances consumer trust in the brand’s commitment to manufacturing excellence.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
📈
Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
⚠️
Primary Risk Area:Explode
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Vs Brand: Worse than avg (0.8)
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Summary: The safety trends for the Lexus LS exhibit an overall positive trajectory, particularly when compared to expectations for vehicles in this segment. With only one recall and minimal complaints reported, the vehicle's risk profile remains favorable.
Safety & Reliability Score
92/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-0.15
Investigation Impact-0
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 LEXUS LS
Model Year2021
MakeLEXUS
ModelLS
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan24
ISSUEFirst Report
Consumer Complaint Analysis
⚠️
Most Reported Issue
1 complaints (33% of total)
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Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
✅
Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 3 consumer complaints by severity level.
🟠High
1(33%)
🟡Medium
1(33%)
🟢Low
1(33%)
🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
AIR BAGS
🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Airbags
Issue: Potential incorrect occupant detection due to sensor interference.
✅
Verify airbag functionality and seek any necessary repairs regarding the passenger classification system immediately.
🔍
Confirm that any recalls have been addressed before purchasing; request documentation from previous owners or dealers.
Campaign:21V282000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your LEXUS dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (1)
Campaign: 24V275000
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
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Summary
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Lexus LS500 and 2018-2020 Lexus LS500 Hybrid vehicles equipped with the "Executive Package." The front passenger seat may have been assembled with interference between internal parts that can cause the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor to incorrectly detect the occupant. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence
Incorrect detection of an occupant may result in improper air bag deployment during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and repair the front passenger seat, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 7, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 24LA03.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Investigations
0 investigations
✓
No active investigations for this vehicle.
Consumer Complaints
3 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 LS.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Explode33%
Shatter33%
Noise33%
Stall33%
Other⚠️ High
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving and my sunroof exploded sounding like a gun shot. The sunroof shattered and was blown apart on all 4 sides. Glass fell in my face and all over me
Other🔵 Low
TIRES
OEM Bridgestone Turanza EL440 RFT 245/45 R20 These tires have not retained recommended air pressure for more than a few weeks at a time since new. Inspection earlier this year by a Bridgestone dealer found no problem with a tire that had lost 5 psi in a week. The tire subsequently began making a rotational noise that the Lexus dealer diagnosed as a slipped belt. Having replaced the defective tire, I now have the same noise symptoms arising in another tire. The dealer can find no reason for the chronic air loss in the two left side tires which, given the developing rotational noise, I expect will soon have similar belt failure. Dealer personnel admit that these tires are problematic. Bridgestone customer service has been unresponsive.
Steering/Suspension🔶 Medium
WHEELS
The car slipped because of tread wear on the inner side of all four tires. Car has manufacturer installed tires.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the reliability of the 2021 Lexus LS compare to previous models?
The reliability of the 2021 Lexus LS appears improved over some earlier models thanks to reduced complaints and a focused approach towards quality control. Although it has one notable recall, it reflects efforts made by Lexus to enhance safety and customer satisfaction.
📊Year-over-Year Context
➡️Stable Pattern
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.
🧭What This Means for You
Families with young passengers, pregnant drivers, or those with frequent highway commutes should prioritize this information.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified LEXUS service center—repairs are performed at no cost to you.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in LEXUS's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used
Request the VIN from the seller and verify the 'Clean' recall status via NHTSA.
This specific LS year is noted for its strong reliability foundations.