This 2021 model shows good reliability, primarily driven by a below-average recall rate for the LEXUS brand.
Key Factor:below-average recall rate
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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
Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.
Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.
Focus Area:general reliability
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Explode
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Vs Brand: Worse than avg (0.8)
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Summary:
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)
➡️
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
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
Are there any recalls for the 2021 LEXUS LS?
Yes, the 2021 LEXUS LS has 1 recorded recall from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER.
Is the 2021 LEXUS LS safe to drive?
The 2021 LEXUS LS has 1 recall. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.
Where can I check if my 2021 LEXUS LS has open recalls?
You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local LEXUS dealer.
📊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.
🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Air bags
Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk
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If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm air bags recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.
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If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all air bags recalls are completed before purchase.
Campaign:24V275000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your LEXUS dealer to verify recall completion status.
🧭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
Verify all 1 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your LEXUS dealer.
If any recalls are open, schedule service immediately—recall repairs are always free.
Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
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If You're Buying Used
Request the VIN before purchase and verify recall status at NHTSA.gov.
This model year shows favorable reliability metrics compared to alternatives.