Are Lexus Cars Reliable? A Complete Breakdown
Lexus cars are known for their look, performance, and durability. They are considered a luxury brand and are sold all around the world. Though several drivers swear by the brand, those looking into the brand as their next vehicle wonder, “Are Lexus cars reliable?” Below, we’ll look at the most reliable cars from the brand and even look at common issues reported by Lexus drivers.
Are Lexus Cars Reliable?
Overall, the answer would be yes. Still, Lexus cars are not without any issues. Like all car brands, some models don’t perform so well, coming with a higher number of issues than others. If you look up information about the Lexus car around the web, you’ll notice that most reports rank them as reliable.
In 2017, the brand tied with Porsche in terms of reliability in the J.D Power Vehicle Dependability Survey. Even their ReliabilityIndex is fantastic, where they beat out several brands, including luxury ones, coming in at number 6 on a list that has over 40 spots.
GET THE SAME INSIDER INFO THAT DEALERSHIPS USE
The CoPilot app is the smartest way to buy a car. Built using the same technology that dealerships use, we’ll show you everything you want to know about each listing - like how long it’s been on the lot, or if there are similar vehicles at a better price nearby.
A Look into Lexus’ Reliability
When digging into the brand, one of the first notable features is that Toyota creates Lexus. Lexus is the luxury brand of Toyota, known for its dependable vehicles that last long and are very easy on the wallet. One of the things that Toyota does best is their engine, something that many manufacturers can’t compete with.
Still, because the engine is very well made and said to last for more than just 100,000 miles, they are not the cheapest cars to maintain. Most repairs are minor, and more severe repairs have only been reported on cars that have well over 100,000 miles. When compared to others on the list, the repair costs of the Lexus are up there, but it’s worth it in the end.
Most Reliable Lexus Models
Though the brand is known for its good quality, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some models that perform better than others. When it comes to their lineup, a few outdo the others, all of which we’ve included below.
The Lexus IS
According to one survey, the Lexus IS scored nearly 99% regarding reliability. Among those who drive the Lexus, the IS has been the one with the least number of reported issues, making it one of the best. It’s affordable and has a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that gets up to 311 horsepower and about 31 mpg on the highway.
GET A CURATED LIST OF THE BEST LEXUS LISTINGS
The CoPilot app is the smartest way to buy a Lexus. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll send you a curated list of the best used Lexus listings in your area - no more scrolling through hundreds of listings looking for hidden gems.
The Lexus GS
The Lexus GS is a 4-door car with a V6 engine. Critics and customers claimed that some of the best things were the low repair costs and that the car seemed to perform seamlessly as long as it was correctly maintained. The GS seems to have the best of both worlds, with the look and the performance that outlasts most.
The Lexus LS
The Lexus LS is up there in price, coming in a bit more expensive than the others on the reliability list. Still, this car has impressive specs, including up to 416 horsepower from its 3.5L V6 engine. Getting up to 33 mpg on the highway, this car has something to offer all drivers, especially those looking for something that will last them and won’t be in the shop every other week.
THE BEST USED LUXURY CARS ON THE MARKET
Buying a used or CPO luxury car is one of the smartest buys you can make - you can get a lot of car for not much money. You can pick up a three-year-old luxury car for about half of what you’d pay new. Check out this list of the best used luxury cars on the market to find the best deals.
The Least Reliable Lexus
Not to say that you should stay away from these, but the least reliable models from the brand have had the most issues. Luckily, in the case of the Lexus, there is only one model that seems to underperform compared to the rest, coming in as the most reported vehicle on consumer reports.
The Lexus RX
The Lexus RX is the least reliable model and has been reported to have issues with the drivetrain in some years. Though the kinks have been worked out, and the newer models are indeed more reliable, the model suffered a lot of issues back a few years ago. Other reported problems include oil leaks, issues with the braking system, and a faulty air conditioning system.
Common Lexus Issues
Are Lexus cars reliable? We also decided to dive into the common issues with the Lexus brand. Among those who took surveys and noted problems, a few common ones appeared more than others. The common complaints included:
- A cracking dashboard - Some Lexus models have been reported to have faulty PVC dashboards that tend to crack more quickly than expected. According to experts, the most likely causes are heat and UV light exposure. The issue was so bad that Lexus had to pay for dashboard replacement for affected models.
- Leakage of the power steering rack - Over time, the components in the Lexus’ power steering system may wear out and result in loose fittings. Many reports detailed how their power steering system leaked at the connection points or through the cracks in the hoses and lines.
- Issues with the water pump (only after 51,000 miles) - Issues with the water pump seem to be quite prevalent with the Lexus RX. According to many reports, their water pump failed after 50,000+ miles without any indication of previous issues. The common fix is to replace the pump altogether.
- Issues with check engine light - Numerous reports indicated that their check engine light came on after experiencing symptoms such as rough idling, poor acceleration, rough shifting, and more. This issue may stem from causes including spark plugs, ignition coils, loose gas caps, catalytic converters, and more.
- Oil leaks - Owners of the Lexus RX350 reported massive oil leaks and loss of oil pressure with their vehicles. The culprit seems to be the VVT-i oil line which tends to burst and may lead to a complete engine failure when left unattended.
Though it seems like a long list, these issues appear here and there and are not only common in one model. There is not one single issue that all Lexus cars share, which is very telling of the brand. In addition, most of these issues are only common with high mileage cars, something you need to keep in mind when buying Lexus cars.
IS GAP INSURANCE WORTH IT?
Gap insurance can prevent you from making payments on an already-totalled car, but is gap insurance worth it? We break down what gap insurance is, if it’s worth it, and more - simply and with plenty of examples.
So, Are Lexus Cars Reliable?
Overall, yes, Lexus cars are reliable. The Lexus car ranks high in the most reliable consumer reports, adding to its reliability and durability. Like all car manufacturers, there are issues reported here and there that pop up. Still, for a luxury car, Lexus is not only on the affordable side but also comes with lower repair costs and fewer issues overall.
The Lexus car comes from one of the most trusted carmakers, Toyota, a brand known for its sturdy engines and high-performance handling and steering. Lexus takes that innovation and design to the next level with cars that have powerful engines, great features, and fantastic performance from the smallest streets to the most grueling highways.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lexus Reliability
Q: How reliable are Lexus cars?
A: Lexus has a reputation for producing some of the most reliable vehicles on the market. They consistently score high in reliability ratings by various automotive research and review organizations. For instance, RepairPal rates the Lexus brand an impressive 4.0 out of 5.0 in its reliability index, making it the 7th most reliable out of 32 car brands.
Q: How often do Lexus cars require maintenance?
A: Regular maintenance is key to any vehicle’s longevity, including Lexus. However, Lexus cars are designed to require less frequent major repairs, which can lead to lower maintenance costs over time. RepairPal says that Lexus vehicles require approximately 0.5 times a year for repair shop visits. A little higher than average across all brands, but keep in mind that Lexus is a luxury brand.
Q: What are common concerns or misconceptions about the reliability of Lexus cars?
A: Some people may perceive Lexus vehicles as more expensive to maintain due to their status as a luxury brand. However, Lexus cars are often reported to have lower repair costs than other luxury vehicles due to their high reliability. True enough, RepairPal says that Lexus cars have an annual repair cost of $551, lower than average across all models.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.
Only looking for newer models? CoPilot Compare is the search engine for nearly-new cars. Only see cars five years or newer with low mileage — CoPilot Compare is the best way to find off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO cars.
The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.
