Own a Lexus LS500 in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Lexus LS500 for model years 2018. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help LS500 owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 4 owner complaints on file for the LS500 and 2 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are wheels (2), service brakes (1), structure (1).
Most-Reported Lexus LS500 Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the LS500 (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheels | 2 | 50% | |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 25% | |
| Structure | 1 | 25% |
Wheels
2 of the 4 complaints (50%) mention tires and wheels. Tire and wheel complaints are often about wear, vibration or pressure warnings. We check tires, balance and alignment, which matters in Phoenix where heat accelerates tire wear. See our suspension & alignment page.
Service Brakes
1 of the 4 complaints (25%) mention brakes. Brake complaints turn up on nearly every vehicle, and Phoenix stop-and-go traffic wears brake parts quickly. We measure pads and rotors, check calipers and fluid, and replace only what is worn. See our brake repair page.
Structure
1 of the 4 complaints (25%) mention body, doors and latches. Latch and body complaints affect security and safety. We inspect and repair door, hood and trunk hardware. See our auto repair page.
Lexus LS500 Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the LS500, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Lexus.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your LS500? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Lexus LS500 Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the LS500 in these model years, most often involving fuel system, gasoline. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2020 recall, Fuel System, Gasoline (campaign 20V682000): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020...
- 2020 recall, Fuel System, Gasoline (campaign 20V012000): Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L,...
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the LS500, 1 involved a crash. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Lexus LS500 Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Lexus will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a LS500 that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for LS500 owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Lexus LS500, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Lexus LS500 Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Lexus LS500 repair service, or choose a service below.
Suspension & Alignment
Shocks, struts, alignment and steering.
Details →Brake Repair
Pads, rotors, calipers, fluid and brake lines.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Car A/C Repair
Phoenix heat demands cold air.
Details →Pre-Purchase Inspection
Know the car before you buy it.
Details →Lexus LS500 FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Lexus LS500?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Lexus LS500 are wheels (2), service brakes (1), structure (1). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which LS500 model years have the most complaints?
The LS500 model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2018. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Lexus LS500?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Lexus LS500. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Lexus LS500 have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the Lexus LS500 across model years 2018. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Lexus LS500 in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Lexus vehicles including the LS500, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Lexus LS500?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Lexus LS500 in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Lexus Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.