2013 Lexus LS problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 5 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2013 Lexus LS has 5 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is brakes at 4 complaints (~$450 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 LS (this page) | 5 | 0 |
| 2014 LS | 3 | 0 |
| 2015 LS | 2 | 0 |
Limited NHTSA data — only 5 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily.
Only 5 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident reliability call. Could be a clean record or just thin data.
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
My ABS Brake System warning lights all came on a few days ago, giving me error codes c1253 and c1256. These codes pertain to a manufacturers defect with Lexus, wherein Lexus generated a customer convenience program that said any LS460 that is less than 10 yrs old OR less than…
I am detailing an alarming and persistent issue with unexpected brake activation on my 2013 Lexus LS 460. Over a span of time, the vehicle's brakes have been activated spontaneously on four different occasions, putting me and my passengers in potential danger. Incident…
The ABS system failed. Mechanic stated it was the ABS actuator. Left front wheel locks up when brakes are applied with force. Safety is jeopardized since the ABS system no longer works. Cannot bring vehicle to safe stop in an emergency braking situation. The…
For 2 years now I’ve been getting intermittent abs and traction light come on. It never showed a code when a scanner was plugged in. Every now and then the light would come on when I start the car. As soon as I drive it’s gone. Now I have the brake icon on too and my brakes are…
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Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2013 Lexus LS reliable?
Limited NHTSA data. Only 5 owner complaints have been filed for the 2013 Lexus LS, which is not enough for a meaningful reliability score. Active recalls (if any) are listed on this page and remain authoritative — those are verified defects regardless of complaint volume. For a confident reliability read we look for at least 10 owner complaints in the federal database.
Should you avoid the 2013 Lexus LS?
Only 5 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident reliability call. Could be a clean record or just thin data. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2013 Lexus LS without a meaningful complaint sample — doing so off a handful of filings would be guesswork.
What should I check before buying a used 2013 Lexus LS?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2013 Lexus LS to flag a standout failure pattern. Run the VIN for open recalls — those are free to fix regardless of warranty — get a standard pre-purchase inspection, and ask the seller for service records.
Is the 2013 Lexus LS a good used car to buy?
Hard to say from federal data alone — only 5 owner complaints have been filed. Lean on the recall list above, a pre-purchase inspection, and a vehicle-history report on the specific VIN. Our data tells you what the model is known for; a history report tells you what that exact car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2013 Lexus LS?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is brakes, with 4 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The brakes is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Lexus LS has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Lexus LS?
Hard to say from NHTSA data alone with only 5 complaints on file. A quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. The decision comes down to your specific situation: vehicle cost, miles on it, how long you plan to keep it, and whether you can absorb a $3K–$8K repair without straining cashflow. With limited public data on this vehicle, lean on the recall list above and check owner forums before committing.