ProblemsByVin File / 2021-LEXUS-LS NHTSA data synced 3 hours ago

Lexus

2021 Lexus LS problems

The 2021 Lexus LS has 1 active recall campaign on file and only 5 owner complaints in the NHTSA database. Often that means the recall caught it before the field did.

The 2021 Lexus LS has 5 NHTSA owner complaints and 1 recall on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.

Lexus LS owner complaints by model year
Model year	Owner complaints	Recalls
2018 LS	10	1
2019 LS	1	0
2021 LS (this page)	5	1

Reliability score

Not rated

Limited NHTSA data — only 5 complaints on file. The score reflects what's reported, but a small sample skews easily. 1 active recall on file.

Critical

Severe

Moderate

Should you avoid this 2021 LS?

Not enough data for a verdict

Only 5 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 1 active recall above remain authoritative; read those first.

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.

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Buyer's checklist

Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.

Generated from this 2021 LS's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.

See the checklist ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2021 LS · engine

My vehicle has the V6 twin turbo engine that’s been recalled on other years and models and was diagnosed with an internal engine failure. The mechanic at the dealership couldn’t figure out the problem so an expert TAS Lexus specialist was called in and couldn’t figure out the…

05/26/2026 · NHTSA ODI #11740217.0

2021 LS · lighting

Both headlight assemblies on a 2021 Lexus LS 500 show external lens delamination, along with visible condensation inside the sealed units. The vehicle has been garage kept, has not been involved in any accidents, and has no external damage to the headlight assemblies. The outer…

04/29/2026 · NHTSA ODI #11734508.0

2021 LS · wheels

The car slipped because of tread wear on the inner side of all four tires. Car has manufacturer installed tires.

01/14/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11565488.0

View all 5 owner complaints →

Had a problem with your 2021 Lexus LS? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 24V275000 April 17, 2024

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Lexus LS500 and 2018-2020 Lexus LS500 Hybrid vehicles equipped with the "Executive Package

Incorrect detection of an occupant may result in improper air bag deployment during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

Common questions

Is the 2021 Lexus LS reliable?

Limited NHTSA data. Only 5 owner complaints have been filed for the 2021 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 2021 Lexus LS?

Only 5 NHTSA complaints on file — too few for a confident call. The 1 active recall above remain authoritative; read those first. We don't issue a buy/avoid verdict on the 2021 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 2021 Lexus LS?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on the 2021 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 2021 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 2021 Lexus LS?

No problem area has crossed our reporting threshold yet, which is a good sign for this vehicle.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

Major repair items haven't been flagged often enough on this vehicle to single one out.

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 2021 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.

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 3 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Lexus/LS. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Lexus. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.