10 most reliable Lexus cars

The quintessential Japanese luxury car. For decades, the Lexus brand has been known for its obsession with quality. From the first Lexus model, the LS, the company demonstrated that established luxury car manufacturers will have to up their game to compete.

Lexus is a reliable brand, but even on their roster there are better and worse examples. So, let’s find out which are the 10 most reliable Lexus cars.

How we made this list

Japanese manufacturers usually perform very well in various vehicle reliability studies. Unbeatable dependability is not just a myth, but is proven by respected reliability studies, such as those conducted by J.D. Power, Consumer Reports and What Car?.

Based on the credibility of these organizations, we have compiled a list of the most reliable Lexus vehicles.

10. Lexus RC

Lexus engineers have always had a very different approach when creating sports coupes. Well-known rivals from Germany often won out in this category, but not when it comes to reliability.

J.D. Power was so impressed with the RC that they gave it the highest rating in its class, outperforming the Audi A5, BMW 4-series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.

Lexus RC coupe also scores high with their owners, who report only a few recurring faults, like a whining noise from the rear engine mount and cross member. Furthermore, RC suffers from a thin paint layer, so the front end is particularly susceptible to scratches. The last issue is the wonky central command system, which can lag, freeze, or crash. Usually, problems go away after updating software.

9. Lexus LC

The most expensive and thrilling-looking Lexus had a challenging mission to accomplish. This Japanese coupe had to compete with established rivals like the BMW 8-series and the Porsche 911, praised for their dynamics and wide range of abilities.

Like the smaller RC, the more expensive and luxurious Lexus LC is set up for grand touring and not blasting through the countryside since most LC owners prefer a car designed for Hollywood Boulevard and not Nurburgring.

While the LC impresses with its unique design and road manners, the luxury model didn't escape some obligatory visits to the Lexus workshop.

Lexus LC was recalled because of a low-pressure fuel pump manufacturing defect. Another recall was issued due to a brake booster pump motor, which may stop working because of a defective plastic brush holder.

Anyone considering taking the LC to the track day should know that this coupe doesn’t have an engine and transmission oil cooler. Therefore, any over-enthusiastic drive through the countryside or track could lead to damage.

8. Lexus LX

Luxurious trucks are popular in countries where gas is cheap and roads are wider than presidential palaces. The Lexus LX is a perfect match for those seeking a luxurious yet very capable off-roader.

Based on the rather humble Toyota Land Cruiser, the Lexus LX has a few distinguishing features. The interior quality, top-notch leather, extremely well-damped suspension, and significantly better sound insulation outperform the car on which the Lexus LX is based.

The Lexus LX also impresses with reliability. It has received a RepairPal reliability rating 3.5 out of 5 stars. While this seems like a modest score, the study also notes that the chance of any LX issue being severe or highly problematic is only 9%

The biggest headache for owners of these cars is poor corrosion protection, which leads to a grim look after a few years of ownership, especially for vehicles driven in winter on rougher terrains.

7. Lexus LS

Like most rivals, the LS offers impressive comfort, the newest technology, and a rather conservative approach towards design, but the LS has always excelled in the reliability department.

While the LS failed to dethrone the S-Class Mercedes-Benz when it comes to the driving experience, most reliability studies and owners have complimented the Lexus sedan’s impressive durability. According to RepairPal, the average annual repair cost on the LS is just $767, which is far less than the average luxury sedan.

Moreover, the repair job will be uncomplicated if things go wrong. For example, there are known issues with the Mass air flow sensors, as they clog and fail to operate normally. This issue can cause hesitancy and a lack of power when accelerating. Furthermore, an unusual knocking noise from the suspension could indicate tie rod, wishbone bushing, or ball joint failure.

6. Lexus CT

The Lexus CT was an entry-level model distinguished by its hybrid powertrain, inherited from the Toyota Prius. However, this is not the only comparable property. The Lexus CT is a carbon copy of the Toyota Prius – only their exterior and interior styling and suspension setup are different.

While the CT and the Prius have more similarities than differences, both are highly rated for reliability. In the Auto Express Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, only 2% of CT owners reported problems.

The usual complaints were the car's loud braking noise, caused by failing brake actuators. Moreover, owners report that the 2ZF-FXE engine used in the Lexus CT is known for its higher than average oil consumption.

5. Lexus RX

The Lexus RX SUV has long been the company's best-seller in multiple countries, as it fulfills all the requirements of a family SUV.

The RX comes with five or seven seats, a traditional gasoline engine or an efficient hybrid powertrain, front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Furthermore, the Lexus RX, like any other luxurious SUV, has a plethora of gadgets for both children and adults to enjoy.

Due to the versatility of this SUV, the RX has received numerous Vehicle Satisfaction Awards and Best Resale Value Awards. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also named the Lexus RX a Top Safety Pick. Also, for several years in a row, the Lexus RX was called as the best midsize Premium SUV, with an average reliability rating of 90.

However, since most RX owners cover high mileage, knowing this car's weaknesses is essential. For example, car steering racks in high-mileage cars tend to start leaking power steering fluid. Moreover, high mileage takes a toll on the water pump, which also begins to leak engine coolant.

4. Lexus IS

From the very beginning, the Lexus IS had to convince buyers that the company had created a better compact sedan than brands that had been perfecting the formula for decades. Like almost all Lexus vehicles, the IS took a unique approach to nearly everything.

The hybrid powertrain is a key feature of Lexus. The hybrid versions offered lower emissions and overall costs without sacrificing driving involvement. While the Lexus IS has other powertrain options, they don’t match the excitement and dynamics of its rivals.

However, the dynamic shortcomings of the Lexus sedan can be ignored due to its nearly perfect reliability. In several What Car? reliability surveys, Lexus IS has scored an outstanding reliability rating of 97%. Additionally, the research found that less than 12% of models experienced any issues during the first three years of ownership.

Compared to the Audi A4, BMW 3-series, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the IS has minor issues. The biggest complaint is the infotainment screen, as it’s prone to freezing and not functioning correctly. Furthermore, after a few years of ownership, the rear wheels may spread clicking sounds when the car is maneuvering at low speeds. Usually, these sounds are caused by loose rear wheel calipers.

The last Lexus IS weak point is the 12-volt battery, responsible for a smooth ownership experience. Due to the low voltage of the 12-volt battery, it can cause disruptions for hybrid powertrains or useful features like heated seats or folding side mirrors.

3. Lexus GS

The Lexus GS was a performance sedan sitting between the compact IS and the marque's flagship LS. However, in 2020, after four excellent generations, Lexus decided to discontinue the GS nameplate, ignoring an industry leading reliability record.

Generation after generation, the GS offered one of the highest quality and reliability ratings in its class. Several times, J.D. Power awarded the Lexus GS as the best midsize premium car, due to its wide range of features and durability.

The most recent Lexus GS generation is also among the best Lexus vehicles ever produced. RepairPal ranked the Lexus GS as the 3rd (from 30) most reliable luxury full size cars, citing lower maintenance costs than most rivals in its class.

2. Lexus ES

Several generations of the Lexus ES scored high reliability ratings, every single time leaving the competition behind. The newest generation of the Lexus ES, equipped with all the necessary technology, driving-aids and features offers an impressive J.D.Power reliability rating of 87 out of 100, but the previous generation was even more impressive – with an astonishing reliability rating of 93.

Lexus designed the ES for the North American market and it was a huge success. Especially the 6th generation, which sold well in North America, Australia, Singapore, and Malaysia. It was popular due to its extensive list of excellent features and hybrid powertrains, but as a car gets older, certain problems come to light.

Lexus owners report that if the ES is regularly parked in the sun, the dashboard will melt sooner or later. In higher-mileage cars, GPS malfunctions are a relatively common problem with all Lexus ES models. You can fix it by updating the firmware or replacing the GPS module. Moreover, owners report that the engine casting of 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engines is susceptible to cracking, leading to internal and external coolant leaks.

1. Lexus GX

Like the bigger Lexus LX, the Lexus GX was created using the principle of taking a dependable workhorse as a platform and filling it with luxurious items like Knee airbags, a Lane departure warning system, and Adaptive variable suspension.

These enhancements have undoubtedly improved road handling, comfort on long journeys, and daily driving without sacrificing the Lexus GX's off-road capabilities and reliability. The proof of it is the J.D. Power reliability rating, where the GX for several years in row was named as one of the most reliable Premium SUVs on the market.

However, the GX does have a few weak points. One of them is that the front axles have four CV joints. Over time, they may develop cracks or splits that allow foreign material to enter and damage the CV joints.

Over time, the 1UR-FE V8 engine can develop oil leaks where the timing chain cover meets the cylinder block and cylinder head.

Is Lexus the most reliable car brand?

According to many different studies, Lexus can call itself the most reliable mainstream car manufacturer.

Lexus has a long history of achieving high ratings in reliability and dependability surveys. In almost all of them, Lexus ties for first place with Porsche. However, unlike most Porsches that typically have a much lower annual mileage, Lexus produces cars for everyday driving and covering impressive distances without significant issues. Furthermore, Lexus sells 700,000 to 800,000 vehicles worldwide each year, whereas Porsche sales are several times lower.

Even the most reliable cars need a history check

While Lexus is known for dependability, some owners prefer to skip scheduled oil changes or repair their vehicles with low-quality parts. Every careless act of maintenance reduces the lifespan of a car, causing problems for the next owner.

Do yourself a favor and research the history of any Lexus vehicle you intend to purchase. carVertical's VIN check may give you information that could help you negotiate a lower price or confront sellers lying about the vehicle’s mileage, past damages, specifications, financial and legal status, and more.