2009 Lexus LS
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Brakes
Brakes leads by volume: 12 of 24 complaints (50%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 133 in 2008 to 24 in 2009.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | vs. 2009 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,900–4,100 | 3,700–4,100 | 3,700–4,300 | 3,700–4,300 | 3,900–4,300 | |
| Combined MPG | 19–20 | 19–21 | 18–21 | 18–21 | 18–20 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 16–17 / 24–25 | 16–20 / 22–24 | 16–20 / 22–24 | 16–20 / 22–24 | 16–19 / 23–24 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 444–468 | 423–468 | 423–494 | 423–494 | 444–494 | |
| Complaints filed | 139 | 133 | 24 | 32 | 14 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 8 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 1 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 5 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2009 Lexus LS have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2009 Lexus LS?
Brakes: 12 of 24 NHTSA complaints (50%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2009 Lexus LS get?
EPA rates it 18–21 MPG combined across 5 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2009 Lexus LS?
EPA estimates $3,700–$4,300 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (5)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S8) | 8 | 4.6L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 16 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (high) | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 468 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S8) | 8 | 4.6L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 16 mpg (low) | 23 mpg | 18 mpg (low) | $4,300 (high) | 494 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S8) | 8 | 4.6L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 16 mpg (low) | 24 mpg (high) | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 468 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S8) | 8 | 4.6L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 16 mpg (low) | 23 mpg | 18 mpg (low) | $4,300 (high) | 494 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (S8) | 8 | 5.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 20 mpg (high) | 22 mpg (low) | 21 mpg (high) | $3,700 (low) | 423 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · Campaign 14V647000 · Oct 15, 2014
Defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Lexus LS vehicles manufactured May 9, 2006, to July 20, 2010, 2006-2011 Lexus GS vehicles manufactured January 6, 2005, to September 10, 2010, and 2006-2011 Lexus IS vehicles manufactured August 30, 2005, to September 10, 2010. Due to anti-corrosion plating remnants, fuel may leak from where the fuel pressure sensor is attached to the fuel delivery pipe.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will clean and reseal the fuel pressure sensor mounting area, free of charge. The recall began March 3, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM · Campaign 10V218000 · May 21, 2010
Defect: TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 LEXUS LS460 AND LS600 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 20, 2009 THROUGH MAY 13, 2010. A PROGRAMMING CHANGE OF THE STEERING CONTROL ECU FOR THE VARIABLE GEAR RATIO STEERING (VGRS) SYSTEM CAN CAUSE IMPROPER ACTIVATION OF THE STEERING SYSTEM PROTECTION LOGIC DESIGNED TO PROTECT THE SYSTEM WHEN LARGER THAN NORMAL STEERING INPUTS ARE APPLIED AT A FULLY TURNED POSITION.
Consequence: IMPROPER ACTIVATION OF THE STEERING SYSTEM PROTECTION LOGIC CAN CAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME OFF-CENTERED UP TO 90 DEGREES. THIS MAY OCCUR AFTER THE DRIVER HAS FULLY TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL IN ONE DIRECTION THEN QUICKLY ATTEMPTS TO TURN IT BACK TO THE CENTER POSITION. SHOULD THIS OCCUR WHILE DRIVING, THE RISK OF A CRASH IS INCREASED.
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND LEXUS DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING CONTROL ECU FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.