The 2022 Lexus LS (XF50) is the best LS model year: NHTSA lists 0 complaints and 0 recall campaigns, KBB owners rate its reliability 4.9 out of 5, and KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $49,800 to $75,000. The 2017 (XF40) is the best older pick with 2 complaints, 0 recalls and prices from $25,500, and the 2012 is the best cheap pick with 0 recalls from $13,150. Lexus says the LS will soon end, with the final 2026 LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition models still at select dealers.
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $49,800 for the LS 500 F SPORT sedan (originally $80,675), $53,200 for the LS 500 (originally $77,075) up to $75,000 for the LS 500h (originally $113,075)
Buyers who want the newest LS here, with 0 NHTSA complaints and 0 recall campaigns
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $39,000 for the LS 500 F SPORT sedan (originally $82,475), $40,800 for the LS 500 (originally $76,475) up to $46,500 for the LS 500 Inspiration Series (originally $98,690); the LS 500h is $45,900
Buyers who want an LS 500 under $40,000 with 0 NHTSA complaints
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $23,100 for the LS 460 sedan (originally $74,685), $24,900 for the LS 460 L (originally $80,760) up to $31,200 for the LS 600h L (originally $121,390)
Buyers who want an LS 460 or LS 600h L with 0 recall campaigns from $23,100
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $44,400 for the LS 500 sedan (originally $77,025), $46,800 for the LS 500 F SPORT (originally $80,625) up to $49,300 for the LS 500h (originally $91,525)
Buyers who want the 2021 LS 500 range, with a 4.9 KBB reliability score
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $21,300 for the LS 460 sedan (originally $74,450), $22,400 for the LS 460 L (originally $80,860) up to $33,900 for the LS 600h L (originally $121,365)
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $13,150 for the LS 460 sedan (originally $68,005), $15,150 for the LS 460 L (originally $78,525) up to $18,500 for the LS 600h L (originally $113,125)
Buyers who want a V8 or hybrid LS from $13,150 with 0 recall campaigns
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $6,500 for the LS 460 L sedan (originally $71,715) and $8,800 for the LS 460 (originally $61,715)
Buyers who want the cheapest LS 460 here and accept the risk
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2022 Lexus LS (XF50)
Best older LS
2017 Lexus LS (XF40)
Cheapest LS 500
2020 Lexus LS (XF50)
Best cheap, 0 recalls
2012 Lexus LS (XF40)
The ranking
1
2022 Lexus LS (XF50)
Photo: HJUdall / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe newest and cleanest record.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $49,800 for the LS 500 F SPORT sedan (originally $80,675), $53,200 for the LS 500 (originally $77,075) up to $75,000 for the LS 500h (originally $113,075)NHTSA recalls: 0 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2022 Lexus LS (unique campaign numbers across the LS model names NHTSA uses)NHTSA complaints: 0 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2022 Lexus LS (unique complaints across its LS model names)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2022 Lexus LS 4.9 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 354-416 hp and 22-25 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2022 LS is the newest year on the list and the cleanest: NHTSA lists 0 complaints and 0 recall campaigns. Owners rate reliability 4.9 out of 5, KBB gives 354-416 hp and 22-25 combined mpg, and Fair Purchase Prices run from $49,800 for the LS 500 F SPORT to $75,000 for the LS 500h, with the LS 500 at $53,200. A low complaint count partly reflects less time on the road.
Go ifBuyers who want the newest LS here, with 0 NHTSA complaints and 0 recall campaigns
Skip ifYou want to spend under $40,000
Why #1 over #2: It lists 0 complaints and 0 recalls versus 0 complaints and 2 recalls for the 2020, though it starts at $49,800 against $39,000.
2
2020 Lexus LS (XF50)
Photo: Ethan Llamas / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe LS 500 for the least money.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $39,000 for the LS 500 F SPORT sedan (originally $82,475), $40,800 for the LS 500 (originally $76,475) up to $46,500 for the LS 500 Inspiration Series (originally $98,690); the LS 500h is $45,900NHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2020 Lexus LS (unique campaign numbers across the LS model names NHTSA uses)NHTSA complaints: 0 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Lexus LS (unique complaints across its LS model names)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2020 Lexus LS 4.9 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 295-416 hp and 23-28 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2020 LS is the cheapest LS 500 here: $39,000 for the F SPORT, $40,800 for the LS 500 and $46,500 for the Inspiration Series, with the LS 500h at $45,900. NHTSA lists 0 complaints and 2 recall campaigns, owners rate reliability 4.9 out of 5, and KBB gives 295-416 hp and 23-28 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want an LS 500 under $40,000 with 0 NHTSA complaints
Skip ifYou want 0 recall campaigns
Why #2 over #3: It lists 0 complaints versus 2 for the 2017, and starts at $39,000 versus $49,800 for the 2022.
3
2017 Lexus LS (XF40)
Photo: Ethan Llamas / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe last V8 LS, nearly trouble-free.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $25,500 for the LS 460 L sedan (originally $79,815) and $26,300 for the LS 460 (originally $73,515)NHTSA recalls: 0 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2017 Lexus LS (unique campaign numbers across the LS model names NHTSA uses)NHTSA complaints: 2 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Lexus LS (unique complaints across its LS model names)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2017 Lexus LS 4.7 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 386 hp and 19 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2017 LS 460 is the last model year of the XF40 generation here, at $25,500 for the LS 460 L and $26,300 for the LS 460. NHTSA lists 2 complaints and 0 recall campaigns, owners rate reliability 4.7 out of 5, and KBB gives 386 hp and 19 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want the last LS 460 with 0 recall campaigns and only 2 complaints
Skip ifYou want a hybrid or the XF50 styling
Why #3 over #4: It lists 2 complaints versus 6 for the 2016, though the 2016 starts lower, at $23,100 versus $25,500.
4
2016 Lexus LS (XF40)
Photo: Ethan Llamas / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe clean XF40 from $23,100.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $23,100 for the LS 460 sedan (originally $74,685), $24,900 for the LS 460 L (originally $80,760) up to $31,200 for the LS 600h L (originally $121,390)NHTSA recalls: 0 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2016 Lexus LS (unique campaign numbers across the LS model names NHTSA uses)NHTSA complaints: 6 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Lexus LS (unique complaints across its LS model names)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2016 Lexus LS 4.7 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 386-438 hp and 19-20 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2016 LS is the XF40 with the widest range for the money: $23,100 for the LS 460, $24,900 for the LS 460 L and $31,200 for the LS 600h L. NHTSA lists 6 complaints and 0 recall campaigns, owners rate reliability 4.7 out of 5, and KBB gives 386-438 hp and 19-20 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want an LS 460 or LS 600h L with 0 recall campaigns from $23,100
Skip ifYou want fewer than 6 complaints
Why #4 over #5: It lists 6 complaints and 0 recalls versus 6 and 1 for the 2021, and starts at $23,100 versus $44,400.
5
2021 Lexus LS (XF50)
Photo: Ethan Llamas / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe 2021 LS 500, with one recall.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $44,400 for the LS 500 sedan (originally $77,025), $46,800 for the LS 500 F SPORT (originally $80,625) up to $49,300 for the LS 500h (originally $91,525)NHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2021 Lexus LS (unique campaign numbers across the LS model names NHTSA uses)NHTSA complaints: 6 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Lexus LS (unique complaints across its LS model names)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2021 Lexus LS 4.9 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 354-416 hp and 22-28 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2021 LS 500 is the XF50 after its refresh: $44,400 for the LS 500, $46,800 for the F SPORT and $49,300 for the LS 500h. NHTSA lists 6 complaints and 1 recall campaign, owners rate reliability 4.9 out of 5, and KBB gives 354-416 hp and 22-28 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want the 2021 LS 500 range, with a 4.9 KBB reliability score
Skip ifYou want 0 recall campaigns
Why #5 over #6: It lists 6 complaints versus 7 for the 2015 and a 4.9 owner rating versus 4.7, though the 2015 starts at $21,300.
6
2015 Lexus LS (XF40)
Photo: Ethan Llamas / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe cheaper XF40, with one recall.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $21,300 for the LS 460 sedan (originally $74,450), $22,400 for the LS 460 L (originally $80,860) up to $33,900 for the LS 600h L (originally $121,365)NHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2015 Lexus LS (unique campaign numbers across the LS model names NHTSA uses)NHTSA complaints: 7 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Lexus LS (unique complaints across its LS model names)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2015 Lexus LS 4.7 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 386-438 hp and 19-20 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2015 LS starts at $21,300 for the LS 460 and reaches $33,900 for the LS 600h L, with the LS 460 L at $22,400. NHTSA lists 7 complaints and 1 recall campaign, owners rate reliability 4.7 out of 5, and KBB gives 386-438 hp and 19-20 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want an LS 460 from $21,300
Skip ifYou want 0 recall campaigns
Why #6 over #7: It lists 7 complaints versus 8 for the 2012, though the 2012 lists 0 recalls versus 1 and starts at $13,150.
7
2012 Lexus LS (XF40)
Photo: Ethan Llamas / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe XF40 from $13,150.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $13,150 for the LS 460 sedan (originally $68,005), $15,150 for the LS 460 L (originally $78,525) up to $18,500 for the LS 600h L (originally $113,125)NHTSA recalls: 0 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2012 Lexus LS (unique campaign numbers across the LS model names NHTSA uses)NHTSA complaints: 8 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Lexus LS (unique complaints across its LS model names)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2012 Lexus LS 4.7 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 380-438 hp and 19-20 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2012 LS is the best cheap pick with 0 recalls, from $13,150 for the LS 460 to $18,500 for the LS 600h L, with the LS 460 L at $15,150. NHTSA lists 8 complaints and 0 recall campaigns, owners rate reliability 4.7 out of 5, and KBB gives 380-438 hp and 19-20 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want a V8 or hybrid LS from $13,150 with 0 recall campaigns
Skip ifYou want fewer than 8 complaints
Why #7 over #8: It lists 8 complaints and 0 recalls versus 17 and 1 for the 2006, though the 2006 starts at $9,200.
8
2006 Lexus LS (XF30)
Photo: Navigator84 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe last LS 430.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $9,200 for the LS 430 sedan (originally $57,175)NHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2006 Lexus LS (unique campaign numbers across the LS model names NHTSA uses)NHTSA complaints: 17 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Lexus LS (unique complaints across its LS model names)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2006 Lexus LS 4.9 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 278 hp and 19 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2006 LS is the last LS 430 and the XF30 generation at its best here, at $9,200 for the LS 430. NHTSA lists 17 complaints and 1 recall campaign, owners rate reliability 4.9 out of 5, and KBB gives 278 hp and 19 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want the last LS 430 from $9,200
Skip ifYou want more than 278 hp
Why #8 over #9: It lists 17 complaints versus 25 for the 2003, though the 2003 starts at $7,125 versus $9,200.
9
2003 Lexus LS (XF30)
Photo: OSX / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe cheapest LS 430 here.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $7,125 for the LS 430 sedan (originally $56,600)NHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2003 Lexus LS (unique campaign numbers across the LS model names NHTSA uses)NHTSA complaints: 25 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Lexus LS (unique complaints across its LS model names)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2003 Lexus LS 4.9 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 290 hp and 19 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2003 LS is an LS 430 at $7,125, originally $56,600. NHTSA lists 25 complaints and 1 recall campaign, owners rate reliability 4.9 out of 5, and KBB gives 290 hp and 19 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want an LS 430 from $7,125
Skip ifYou want fewer than 25 complaints
Why #9 over #10: It lists 25 complaints and 1 recall versus 139 and 3 for the 2007, and a 4.9 owner rating versus 4.7.
10
2007 Lexus LS (XF40)
Photo: Damian B Oh / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe first LS 460, with by far the most complaints.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $6,500 for the LS 460 L sedan (originally $71,715) and $8,800 for the LS 460 (originally $61,715)NHTSA recalls: 3 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2007 Lexus LS (unique campaign numbers across the LS model names NHTSA uses)NHTSA complaints: 139 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2007 Lexus LS (unique complaints across its LS model names)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2007 Lexus LS 4.7 out of 5 for reliabilityPower and economy: 380 hp and 19-20 combined mpg (KBB)
The 2007 LS is the first year of the LS 460, from $6,500 for the LS 460 L to $8,800 for the LS 460. NHTSA lists 139 complaints, the most on the list, and 3 recall campaigns; owners rate reliability 4.7 out of 5, and KBB gives 380 hp and 19-20 combined mpg.
Go ifBuyers who want the cheapest LS 460 here and accept the risk
Skip ifYou want fewer than 139 complaints or 3 recall campaigns
How we ranked these
We ranked ten Lexus LS model years sold in the US, across the XF30 (LS 430), XF40 (LS 460 and LS 600h) and XF50 (LS 500 and LS 500h) generations: NHTSA owner complaint counts first, then recall campaigns, then Kelley Blue Book owner reliability ratings, with used prices from KBB. Counts were read from the NHTSA API and prices from KBB when we checked, and prices change weekly. NHTSA files the LS under several model names (LS, LS430, LS460, LS460L, LS460/460L, LS600HL, LS500 and LS 500), so complaint counts are unique complaints and recall counts are unique campaign numbers across those names. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so they rank higher on that measure, and mileage matters as much as year. Lexus says the LS will soon end, with the final 2026 LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition models still at select dealers. For the wider range see our Best Lexus Models at /cars/best-lexus-models-2027/, and for the rival flagship our Best Mercedes-Benz S-Class Model Years at /cars/best-mercedes-benz-s-class-model-years-2027/. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best Lexus LS model year to buy used?
By NHTSA and owner data, the 2022 LS (XF50): 0 NHTSA complaints, 0 recall campaigns, a 4.9 out of 5 KBB owner reliability rating and KBB Fair Purchase Prices from $49,800 to $75,000. The 2017 LS 460 is the best older pick, with 2 complaints, 0 recalls and prices from $25,500.
What is the cheapest LS model year here?
The 2007 LS (XF40), with a KBB Fair Purchase Price from $6,500 for the LS 460 L, but it has 139 NHTSA complaints. The 2003 LS 430 starts at $7,125 with 25 complaints.
Which LS model years have no recall campaigns?
NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns for the 2012, 2016, 2017 and 2022 Lexus LS. The 2007 lists the most, 3.
Which LS model year has the best owner reliability rating?
KBB owners rate the 2003, 2006, 2020, 2021 and 2022 LS 4.9 out of 5 for reliability, against 4.7 for the 2007, 2012 and 2015 to 2017.
Lowest used price on the cited KBB page (USD) at a glance
2007 Lexus LS (XF40)$6,500
2003 Lexus LS (XF30)$7,125
2006 Lexus LS (XF30)$9,200
2012 Lexus LS (XF40)$13,150
2015 Lexus LS (XF40)$21,300
2016 Lexus LS (XF40)$23,100
2017 Lexus LS (XF40)$25,500
2020 Lexus LS (XF50)$39,000
2021 Lexus LS (XF50)$44,400
2022 Lexus LS (XF50)$49,800
Lowest used price on the cited KBB page (USD), as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.
