2009 Lexus LS problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
13 owner complaints analyzed
0 distinct recall campaigns
58,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2009 model year. Data snapshot: . 7 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 13 complaints (30.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 3 | 23.1% |
| Engine operation | 2 | 15.4% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 2 | 15.4% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 7.7% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 7.7% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4 |
| Electrical System | 3 |
| Power Train | 3 |
| Service Brakes | 3 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 |
| Wheels | 2 |
Engine: 4; Electrical System: 3; Power Train: 3; Service Brakes: 3; Fuel/Propulsion System: 2; Unknown Or Other: 2; Vehicle Speed Control: 2; Wheels: 2
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 2 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 6 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2025 | 2 |
2011: 1; 2013: 1; 2014: 1; 2016: 1; 2019: 1; 2020: 2; 2021: 2; 2022: 2; 2025: 2
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 2 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11451661 · 2022-02-12 (February 12, 2022)
Brake shake violently when applied makes loud noises does this most times car has new brakes and rotors mechanic thinks it’s the brake actuator makes car unsafe to drive
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11451661 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11464119 · 2022-05-10 (May 10, 2022)
My wife was driving, we got check engine & VSC sign, we checked with car mechanic, who asked us to take to dealer, they diagnosed & fixed some parts & charged us around 1000.00 $, Next day she drove around 6 miles, she was ready to enter highway sign came, stop car immediately at safe place, she called dealer who advised to bring car back, she took car back ,they diagnosed again & told us it will cost 4042.11 to replace brake actuator & brake pump,we searched that this was manufacturing defect, we contacted Lexus corporate office, they sai…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11464119 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10616667 · 2014-07-27 (July 27, 2014)
2009 LEXUS LS 460 AWD THE CAR LOST POWER UPON ACCELERATION AFTER THE 90,000 MILE SERVICE. I BROUGHT IT BACK TO DEALER (LEXUS OF NAPERVILLE) THEY SAID THAT THEY REFLASHED THE CONTROLLER. THE CAR LOST PERFORMANCE BUT DID NOT LOOSE POWER UNTIL THE NEXT OIL CHANGE. AT 94000 MILES A FEW DAYS AFTER SERVICE THE CAR LOST POWER ON ACCELERATION AGAIN, I BROUGHT IT BACK TO DEALER AT WHICH TIME THEY REBUILT THE TOP OF THE ENGINE FOR A COST OF $11,500.00 UNDER WARRANTY. THE CAR RAN FINE UNTIL THE NEXT SERVICE ON 7/03/14. WHEN I LEFT THE DEALER ON T…
Owner-reported narrative. 89,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10616667 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11364249 · 2020-10-14 (October 14, 2020)
WHEN DRIVING, SLOWING TO MAKE A TURN, PUTTING FOOT BACK ON GAS....FEELS EITHER LIKE GEAR SLIPPING OR FUEL INJECTION SLIP. MAKES QUICK CATCH AND JUMPS. ALSO, WHEN COMING TO STOP, FEELS LIKE STALLING. VERY SCARY.
Owner-reported narrative. 58,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11364249 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11661206 · 2025-05-15 (May 15, 2025)
The battery died and we have replaced it with 3 new batteries and something keeps draining the battery. We have had multiple mechanics come and try to figure out what is going on with it, checked the alternator, checked every fuse, checked everything and no one can figure it out
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11661206 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10424347 · 2011-09-08 (September 8, 2011)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 LEXUS LS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THERE WAS FLUID LEAKING FROM THE FRONT END. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE TRANSMISSION HAD A HOLE ON THE SIDE WALL THAT ALLOWED TRANSMISSION FLUID TO LEAK. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200.
Owner-reported narrative. 200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10424347 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11445540 · 2021-12-30 (December 30, 2021)
I was driving and my steering locked up and my check VSC light came on, and check power steering system came on and told me to check with dealer.If someone can please contact me ASAP would be wonderful and appreciated..Thank you
Owner-reported narrative. 16,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11445540 at NHTSA ↗