63 of the
293 complaints filed about the Lexus LS
are about the braking system —
22% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2008.
My ABS Brake System warning lights all came on a few days ago, giving me error codes c1253 and c1256. These codes pertain to a manufacturers defect with Lexus, wherein Lexus generated a customer convenience program that said any LS460 that is less than 10 yrs old OR less than 150k miles can be brought to any dealer and have this brake system replaced at Lexus expense. Please see the attached Lexus notice to dealers. My car is 13 yrs old BUT has only 108k miles; so I asked Lexus Corporate to approve my repair and they denied it due to age. This is a SAFETY issue due to a manufacturers defect from Lexus; therefore I should not have to pay for something simply because I have a low mileage car. Lexus should pay for this due to it being a SAFETY issue. Please help me get Lexus to do so. BTW, I am a long-term Lexus customer having purchased 5 Lexus cars.
NHTSA complaint #11706499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My dashboard is melting which creates a glare while driving! Unable to see threw front windshield do to the glare from the sun reflecting off the dash! All interior trim components starts melting inside the car when it's hot outside! Also my brake actuator and abs braking system went out!
NHTSA complaint #11696519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle brake, ABS, lights are on the dashboard, Lexus has deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive due to the brake actuator being faulty causing internal damage to the ABS, junction box this is a $5000 repair, upon my research I find that service bulletin were issued years ago about this from Lexus and they reimbursed or repaired these issues during a good will campagne they initiated, was advised by a Lexus member of corporate that the letter came out for my vehicle but I was not the owner at the time, they are now saying its expired and nothing they can do. This does not waive their responsibility of this defect, which is not a wear and tear item. I have tried to allow Lexus to remedy this situation only to be hit with resistance. Please see attached
NHTSA complaint #11692350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This particular model 2009 Lexus LS460 apparently has an issue with the ABS system module (ABS Brake pump actuator) and when it fails it is like a domino effect not to mention having to reprogram the cars whole computer system all over again, I researched this issue and found that the issue is rampant with this year and model, not only is it expensive to fix (4k) the part alone is over 1k. If the system was to fail while driving it would pose a significant danger to myself and others as I would not be able to brake, or if I drive in wet weather the system could fail on me again. Everyone that owns this model has the same issue. once it happens it is said that it will happen every 30000 miles or so. I bought the car in 2024; I hadn't even had it a year before the system failed and I have not been able to drive the car since March 2025. I think issues involving the cars ABS should automatically be a recall. Now I feel like I am stuck with a car payment for a car I can't even drive because the brake system failed, and will continue to fail over and over, even if I could drive it I would be scared to. If the car senses and accident or spinout and the abs fails and locks up that's dangerous. I can't afford to fix this issue multiple times no one should have to go through this when buying a car as luxury and expensive as Lexus is. The car is too old for the lemon law but I bought a lemon, as big as this issue is this should have been a recall. Please help...
NHTSA complaint #11690008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Lexus LS 460. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS, and the Pre-Collision System (PCS) warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the brake booster and brake booster pump. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Support Program: 24LE01 (Coverage for Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assemblies). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 96,000.
NHTSA complaint #11680120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2014 Lexus LS 460. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the ABS and several other warning lights illuminated, with a message to “Stop Driving Vehicle” displayed. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS actuator needed to be replaced. The mechanic referred the contact to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal was soft. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to TSB: L-SB-0009-23 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11667156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am speaking on behalf of my [XXX] mother who owns the car. Summarily, we took the car to two Lexus Service Repair shops (i.e. one in Glendale and one in Longo, El Monte). On [XXX], we the brake and tire sensor lights came on. We first took it to Lexus of Glendale. The diagnosis and estimate was to cover these items: tire sensors, brake sensor, brake pads, air filters, oil change, and nav system to fix the defrost buttons, the DVD software for the nav system, and anything that would cause the brake/ABS emergency light and tire pressure lights to come on. Prior to that, we replaced all 4 tires, upper and lower suspension arms, air filters, fuses, alignment, etc. Both lights (tire sensors and brake lights in the dashboard came on the last week of January 2025. The total cost was $4200.00. Then the same day my mom rolled over a speed bump, and the tire sensor lights came on. She went back and they did not replace the tire sensor lights and we opened up a case on this issue. Then a day later, the brake light and ABS light came on. After a couple of days of that, the brakes would lock up before she turned on the ignition. We filed a complaint with Department of Consumer Affairs, BAR. We scheduled an appointment with Lexus of Longo. Mr. Lam said it could be the actuator and it would cost $4200.00 because we missed this 2017 warranty. I told him we never received any letter from Lexus's CSP warranty program on the brake actuator. And instead, we only received leather interiors or glove compartment interiors. I asked if I could take a photo of this warranty. He allowed me to. Today, after the diagnosis, he said he would charge us $3000.00 for the actuator. I am wondering if you could intervene and have Lexus cover this warranty for my senior mother. She does not have money to buy a new car right now, nor can she learn the new technology on the new cars. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11654219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was on the exit for union turnpike on the gcp at a good 40 miles per hour when boom a whole bunch of lights popped up on the dash saying see dealer and 3 lights come on the top right. By the grace of god the car infront of me was very far and i was able to drop the car into manual mode drop gears while turning wheels slowly go into bumps and i slowed down when i came around the corner to a full stop that’s when i had my tow guy grab the car and drop me and the car home
NHTSA complaint #11631686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding the negligence and lack of accountability demonstrated by Lexus Manufacturer in addressing a serious and persistent brake issue in my vehicle, which directly threatens my safety and that of others on the road. Despite repeated attempts to resolve this matter, Lexus has failed to provide a lasting solution or accept responsibility for this critical defect. I have taken my vehicle to multiple authorized dealers, all of whom confirmed the issue and recommended contacting the manufacturer. Following this advice, I reached out to Lexus Manufacturer directly, only to be met with evasive responses, deflection, and an utter lack of action. Issue Description The brakes on my vehicle have consistently failed to function as expected, even after repairs performed by Lexus-certified dealers. This suggests either a fundamental defect in the braking system or inadequate repair protocols by the manufacturer’s representatives. Such a failure in an essential safety system puts me, my passengers, and others on the road in imminent danger. Legal and Ethical Responsibilities Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (49 U.S.C. Chapter 301), manufacturers are legally obligated to ensure that their vehicles meet safety standards and to address any defects that pose a risk to public safety. Lexus's failure to rectify this issue or initiate a recall contravenes these obligations. Furthermore, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) outlines specific performance requirements for braking systems (FMVSS No. 105 and FMVSS No. 135 for hydraulic and electric brakes, respectively). Lexus's apparent inability or unwillingness to ensure compliance with these standards raises serious questions about its commitment to safety. Evidence: Enclosed with this complaint are: Correspondence with Lexus Manufacturer, documenting my attempts to seek resolution.
NHTSA complaint #11627870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The brake actuator is a well known failure component with these cars and yet no recall has been issued. It's almost $4,000 to repair this defective component.
NHTSA complaint #11618610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The ABS system failed. Mechanic stated it was the ABS actuator. Left front wheel locks up when brakes are applied with force. Safety is jeopardized since the ABS system no longer works. Cannot bring vehicle to safe stop in an emergency braking situation. The problem was reproduced by an independent service center. The vehicle had not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. Lexus has been notified and said that I just missed the window on the service bulletin, which ended in March of 2024. There were no warning lamps before the system failure. The system failed during a trip.
NHTSA complaint #11614746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
For 2 years now I’ve been getting intermittent abs and traction light come on. It never showed a code when a scanner was plugged in. Every now and then the light would come on when I start the car. As soon as I drive it’s gone. Now I have the brake icon on too and my brakes are very weird with it grabbing really hard at times and slow to release. It’s the brake actuator that everyone has problems with. I only have 76k miles on my car. I had the valley plate leak at 49k miles. So these 2 things are problems everyone have that Lexus isn’t admitting it’s their fault. They are not willing to fix the actuator on my car because they supposedly sent a customer letter that I’ve never received
NHTSA complaint #11607988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ABS Modulator has failed on mine and thousands of owners across the US & the World. Toyota/Lexus knows about this and has issued TSIB's for several models including the LS460 from 2007-2017 up to a certain mileage. My vehicle has too many miles to be included in this, but the safety of my vehicle is in serious risk due to a problem that they have known about for many years, but have failed to do a recall on all of these vehicles. The repair costs on average $2,000 to $4,000.00.
NHTSA complaint #11602022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus LS460. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle and depressing the brake pedal, there was a knocking and ticking sound coming from the brakes. Additionally, the brake light, traction control light, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The ABS, Brakes, and VSC messages were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the brake actuator was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was no longer under Extended Warranty Coverage for the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 126,000.
NHTSA complaint #11595461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus LS460. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the braking system malfunctioned, and the brake pedal extended to the floorboard while depressed, causing the braking distance to be extended. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the ABS actuator and brake pump were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 58,000.
NHTSA complaint #11586492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
These Vehicles have a ongoing problem with the brake actuator. Lexus I'm sure Is aware of the problem I believe they should take care of it. It's a really expensive fix that we as customers shouldn't have to be responsible for. This issue makes driving the vehicle very uncomfortable.
NHTSA complaint #11578748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:SOLENOID/ACTUATOR
The contact owns a 2008 Lexus LS460. The contact stated that while driving out of the driveway, the brakes became inoperable. There was a loud audible sound detected. The message to replace actuator was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the actuator. The manufacturer was contacted, and opened a case, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
NHTSA complaint #11571825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.