Lexus is a popular Toyota line of luxury cars famous for their durability.
In fact, one Lexus car even made it over one million miles.
This incredible feat would suggest that Lexus cars are pretty long-lasting, but how do different Lexus products stack up with each other and the competition?
A Lexus car will typically last 150,000-200,000 miles, about 20 years, under ideal conditions.
Of course, if you stay on top of maintaining your car, drive safely, and avoid factors that add wear and tear to your car, then a Lexus can last longer.
A lot goes into choosing the right Lexus car for you.
Are Lexus cars worth the price? Do they stack up against their competitors?
Different models of Lexus have different levels of sustainability as well.
The rest of this article will walk you through how reliable each model of Lexus is to pick the right one for you.
Are Lexus Cars Long Lasting?
Lexus is consistently ranked in the top 10 regarding selections of luxury brands.
Toyota has been making reliable, long-lasting vehicles for a long time, and its household name status is well-deserved.
Well kept, the average Lexus vehicle will last for about 20 years.
The more consistent you are with tending to your car's needs, the better that number will be.
The Most Reliable Lexus Models
The Lexus GS has been rated as the most trusted Lexus model and has a long history of dependability.
In 2019, the Lexus GX was considered the most reliable car available to consumers, while the Lexus ES (2017-2021) was hailed as another of the most trustworthy Lexus models.
The Least Reliable Lexus Models
Some design flaws make the Lexus RX 350 the least reliable in the Lexus lineup due to issues with interior accessories, rack-and-pinion leaks, and oil leaks.
In particular, the 2008 Lexus RX 350 has been noted to experience severe engine troubles, oil leaks, and malfunctions in the cruise control system.
Longevity of a Lexus
It's not uncommon for a Lexus to go 100,000 miles without any issues, and well-maintained can still function easily for another 100k.
However, climate and road conditions are important factors to keep in mind when purchasing a Lexus―or any car.
Environments rampant with rough roads, potholes, or excesses of road salt can cause a car to age faster.
As with most vehicles, when purchasing any vehicle, you should always inquire about the vehicle's service history, repair history, and where it has been driven.
Resale Value
Lexus cars are legendary for holding their value, topping out at number one among luxury cars for retaining value.
Their 5-year resale value is above 55% of its purchase price in most cases, with 2019 cars offering the best value, and the 2017 Lexus RC manages to maintain 22% of its original value.
Some other notable Lexus cars that have aged well include the following:
Lexus IS 350
Lexus IG 350
Lexus GS 350
Maintenance
Maintaining a car is an important factor in determining its value over time.
Lexus cars have a good track record of being low maintenance, at least among other luxury brands.
You can expect to save up to $4000 on repair costs, barring any major breakdowns or accidents, of course.
Do Lexus Break Down a Lot?
Lexus vehicles don't tend to break down a lot and have a good track record for being reliable on the road.
Compared to other brands, you can rely on the Lexus to get you from A to B without recurring issues.
But, of course, that doesn't mean you should ignore your check engine light or disregard anything that seems amiss.
The path to longevity for any car is good maintenance, and Lexus cars are much the same.
However, you should remember that a Lexus is classed as a luxury car, indicating that maintenance costs will be higher than your average mass-produced car.
That being said, not only does Toyota have a good track record for durability on the road, but Lexus, in particular, is constantly accredited with being the least expensive luxury car to maintain.
So, if you want the flare of a luxury car without as high a maintenance price, the Lexus is a good pick.
In addition, the word 'luxury' comes with a bonus.
Higher-quality materials used in construction means you won't have to take your Lexus down for repairs as often.
Common Lexus Issues
Some of the worst Lexus issues include the following:
Cracking dashboard
Melting dashboard
Door malfunctions
Most malfunctions listed on carcomplaints.com are linked to the ES 350, RX 350, and the IS 250.
The worst issues reported are the dashboard cracking, which can run you up to $1000 in repairs, or the dashboard starting to melt, costing $2500 on average to repair.
Some users of the ES 300hs reported that the check strap, a component designed to stop the door from opening too much and stressing the hinges, was inadequate, resulting in damage to the hinges.
The average repair cost for this issue was $2000.
Do Lexus Have a Lot of Problems?
Lexus cars have a good history of reliability throughout the years, but some issues have caused consumers no small amount of consternation.
Across all Lexus models, the most commonly reported issue, according to carproblemzoo, is an issue with the airbag. In recent years, a widespread automobile recall included some Lexus models due to issues with the airbag.
In affected models, the front passenger airbag could degrade when exposed to moisture, causing it to deploy improperly.
Worst case scenario, these airbags could expand too quickly, launching dangerous metal debris at passengers.
Some other common Lexus issues that have been reported across different models involve the following features or components:
Speed control
Acceleration
Transmission
Power train
Interior accessories
Equipment
Engine cooling
While some may seem alarming, glaring issues like airbag malfunctions or bad door design have been quickly addressed with recalls of affected brands, and Lexus has a pretty clean record regarding the number of problems it has compared with other vehicles.
Specific Lexus Models with Reported Issues
The Lexus RX 350 and the Lexus IS 350 are marked as the least reliable Lexus vehicles due to several major problems that owners have experienced over the years.
The 2009 Lexus RX 350 has been subject to engine failure, some without even a warning from a check light.
Other major issues like transmission failure have been reported with the 2008 and 2009 Lexus RX 350, according to carcomplaints.com.
What Is the Highest Mileage on a Lexus?
The highest mileage reported on a Lexus is over one million, but if we're honest, most cars aren't going to function well past 300,000 miles.
At this point, the cost of repairs starts to invite you to start car shopping again.
That being said, if you're a conservative driver who takes good care of your vehicle, getting a Lexus with 100,000 miles on it for a discounted price isn't a bad deal.
Most Lexus models hold up well with wear and tear, and if the previous owner has taken good care of the car, you will likely get at least another 100k out of a Lexus.
On average, Lexus cars tend to last for 150,000-300,000 miles.
How Many Miles Is a Lexus Able to Last before Having Problems?
You should be conducting routine maintenance every 5000 miles to catch any problems before they do serious damage.
Maintain your engine oil and coolant levels, and you'll significantly extend the life of your vehicle.
You should change transmission fluid and filter every 30,000-40,000 miles.
Aside from common repairs, you'll need to do every few thousand miles, and you can expect a Lexus to easily over 100,000 miles as long as you don't live in an environment with lots of road salt and you keep up with regular maintenance.
How Many Miles Can You Put on a Lexus IS?
The IS line of Lexus is a reliable group of cars that can get good mileage and will serve you well for up to 20 years.
Some models are slightly better than others in terms of mileage, and the car's age plays into how many miles you can put on the car, but all in all, you should be able to get upwards of 200,000 miles with proper maintenance and good road conditions.
How Many Miles Can a Lexus IS 250 Last?
The Lexus IS 250 has a solid mileage expectancy of 300,000 miles under ideal conditions.
Keep your car tip-top shape with regular oil changes, brake fluid checks, and tire rotations.
An oil change on the transmission every 30k miles is ideal, and you'll probably need to replace the transmission at around 120,000 miles.
How Many Miles Can a Lexus IS 350 Last?
A Lexus IS 350 can be expected to last over 150,000 miles, but as with many other Lexus cars, you might have to replace the transmission around the 100k mark.
Even so, the Lexus IS 350 is a solid car to keep you driving.
However, remember that the 350 has the most negative reviews among Lexus buyers, with many citing engine and transmission troubles.
Specifically, a Lexus IS 350 from 2007 seems to be the car to avoid when picking out your new Lexus; nevertheless, an IS 350 is still a great luxury car for all your traveling needs.
How Many Miles Can a Lexus IS 300 Last?
A Lexus IS 300 can manage 150-180k miles before it starts to experience issues, but as long as you take care of it, there's no reason why you can't tip over the 200,000-mile marker.
As with other Lexus models, the motor is more than capable of handling these distances―it's your suspension and transmission that you'll have to keep an eye on around the 120k mark.
Around the 100,000-mile marker, you might also need to replace your timing belt, which will be a big expense.
Even so, the 300 is a popular pick and holds its own in terms of distance when it comes to other Lexus products.
How Many Miles Can a Lexus Rx 400h Last?
The Lexus RX 400h can easily keep up with other Lexus cars, lasting well over 150,000 miles on average.
Its fuel efficiency also means you won't be paying as much out of pocket at the gas pump for the miles you're putting on your car.
This line has withstood the test of time, and it's fair to say that the Lexus RX 400h is worth the price point for the years of stress-free driving you can get out of it.
Some owners even report that they happily drive their Lexus at the +300k mark with few issues, giving the 400h an excellent track record for longevity.
How Many Miles Will a Lexus RX 350 Last?
Designed to be long-lasting, the Lexus RX 350 lasts upwards of 200,000 miles.
As with all vehicles, once you start approaching the higher end of the mileage spectrum, you'll need to pay out of pocket for major repairs, but the RX 350 holds up as a car that can thrive in all kinds of weather and terrain.
Straightforward to maintain and capable of many miles, the RX 350 is a good pick for versatility.
It's worth noting, however, that some users complain about the smaller storage space, poor acceleration capability, and malfunctions in interior accessories like heating and AC.
The stock wheels don't perform well in the snow, so you should consider having the stock tires replaced if you're planning on using the RX 350 in a snowy environment.
How Many Miles Can a Lexus NX Last?
The Lexus NX was one of the first in the compact SUV market and was innovative for its time; however, compared to other, more modern Lexus models, the NX pales regarding handling and refinement.
The car can hold up well, but you shouldn't be expecting much more than 100,000 trouble-free miles out of this car.
The 2022 hybrid revamp of the NX is a good vehicle with decent mileage and distance to speak of but does run a little pricey.
How Many Miles Does a Lexus ES 350 Last?
The Lexus ES 350 is a comfortable and well-designed vehicle with a 2022 facelift, and like most Lexus cars, the ES 350 is more than capable of lasting over 150,000 miles.
That being said, the ES 350 seems to have the most 'bad' years that have been flagged for parts failure.
If you're looking into the Lexus ES 350, you'd be wise to avoid the following years:
How Many Miles Does a Lexus GS 350 Last?
A Lexus GS 350 can be expected to last over 200,000 miles with good driving habits and regular maintenance.
You'll want to avoid the 2013 year, however, since this year has the most complaints for battery failure.
The 1998 and 2006 models have the worst reputation among older cars for the Lexus GS 350.
You'll need to replace the battery later down the line, which will be a hefty replacement cost; nevertheless, the GS 350 is a solid Lexus product that has withstood the test of time and continues to be improved.
Conclusion
Lexus cars have long been touted for their longevity and low maintenance costs, and for the most part, their reputation is well deserved.
Despite a few major issues leading to recalls of specific Lexus models, most Lexus cars can last well beyond 150,000 miles with good maintenance.
Some owners even report that their cars run just fine past 300k miles.
With any car, the rate of decay will be accelerated if you're driving on pothole-ridden roads or roads with a lot of salt or snow that can damage the internal components over time.
When considering your next Lexus purchase, you'll want to consider the service history of the vehicle and any repairs that have been done.
As long as the vehicle has been serviced properly, a Lexus with 100k miles on it most likely still has a good long life ahead of it.
FAQ
How Many Miles Does a Lexus Hybrid Battery Last?
A Lexus hybrid battery will last anywhere from 80,000 to 100,000 miles, but if you're lucky, you might be able to squeeze 150,000 miles out of it.
The cost of a battery replacement for a Lexus car is upwards of $4000, but the exact price will vary depending on your state's taxes, the auto shop doing the work, and the specific make of your Lexus vehicle.