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2016 Lexus LS Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026·Ethan Miller

Overall Score

6.4/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • The primary concern for used 2016 Lexus LS models is the potential for airbag failure to deploy during a collision, a serious safety risk.
  • While there are no recalls, critical safety complaints regarding steering failure and airbag non-deployment necessitate thorough pre-purchase inspections.
  • Inspect the steering system, particularly the electronic power steering, for any signs of malfunction.
  • For higher mileage examples, verify the airbag system's readiness and seatbelt functionality.
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OverviewPros, Cons & TakeawaysWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2016 Lexus LS

The 2016 Lexus LS presents itself as a refined luxury sedan, offering a comfortable ride and a potent V8 engine. While Lexus is known for reliability, this particular model year has a few points of concern for used car shoppers. Notably, there are no active recalls, which is a positive sign. However, a handful of complaints highlight potential issues that buyers should be aware of. The LS 460 features an 8-cylinder, 4.6-liter engine that requires premium fuel and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, available with all-wheel drive. Its combined EPA fuel economy is rated at 18 MPG.

Critical Failure Risk

Loss of steering assist, making the vehicle difficult to control.

Early detection can help you avoid a $1,500-$2,000 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls0
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

7
Engine1
Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
18
MPG
City
16
MPG
Highway
23
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

9.3/ 10

Practicality

4.5/ 10

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Verdict: Conditional Buy

Is the 2016 LS worth it?

The 2016 Lexus LS offers a generally good ownership experience, but a critical concern regarding airbag non-deployment warrants careful pre-purchase inspection.

Buy it if...

  • discerning used car shoppers prioritizing comfort and a smooth ride, who are willing to conduct rigorous pre-purchase inspections, especially focusing on safety systems and steering.

Skip it if...

  • buyers seeking a completely worry-free ownership experience or those unwilling to invest in thorough mechanical checks, particularly concerning the airbag and steering systems.

View maintenance guide
Unlock the full report to see 1 more strengths and 2 more watch-outs.
Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Discerning used car shoppers prioritizing comfort and a smooth ride, who are willing to conduct rigorous pre-purchase inspections, especially focusing on safety systems and steering.

Avoid if

Buyers seeking a completely worry-free ownership experience or those unwilling to invest in thorough mechanical checks, particularly concerning the **airbag** and **steering** systems.

2016 Lexus LS Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2016 Lexus LS.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Premium
Seating Capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic (S8)
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Sedan
EPA Combined MPG
18

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Most Common Issues

1. ENGINE

Most reported

Usage: 1 reports

2. Fuel System

Usage: 1 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil, Oil Filter)

Est. shop cost: $100 - $150

5,000 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (5 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full pros & cons (3 strengths, 4 watch-outs)
Full specs and trim-level context
Full safety recall details
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2016 Lexus LS reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2016 Lexus LS is 9.3/10. Reliability score is 9.3/10. NHTSA recalls: 0. Owner complaints: 7.

How practical is the 2016 Lexus LS for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 4.5/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 18 MPG. Seating capacity is 5. 4 passenger doors are listed. Boot capacity is 394 litres.

What is the overall score for the 2016 Lexus LS?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2016 Lexus LS is 6.4/10. Overall score is 6.4/10 (Mixed). Confidence 55%. Maintenance 7.4/10. Tuning 5.0/10. Practicality 4.5/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2016 Lexus LS?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil, Oil Filter) at 5,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $1,000 - $1,500. Repair prediction highlight: Electronic Power Steering System (typical at 50,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $1,500 • Max: $2,000).

What engine is in the 2016 Lexus LS?▾

Engine specs list 8 • 4.6.

What transmission does the 2016 Lexus LS use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Lexus LS, transmission is Automatic (S8). The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.

Does the 2016 LS require Premium gas?▾

Manufacturer fuel recommendation: Premium.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2016 Lexus LS?▾

EPA combined estimate is 18 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2016 Lexus LS?▾

1 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

How many people fit in a 2016 Lexus LS?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Lexus LS, seating capacity is 5.

What body style is the 2016 Lexus LS?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Lexus LS, body style is sedan.

What drivetrain does the 2016 Lexus LS use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2016 Lexus LS, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (S8).

Is the 2016 Lexus LS good for tuning?▾

Tuning potential is rated 5/10. The 2016 Lexus LS, while a pinnacle of luxury and comfort, presents a unique tuning opportunity for those seeking a refined yet potent execu... Popular platforms: Luxury Sedans.

Should I tune the 2016 Lexus LS?▾

The Lexus LS 460 has aftermarket parts available for performance and aesthetic modifications. While not a typical tuner car, there are performance chips and tuning modules that can increase horsepower and torque. Its V8 engine also offers some potential for modification. The car has a cult following among luxury car enthusiasts, and while not a 'sleeper', its understated luxury can appeal to those seeking a more refined performance vehicle.

What are the most common engine problems on the 2016 Lexus LS?▾

Top complaint category: engine (1 reports, 14.3% of complaints).

Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2016 Lexus LS?▾

Alternatives listed in this guide: 2016 BMW 7 Series and 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

Tuning guide

Potential + upgrade path

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Pros, Cons & Takeaways
  3. 03Who This Car Is For
  4. 04Reliability & Problems
  5. 05Vehicle Specs
  6. 06Unlock Full Report
  7. 07FAQ

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