Lexus's lineup has 181 recorded NHTSA recalls across 17 models (1990–2026) and averages 4.4/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Lexus's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Lexus — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of Toyota, is renowned for its exceptional build quality, smooth ride, and commitment to reliability – qualities that appeal to discerning drivers seeking a refined and comfortable ownership experience. Our comprehensive VIN decoding tool allows you to instantly access detailed specifications, crucial recall history, and a wealth of information about any Lexus vehicle, simply by entering its Vehicle Identification Number. Discover the complete story behind your Lexus with ForCar.org’s powerful VIN decoder.
Decode a Lexus VIN
Enter any 17-character Lexus VIN for its exact year, trim, engine and assembly plant — then its open recalls, safety ratings and original window sticker.
All Lexus models 17
Every Lexus model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Lexus SUVs & crossovers 6
Lexus Cars & sedans 8
Lexus More models 3
Lexus recalls
Across the Lexus lineup, ForCar tracks 181 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Lexus recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| Lexus model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Lexus LS | 27 | 4.0 /5 |
| Lexus IS | 22 | 5.0 /5 |
| Lexus SC | 22 | 4.5 /5 |
| Lexus GS | 21 | 3.5 /5 |
| Lexus RX | 19 | 4.5 /5 |
| Lexus NX | 17 | 4.0 /5 |
| Lexus LX | 17 | 4.0 /5 |
| Lexus RC | 8 | 4.0 /5 |
| Lexus GX | 7 | 4.5 /5 |
| Lexus RZ | 6 | 5.0 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Lexus: Back Over Prevention:display Function. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Lexus reliable?
Across rated models, Lexus averages a 4.4/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 15 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Lexus competes in the global luxury segment against Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Genesis and Cadillac, with particular strength in hybrid powertrains and long-term reliability rankings. The RX crossover defined the luxury midsize SUV segment in 1998 and remains Lexus's top US seller. F Performance variants compete with BMW M and Mercedes-AMG, while the LC 500 grand tourer and LX 600 full-size SUV anchor the upper end of the lineup.
Lexus models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| Lexus model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Lexus RX | 84 | 4.5 /5 |
| Lexus ES | 63 | 4.5 /5 |
| Lexus LS | 43 | 4.0 /5 |
| Lexus IS | 41 | 5.0 /5 |
| Lexus GS | 26 | 3.5 /5 |
| Lexus NX | 17 | 4.0 /5 |
| Lexus LX | 12 | 4.0 /5 |
| Lexus RC | 9 | 4.0 /5 |
| Lexus UX | 8 | 3.5 /5 |
| Lexus TX | 5 | 5.0 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Lexus models
The most fuel-efficient Lexus models by EPA combined MPG — hybrids and small engines lead. Open any model for its full city / highway / combined rating by engine and year.
| Model | Best combined MPG | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Lexus RZ | 126 mpg | Car |
| Lexus ES | 44 mpg | Car |
| Lexus SC | 44 mpg | Car |
| Lexus LFA | 42 mpg | Car |
| Lexus GS | 42 mpg | Car |
| Lexus LX | 42 mpg | Car |
| Lexus NX | 40 mpg | Car |
| Lexus RX | 36 mpg | Car |
Best EPA combined rating per model (highest across engines and years). Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Safest Lexus models
Lexus models by NHTSA overall crash-test rating (5★ is best). Open a model for its frontal, side and rollover scores by year.
| Lexus model | NHTSA safety | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|
| Lexus IS | ★★★★★ | 5.0 /5 |
| Lexus TX | ★★★★★ | 5.0 /5 |
| Lexus RZ | ★★★★★ | 5.0 /5 |
| Lexus RX | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Lexus ES | ★★★★★ | 4.5 /5 |
| Lexus NX | ★★★★★ | 4.0 /5 |
| Lexus GX | ★★★★☆ | 4.5 /5 |
Best NHTSA overall 5-Star Safety rating per model (highest tested year). Source: NHTSA NCAP.
Lexus hybrids & electric models
Lexus's electrified lineup — 10 hybrids and 1 electric / plug-in. Click any model for its full powertrain, MPG and range by year.
Lexus hybrids 10
Lexus electric & plug-in 1
Electrified variants from EPA fueleconomy.gov powertrain data. A model may offer gas, hybrid and electric versions across years.
Get a Lexus window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Lexus's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Lexus window stickers →How to read a Lexus VIN
Every Lexus built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
| Positions | Section | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | WMI | World Manufacturer Identifier — country and that it's a Lexus |
| 4–8 | VDS | Model, body style, engine and trim |
| 9 | Check digit | Validates the VIN isn't mistyped |
| 10 | Model year | The exact year (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025) |
| 11 | Plant | The factory that assembled it |
| 12–17 | Serial | The unique production sequence number |
Where to find your Lexus VIN: the lower-left corner of the windshield, the driver's door jamb sticker, or your registration and insurance documents. Paste it into the decoder above to read it instantly.
About Lexus
Toyota chairman Eiji Toyoda authorized the F1 luxury-car project in August 1983 with explicit goals: top speed above 250 km/h, fuel economy better than the Mercedes S-Class and a quieter cabin than any luxury sedan in production. The project consumed $1 billion and 24 prototypes before the Lexus LS 400 launched at the 1989 Detroit Auto Show. The brand's first decade saw it pass Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Cadillac to become the top-selling luxury brand in the US in 1991.
| Founded | 1989 |
| Headquarters | Nagoya, Japan |
| Parent company | Toyota Motor Corporation |
| Slogan | "Experience Amazing" |
| Models tracked | 17 (1990–2026) |
Lexus — frequently asked
How do I decode a Lexus VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Lexus models are there?
ForCar tracks 17 Lexus models spanning 1990–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Lexus made?
Lexus is headquartered in Nagoya, Japan, founded in 1989. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Lexus recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Lexus model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Lexus is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Lexus warranty?
New Lexus vehicles come with a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 6 years / 70,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Lexus dealer.