In the early 1990s, Toyota recognized the need for a brand to rival the unparalleled German auto giant, Mercedes-Benz. This led to the creation of the LS model, and later, the more compact yet still luxurious, ES model.
The LS400 would go on to become one of the most reliable vehicles Lexus has ever sold, with some owners even driving their LS400s for over a million miles.
While Lexus may not have initially set out to be one of the most reliable car brands on the market, it has certainly become one.
For the past two years, Lexus has consistently topped the J.D. Power reliability charts, earning the title of the most reliable car brand in the industry.
To further solidify its reputation, the average annual maintenance cost for a Lexus is $551, according to RepairPal.
In this article, we’ll review the last decade’s worth of Lexus models to identify which one stands out as the most reliable.
10. 2017 Lexus CT200h
78/100
The 2017 Lexus CT200h, essentially a Prius with a Lexus badge, kicks off our list. While it has been discontinued, it was a popular model in its time due to its hybrid technology.
Its cabin had an IS-style design, and it featured a Prius-style gear selector. Although it has received few complaints mainly about exterior lighting its overall J.D. Power score just below 80 is a solid start for this list.
The highest-mileage CT200h found has nearly 300,000 miles. If the hybrid electric battery hasn’t been replaced yet, it’s likely due for a change at this mileage.
NHTSA Reliability Breakdown
- Customer Complaints: 3
- Recalls: 1
- Investigations: 1
Maintenance and Mileage
- Annual Repair Cost Estimates: $386
- Highest Mileage on a Single Model: 285,315 Miles
Also Read: 10 Features in Popular Luxury Cars That Improve Their Practicality
9. 2015 Lexus LS460
81/100
The 2015 Lexus LS460, the flagship sedan of Lexus, ranks next. While the LS400 reigned supreme in this category for years, the LS460 continues the legacy of comfort and luxury.
Although we couldn’t find an LS460 with one million miles on it, one model did have nearly 300,000 miles, demonstrating the durability of the vehicle.
With a J.D. Power reliability score of 81 out of 100, the LS460 is among the most reliable vehicles, but within the Lexus lineup, it ranks ninth.
Customer complaints were mainly related to the powertrain, which could have been a contributing factor. Nevertheless, the LS460 remains a symbol of both style and comfort in a luxury sedan.
NHTSA Reliability Breakdown
- Customer Complaints: 4
- Recalls: 1
- Investigations: 0
Maintenance and Mileage
- Annual Repair Cost Estimates: $767
- Highest Mileage on a Single Model: 290,782 Miles
8. 2021 Lexus LX570
82/100
The 2021 Lexus LX570 is one of the larger vehicles on this list, second only to the GX. Impressively, it received zero customer complaints and zero recalls, which is typical for most of Lexus’ luxury models.
As expected, the LX570 is equipped with a wealth of luxury and infotainment features, including rear entertainment options for passengers in the second row.
With a reliability score of 82 out of 100, the LX570’s performance is noteworthy, especially considering it’s powered by a 383-hp 5.7-liter V8 engine. It is also one of the last Lexus SUVs to feature a naturally aspirated V8 engine, adding to its appeal.
NHTSA Reliability Breakdown
- Customer Complaints: 0
- Recalls: 0
- Investigations: 0
Maintenance and Mileage
- Annual Repair Cost Estimates: $832
- Highest Mileage on a Single Model: 134,032 Miles
7. 2024 Lexus RX350
84/100
The 2024 Lexus RX350, which was redesigned for the 2023 model year, is a key model in Lexus’ lineup, serving as their staple mid-size luxury crossover SUV.
The RX350 is powered by a variety of engine options, including turbocharged 4-cylinder and hybrid variants, and features a beautifully appointed interior. This model also set the standard for the latest evolution of Lexus’ design language.
While the RX350 holds a solid reliability score of 84 out of 100, most of the five customer complaints were related to issues with forward collision avoidance malfunctioning and airbags deploying improperly.
Despite these minor complaints, the RX350 remains a highly regarded option in the luxury SUV segment.
NHTSA Reliability Breakdown
- Customer Complaints: 5
- Recalls: 0
- Investigations: 0
Maintenance and Mileage
- Annual Repair Cost Estimates: $550
- Highest Mileage on a Single Model: 35,589 Miles
6. 2021 Lexus LC500
84/100
The 2021 Lexus LC500 stands out as one of the most underrated sports cars available today.
This luxurious grand tourer is powered by a 477-hp 5.0-liter V8 engine, with an additional 3.5-liter V6 hybrid option that delivers 354 hp. The LC500 is truly a marvel, combining performance with elegance.
With only a single complaint, which was related to malfunctioning exterior lighting, it seems like the LC500 is a solid choice. Given that it has no recalls or investigations, potential buyers can feel confident in making this purchase.
The interior is plush, featuring high-quality materials, and the LC500’s exterior design ranks among the most striking Lexus has produced in recent years (though we’ll still keep our fondness for the SC to ourselves). If you’re a car enthusiast, owning one of these would undoubtedly be a dream.
NHTSA Reliability Breakdown
- Customer Complaints: 1
- Recalls: 0
- Investigations: 0
Maintenance and Mileage
- Annual Repair Cost Estimates: $551
- Highest Mileage on a Single Model: 89,017 Miles
Also Read: Top 10 Best Cars That Can Run Over 300,000 Miles
5. 2024 Lexus GX550
84/100
The 2024 Lexus GX550 is the newest addition to the GX lineup, a full-size, body-on-frame SUV.
We had the opportunity to test drive it, and while it hasn’t been on the market long enough to accumulate any recalls, customer complaints, or investigations, it’s clear that the GX550 is expected to perform as well as the other reliable models on this list.
The GX550 is powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 engine and features an all-time four-wheel-drive system with low-end speed capabilities.
While the third-row seating is optional, it’s important to note that the space is rather cramped. Since the GX550 is a newly introduced model, there are no high-mileage examples available yet.
However, considering Lexus’ long-standing reputation for durability, it’s safe to assume that the GX550 will meet their reliability standards.
NHTSA Reliability Breakdown
- Customer Complaints: 0
- Recalls: 0
- Investigations: 0
Maintenance and Mileage
- Annual Repair Cost Estimates: $551
- Highest Mileage on a Single Model: N/A
4. 2015 Lexus GS350
86/100
The 2015 Lexus GS350, while no longer in production, remains a memorable and respected model in the Lexus lineup.
It offered a sportier alternative to the ES, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 306 horsepower, available in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.
While it may have accumulated a fair number of customer complaints, with most of them related to issues with the steering and electrical systems, the GS350 still holds its ground as a reliable vehicle.
Despite these issues, the model’s overall reliability score of 86 out of 100 highlights its strong performance in many other areas.
NHTSA Reliability Breakdown
- Customer Complaints: 15
- Recalls: 1
- Investigations: 0
Maintenance and Mileage
- Annual Repair Cost Estimates: $592
- Highest Mileage on a Single Model: 237,204 Miles
3. 2016 Lexus RC300
86/100
It may come as a surprise to see the 2016 Lexus RC300 on this list, but we’re not surprised at all. Built on the same platform as the IS, the RC300 offers the choice between a four-cylinder engine or a more powerful six-cylinder engine.
Its interior closely resembles the IS, featuring a similar center console setup and bezel-style gauge cluster.
With a reliability rating of 86 out of 100, the RC300 stands out as a dependable two-door sports coupe. Additionally, the new RC300 has not undergone significant changes since its 2016 debut, further solidifying its reliability.
NHTSA Reliability Breakdown
- Customer Complaints: 1
- Recalls: 0
- Investigations: 1
Maintenance and Mileage
- Annual Repair Cost Estimates: $551
- Highest Mileage on a Single Model: 170,830 Miles
2. 2017 Lexus ES
89/100
The Lexus ES has long been recognized for its exceptional reliability, a reputation that spans several decades.
Serving as a counterpart to the well-established LS, the ES has consistently delivered solid performance. Among all the models produced in the last ten years, the 2017 Lexus ES stands out as the most reliable.
While there were 22 customer complaints and 1 recall, the ES has earned its place as one of the most dependable Lexus vehicles ever made, as well as one of the most reliable cars on the road today.
Its unshakable 6-cylinder and turbocharged 4-cylinder engine options have contributed to its longevity and solid reputation. For a deeper comparison, we also looked at the pros and cons of the Lexus GS versus the ES here.
NHTSA Reliability Breakdown
- Customer Complaints: 22
- Recalls: 1
- Investigations: 0
Maintenance and Mileage
- Annual Repair Cost Estimates: $468
- Highest Mileage on a Single Model: 177,730 Miles
1. 2022 Lexus IS
90/100
The 2022 Lexus IS claims the top spot as the most reliable Lexus model from the past decade. Redesigned in 2021, this compact sedan represents the latest and most iconic version of the IS, setting a new standard for Lexus in terms of both performance and reliability.
With one of the highest reliability scores in the industry, it also stands out for having zero reported issues with the NHTSA.
Additionally, the 2022 IS is the most versatile vehicle Lexus offers, featuring three powertrain options, including a naturally aspirated V8, catering to a wide range of preferences.
NHTSA Reliability Breakdown
- Customer Complaints: 0
- Recalls: 0
- Investigations: 0
Maintenance and Mileage
- Annual Repair Cost Estimates: $543
- Highest Mileage on a Single Model: 96,131 Miles
