Is the 2013 LS 460 reliable?

The 2013 LS 460 is generally reliable for a luxury sedan of its era, but age-related maintenance and higher ownership costs can influence long-term dependability.

Overview of the 2013 LS 460

The 2013 LS 460 sits in the third generation of Lexus’s flagship sedan, pairing a large V8 with a focus on comfort, quiet cabin experience, and advanced (for the time) technology. It typically features a 4.6-liter V8 producing around the high 300s horsepower, smooth automatic transmission, and an air-based suspension system that helps deliver a refined ride. As with many aging luxury cars, reliability hinges on maintenance history and the condition of aging components rather than year-only luck.

Reliability snapshot

Industry reliability ratings

Industry assessments for the 2013 LS 460 tend to place it in the higher tier among full-size luxury sedans from that period. Lexus models are known for durability, and the LS 460 generally benefits from long-term dependability when well maintained. Some reliability surveys note that electronics and suspension components can show wear as the car ages, which is common for high-end German and Japanese luxury sedans of the era. Overall, the vehicle is typically regarded as reliable, with the caveat that maintenance and timely repairs are crucial to preserving reliability over time.

• Powertrain and transmission: Smooth operation is common, but older units may exhibit occasional sensor or software-related quirks that are usually fixable with standard service.


• Suspension systems: The LS 460 uses an air-based suspension; wear on air springs, hoses, or the compressor can affect ride height and ride quality over time.


• Electrical systems: Infotainment and body-control electronics can show age-related glitches; many issues resolve with updates or part replacements.


• Overall durability: With proper maintenance, many owners report high mileage without major drivetrain failures.

In sum, the 2013 LS 460 tends to be dependable for its class when maintained, with common caveats tied to premium components aging rather than fundamental design flaws.

Owner experiences

Owner feedback across model years shows a pattern: satisfied drivers appreciate the ride quality, quiet cabin, and refined power. However, owners emphasize that as the car ages, attention to maintenance—especially for the suspension, cooling system, and electronics—becomes essential. Reliability is generally solid, but out-of-pocket costs for repairs on a nearly decade-old luxury sedan can be higher than-average compared with mainstream vehicles.

• Positive notes: quiet cabin, comfortable seating, strong engine performance, long-term reliability when serviced regularly.


• Common concerns: cost of parts and labor, potentially expensive repairs on wear items (air suspension components, cooling system hoses, electronics).


• Ownership tips: keep up with scheduled maintenance, investigate full service history, and budget for potential premium repairs as components age.

Overall, real-world ownership tends to reflect a favorable reliability outlook for a luxury sedan of its era, provided the vehicle has a solid maintenance history and ongoing care.

Maintenance and ownership costs

As the LS 460 ages, maintenance and repair costs tend to rise relative to non-luxury models. Prospective owners and current owners should plan for premium parts and specialized service, especially for the suspension and electronics. Below are key cost and maintenance considerations commonly noted by owners and technicians.

• Suspension and ride quality: The air suspension system can require compressor or sensor work; replacement parts are relatively expensive and labor-intensive.


• Electrical/electronics: Infotainment, sensors, and control modules may need updates or repairs, with higher labor costs for luxury-brand expertise.


• Drivetrain wear: Regular maintenance on oil, filters, and cooling systems is essential; neglected service can lead to more costly failures.


• Brakes and tires: Given the vehicle’s weight and power, tires and brake wear are consistent with premium sedans, necessitating timely replacement.


• Overall ownership costs: Insurance, taxes, and service visits for a 10+ year-old luxury sedan tend to be higher than for mainstream vehicles; budgeting for maintenance is wise.

In practice, the cost of ownership reflects the car’s luxury status: excellent comfort and durability when properly cared for, but higher-priced parts and specialty service as the odometer climbs.

Buying tips for a used 2013 LS 460

If you’re considering a used 2013 LS 460, use this checklist to assess reliability and condition before purchasing.

• Service history: Look for a complete maintenance log, especially for the suspension components, cooling system, transmission service, and major fluid changes.


• Suspension check: Inspect ride height and listen for roughness or bounciness; confirm the air suspension is operating correctly and doesn’t sag overnight.


• Electrical systems: Test electronics, climate control, infotainment, windows, and door locks for responsive operation.


• Leaks and seals: Inspect for oil, coolant, or transmission fluid leaks around the engine, transmission pan, and suspension components.


• Test drive: Ensure smooth acceleration, clean transmission shifts, and a quiet cabin; note any unusual noises or vibrations.


• Professional inspection: Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a technician familiar with Lexus luxury sedans to identify potential age-related issues.

By focusing on these checks, you can gauge whether a 2013 LS 460 has been well maintained and is likely to deliver reliable performance going forward.

Summary

The 2013 LS 460 remains a strong choice for buyers seeking comfort, refinement, and Lexus reliability within a luxury sedan from that era. Its reliability is generally solid when the vehicle has a thorough maintenance history and has been cared for by knowledgeable owners. However, as with many aging premium cars, expect higher maintenance costs and the potential for age-related issues—especially with the suspension and electronics. A careful pre-purchase inspection and a well-documented service history are essential to maximize the likelihood of dependable performance in the years ahead.

How long will a 2013 Lexus LS 460 last?

In general, cars from this luxury brand can easily last 250,000 to 300,000 miles. While cars from other brands can last for around 150,000 miles, a Lexus can double that estimation and allows drivers to push the absolute limit of the vehicle's longevity before a replacement is necessary.

How much is a 2013 Lexus LS 460 worth?

The 2013 Lexus LS 460's original MSRP ranged from approximately $71,990 to $79,200, depending on the trim level and drivetrain. Today, the used car price is approximately $13,000 to $16,000, though it can vary significantly based on the specific vehicle's condition, mileage, and features.
 
Original MSRP

• LS 460: Approximately $71,990 (RWD) to $75,845 (AWD) 
• LS 460 L (Long Wheelbase): Approximately $79,200 (RWD) to $82,685 (AWD) 

Current used car price

• Kelley Blue Book: Around $12,831 - $13,931 (national average for LS 460) 
• Edmunds: Approximately $7,155 - $15,602 
• Average listings: Many available listings are in the $15,000 - $21,000 range, depending on mileage and condition 

How reliable is the Lexus LS 460?

The Lexus LS 460 is generally considered very reliable, with many owners reporting long lifespans and few major problems, especially with proper maintenance. However, it is not without potential issues, particularly with the brake actuator, air suspension, and some electrical components in later models (2013-2017). Also, high mileage can lead to increased oil consumption, and repairs, when needed, can be expensive due to the car's luxury nature.
 
This video discusses common problems in the Lexus LS 460, including the brake actuator, air suspension, and oil leaks: 57sDiscerning CarsYouTube · Jul 4, 2023
Common reliability aspects

• Engine: The 4.6L V8 engine is well-regarded and can last for hundreds of thousands of miles if properly maintained. 
• Maintenance: Routine maintenance is crucial for reliability. A lack of oil changes can lead to issues like timing chain problems. 
• Overall longevity: The LS 460 has an estimated longevity of 300,000+ miles, similar to other durable Lexus models like the LS 430 and GX 460. 
• Repair costs: When issues do arise, they can be costly, as luxury parts are expensive. 

Potential problems and things to watch for

• Brake Actuator: The brake actuator is a known issue that can be expensive to replace. 
• Air Suspension: The air suspension system can fail, leading to costly repairs. Some owners choose to convert to a traditional suspension to avoid this. 
• Electrical and Electronic Issues: Later models may have issues with things like Bluetooth, dashboard warning lights, and steering vibrations. 
• High Mileage Concerns: Cars with very high mileage may experience more frequent issues, such as increased oil consumption and worn suspension components like control arms. 
• Hybrid models: It is recommended to avoid the hybrid version (LS 600h) due to the very high cost of replacing the hybrid battery. 

This video explains the cost of replacing the brake actuator and air suspension, and what you can do to prevent these issues: 56sPerformance On WheelsYouTube · Jul 21, 2024

What are common LS460 problems?

The Lexus LS460 exhibits a common issue with its HVAC servo motors, which tend to fail frequently. The vehicle contains multiple motors, and some require the complete removal of the dashboard and discharging of the A/C system for access.