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What kind of maintenance does a Lexus need?

Owning a Lexus, the luxury vehicle brand of Toyota, comes with the expectation of exceptional performance and reliability. To ensure your Lexus continues to deliver a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, it's essential to follow a regular maintenance routine. In this article, we'll explore the key maintenance requirements for your Lexus, helping you keep your vehicle in top condition.

Routine Maintenance Checklist

Maintaining a Lexus involves a comprehensive approach that covers various aspects of the vehicle. Here's a breakdown of the essential maintenance tasks you should perform:

Oil Changes: Lexus recommends changing the engine oil and filter at regular intervals, typically every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on your driving conditions and the model of your Lexus.

Tire Rotation and Alignment: Rotating your tires and performing wheel alignments at the recommended intervals helps ensure even tire wear and optimal handling.

Brake Inspection and Maintenance: Regular brake inspections and necessary repairs or replacements are crucial for maintaining safe and reliable braking performance.

Fluid Checks and Replacements: Regularly checking and replacing fluids such as transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid helps prevent issues and extends the lifespan of your Lexus.li>
Cabin Air Filter Replacement: Replacing the cabin air filter at the recommended intervals ensures clean air circulation within the vehicle.

Battery and Electrical System Maintenance: Inspecting and maintaining the battery, alternator, and other electrical components helps prevent unexpected breakdowns.li>

By following this comprehensive maintenance checklist, you can help ensure your Lexus continues to provide a smooth, reliable, and enjoyable driving experience for years to come.

Importance of Adhering to the Maintenance Schedule

Lexus vehicles are designed to deliver exceptional performance and longevity, but this is only possible with proper maintenance. Adhering to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule is crucial for several reasons:

Preserving Vehicle Condition: Regular maintenance helps maintain the overall condition of your Lexus, preventing the gradual deterioration of components and ensuring optimal performance.li>
Enhancing Reliability: By addressing issues proactively, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs, keeping your Lexus reliable and dependable.

Maintaining Warranty Coverage: Most Lexus warranties require that you follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule to maintain coverage. Skipping or delaying recommended services could void your warranty.li>
Improving Fuel Efficiency: Well-maintained Lexus vehicles tend to achieve better fuel economy, saving you money on fuel costs over time.

By prioritizing the recommended maintenance schedule, you can ensure your Lexus continues to provide the exceptional performance, reliability, and longevity that the brand is known for.

Conclusion

Maintaining a Lexus is a crucial aspect of owning this prestigious vehicle. By following the comprehensive maintenance checklist and adhering to the manufacturer's recommended schedule, you can keep your Lexus in top condition, enhance its reliability, and enjoy the exceptional driving experience it was designed to deliver. Remember, a well-maintained Lexus is a Lexus that will continue to impress and serve you for years to come.

What are the most common problems with Lexus?

Common problems reported for Lexus vehicles include dashboard melting/cracking, oil leaks, and suspension wear. Other issues that have been reported by owners include problems with the transmission (especially in older models), brake wear, check engine light issues from failed oxygen sensors, and air conditioning problems.
This video discusses common problems and what to watch out for when buying a used Lexus: 1mReDrivenYouTube · Apr 25, 2025
Interior and electronic issues

Dashboard damage: Cracking or melting dashboards are a recurring issue, particularly in older models.
Malfunctioning touchscreens: Some owners have reported problems with the infotainment system's touchscreen.
Rearview mirror discoloration: The inside rearview mirror may become discolored over time.

Engine and fluid-related problems

Oil leaks: Oil leaks have been reported, especially in older vehicles.
Check engine light: The check engine light may illuminate due to a failed oxygen sensor.
Coolant leaks: Coolant leaks can occur, as can other fluid leaks.

Mechanical and performance issues

Transmission problems: Some older models have experienced transmission shudder or other issues.
Suspension wear: Premature wear on suspension components like shocks, control arms, and bushings has been reported.
Brake issues: As with most cars, brakes will wear out, and Lexus brakes may require frequent replacement.
Steering issues: Some owners have reported problems with steering stability.

What is the recommended maintenance on a Lexus?

Make sure to have these important Lexus services done at the recommended intervals: Every 5,000 miles: Oil and filter change, tire rotation, fluid level checks. Every 15,000 miles: Cabin air filter replacement, engine air filter replacement.

Is Lexus expensive to maintain?

No, Lexus service is not excessively expensive, especially compared to other luxury brands, and is often more affordable to maintain than competitors like BMW or Mercedes-Benz. Studies show that Lexus has lower average annual and 10-year maintenance costs than many other luxury brands, but costs can vary depending on the specific model, your driving habits, and where you have the service done. Routine maintenance is generally affordable, and you can often lower costs by using a Toyota dealership or an independent mechanic instead of a Lexus dealership for some services.
How costs compare

Compared to other luxury brands: Lexus generally has lower maintenance costs than BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. For example, some studies estimate the average 10-year maintenance cost for a Lexus to be around $7,000−$7,100$ 7 comma 000 minus $ 7 comma 100$7,000−$7,100, while a similar timeframe for a BMW could be closer to $17,000−$17,800$ 17 comma 000 minus $ 17 comma 800$17,000−$17,800.
Compared to non-luxury brands: A Lexus will still be more expensive to maintain than a Toyota, but the difference is relatively small due to their shared parent company, Toyota Motor Corporation.

Factors that influence cost

Service location: Prices can vary significantly depending on where you take your car. A Lexus dealership will typically be the most expensive option, while a Toyota dealership or an independent mechanic that services Lexus/Toyota vehicles can be a more budget-friendly alternative for many routine services.
Model and age: Newer models with less complex technology will likely have lower repair costs. As a Lexus gets older, its maintenance needs will naturally increase.
Maintenance schedule: Sticking to the recommended maintenance schedule for things like oil changes and tire rotations is crucial. This can help prevent larger, more costly repairs down the road.

Tips for saving money

Use a Toyota dealership: For many services, you can go to a Toyota dealership for lower prices.
Find an independent mechanic: A trusted independent mechanic can be a great option for routine maintenance, as they will likely have the right tools and knowledge for your Lexus.
Perform DIY maintenance: Some maintenance tasks, like replacing air filters, are easy enough to do yourself to save money.

Are Lexus reliable after 100k miles?

Yes, Lexus vehicles are generally very reliable after 100,000 miles, often lasting well over 200,000 to 300,000 miles, especially with proper and regular maintenance. Because they are built on Toyota's reputation for dependability, they maintain high performance and longevity, though owners should anticipate potential repairs like timing belt replacements or sensor issues as the car ages.
Factors contributing to Lexus reliability past 100k miles

Strong engineering: Lexus cars benefit from high-quality engineering and rigorous testing, contributing to their long lifespan.
Toyota heritage: As a luxury division of Toyota, Lexus inherits the brand's reputation for building durable and dependable vehicles.
Owner reports: Many owners report that their Lexus vehicles continue to drive smoothly and quietly even after passing the 100,000-mile mark.
Maintenance is key: Regular maintenance is crucial for longevity. Consistent oil changes, filter replacements, and other checks are essential to keep the car running well past 100,000 miles.

What to expect with high-mileage Lexus vehicles

Potential for repairs: While reliable, high-mileage Lexus models may eventually require more significant and potentially costly repairs, such as replacing a timing belt or certain sensors.
Varying model durability: The reliability can vary by model. For example, specific older models like the LS 430 and the LX/GX SUVs are often cited as particularly long-lasting, says this YouTube video.
High cost of ownership: The average annual repair cost for a Lexus is slightly above average compared to other brands, so plan for higher ownership costs as the vehicle accumulates miles.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.