DecodedCars2005 Lexus LS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- 430 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 4.3L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 16 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 196.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,990 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 18 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Lexus LS is a large car offered with a 4.3L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 197 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,990 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 23 highway), 1% worse than the 2005 large car average of 18.1 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 430 4dr Sedan | 196.9 in | 72 in | 58.7 in | 115.4 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 3,990 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS 430 | 4.3L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -1% | $4,550 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Lexus LS under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Lexus LS (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Audi A6 | 19 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2005 Jaguar XJ | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Lexus GS | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Lexus ES | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2005 Cadillac CTS | 19 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2005 Maserati Quattroporte | 12 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Lexus LS.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Lexus LS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Lexus LS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Structure › Body — 2 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Visibility/Wiper — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Air Bags — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 90,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Lexus LS. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other LS years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 LS | 21 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 LS | 25 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 3 |
| 2024 LS | 25 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 LS | 25 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 1 |
| 2022 LS | 25 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 LS | 28 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 6 |
| 2020 LS | 28 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2019 LS | 28 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 7 |
| 2018 LS | 28 | 206.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 19 |
| 2017 LS | 19 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2016 LS | 20 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2015 LS | 20 | 200.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 7 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →