DecodedCars2009 Lexus LS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 460 4dr Sedan RWD, 460 L 4dr Sedan RWD, 600h L 4dr Sedan AWD
- Engines
- 5.0L 8-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl
- Horsepower
- 185–385 hp
- Transmission
- CVT
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 20 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 198–202.8 in
- Curb weight
- 4,365–5,049 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Lexus LS is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (5.0L 8-cyl and 4.6L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 198 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,365 lb (460 4dr Sedan RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (20 city / 24 highway), 3% worse than the 2009 midsize car average of 21.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 19 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2009
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 LS — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 LS →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Tahara, Aichi · Marysville, Ohio
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 4 2009 LS configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 460 4dr Sedan RWD | 198 in | 74 in | 58.3 in | 116.9 in | 63.4 / 63.4 in | 4,365 lb | 52/48 |
| 460 L 4dr Sedan RWD | 202.8 in | 74 in | 58.3 in | 121.7 in | 63.4 / 63 in | 4,464 lb | 52/48 |
| 600h L 4dr Sedan AWD | 202.8 in | 74 in | 58.7 in | 121.7 in | 63.4 / 63 in | 5,049 lb | 52/48 |
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 600h L Hybrid | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 22 / 21 | -3% | $3,900 | 423 |
| LS 460 | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -12% | $4,350 | 468 |
| LS 460 L | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -12% | $4,350 | 468 |
| LS 460 AWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -17% | $4,550 | 494 |
| LS 460 L AWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -17% | $4,550 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Lexus LS under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Lexus LS (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2009 BMW 5 Series | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 BMW 7 Series | 17 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2009 Audi A6 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2009 Jaguar XJ | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Lexus GS | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (2)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Oct 15, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V647000 · 422,509 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Lexus LS vehicles manufactured May 9, 2006, to July 20, 2010, 2006-2011 Lexus GS vehicles manufactured January 6, 2005, to September 10, 2010, and 2006-2011 Lexus IS vehicles manufactured August 30, 2005, to September 10, 2010. Due to anti-corrosion plating remnants, fuel may leak from where the fuel pressure sensor is attached to the fuel delivery pipe.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will clean and reseal the fuel pressure sensor mounting area, free of charge. The recall began March 3, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · May 21, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V218000 · 3,800 vehicles
- Problem
- TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 LEXUS LS460 AND LS600 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 20, 2009 THROUGH MAY 13, 2010. A PROGRAMMING CHANGE OF THE STEERING CONTROL ECU FOR THE VARIABLE GEAR RATIO STEERING (VGRS) SYSTEM CAN CAUSE IMPROPER ACTIVATION OF THE STEERING SYSTEM PROTECTION LOGIC DESIGNED TO PROTECT THE SYSTEM WHEN LARGER THAN NORMAL STEERING INPUTS ARE APPLIED AT A FULLY TURNED POSITION.
- Risk
- IMPROPER ACTIVATION OF THE STEERING SYSTEM PROTECTION LOGIC CAN CAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL TO BECOME OFF-CENTERED UP TO 90 DEGREES. THIS MAY OCCUR AFTER THE DRIVER HAS FULLY TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL IN ONE DIRECTION THEN QUICKLY ATTEMPTS TO TURN IT BACK TO THE CENTER POSITION. SHOULD THIS OCCUR WHILE DRIVING, THE RISK OF A CRASH IS INCREASED.
- Fix
- TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND LEXUS DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING CONTROL ECU FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Not every 2009 Lexus LS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Lexus LS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 9 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 3 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 72,258 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 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 →