DecodedCars2013 Lexus LS
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 460 4dr Sedan, 460 AWD 4dr Sedan, 460l AWD 4dr Sedan, 600h L Hybrid 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 5.0L 8-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl
- Horsepower
- 385 hp
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 19 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 200.4–205.1 in
- Curb weight
- 4,277–5,225 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 20 MPG combined, 21% below the 2013 midsize car average of 25.3 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Lexus LS is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (5.0L 8-cyl and 4.6L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 200 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,277 lb (460 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (19 city / 24 highway), 21% worse than the 2013 midsize car average of 25.3 MPG, for an estimated $4,100 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2013
- New body dimensions: 2.4 in longer — most likely a redesign or new generation
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 LS →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Tahara, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2013 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 | 200.4 in | 74 in | 57.9 in | 116.9 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 4,277 lb | 52/48 |
| 460 AWD 4dr Sedan | 200.4 in | 74 in | 57.9 in | 116.9 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 4,718 lb | 52/48 |
| 460l AWD 4dr Sedan | 205.1 in | 74 in | 57.9 in | 121.7 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 4,762 lb | 52/48 |
| 600h L Hybrid 4dr Sedan | 205.1 in | 74 in | 58.3 in | 121.7 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 5,225 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 (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 23 / 20 | -21% | $4,100 | 432 |
| LS 460 | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -25% | $4,350 | 468 |
| LS 460 L | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -25% | $4,350 | 468 |
| LS 460 AWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -29% | $4,550 | 485 |
| LS 460 L AWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 23 / 18 | -29% | $4,550 | 485 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Lexus LS.
Similar 2013 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Lexus LS (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2013 BMW 5 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Audi A6 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2013 Tesla Model S | 265 mi | Not rated | 11 |
| 2013 Jaguar XJ | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 Lexus GS | 31 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (1)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jan 13, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V012000 · 1,830,752 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
Not every 2013 Lexus LS is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Lexus LS buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 12 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 3 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 21,000 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 2013 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 →