Lexus LS 430 Common Faults: Problems, Solutions And Reliability!
Lexus has produced some of the most comfortable and smooth-driving luxury vehicles on the market. The Lexus LS 430 is no exception. This third generation flagship saloon had a larger engine, nicer interiors, and better safety technology than its predecessors. You should find out about the common faults of the Lexus LS 430 , so that you are prevented.
The average price of a used 2006 Lexus LS 430 is about $11,540. In addition it has also been reported that the prices of the LS 430 have increased by 11.53% year on year. This makes the Lexus LS 430 a great investment for buyers who want to experience high-end driving without paying luxury prices.
How good is the Lexus LS 430?
The Lexus LS 430 has received mixed reliability scores across multiple sites. They have given it a rating of 2.5 out of 5.0 due to its high cost of ownership and frequency of repair, while scores averaged 4.8.
Most owners in have been pleased with the LS 430’s smooth ride and solid performance. With proper maintenance, you can keep your LS 430 on the road for a long time.
Main common failures of the Lexus LS 430
Despite being discontinued in 2006, the LS 430 has continued to be popular with buyers. The Lexus LS 430 is considered by many to be quite reliable. However, some models have their share of problems. Here are some of the common Lexus LS 430 failures.
1- Poor transmission results in poor shift quality
Transmission problems are causing certain 2001 to 2006 LS 430 models to hesitate, jerk, or idle at low speeds. Affected sedans may exhibit erratic or harsh shifting when slowing to a stop. Owners who have encountered this problem have either replaced the transmission or updated the transmission software to the latest version.
There may be other factors causing the poor quality of the change. A faulty gear shift solenoid, for example, can cause the transmission to stay in a high gear when it should be downshifting. Over-revving can also put excessive strain on the engine and transmission .
If the computer detects a problem with the solenoid, it will activate the check engine light. It is best to have the transmission checked if your LS 430 shows any of these symptoms.
2- Problems with the faulty airbag inflator
Lexus has issued a recall for LS 430 cars built in 2004, 2005 and 2006 due to airbag mounting issues. According to the recall, the inflators used in the curtain, side and knee airbags did not have sufficient heating agents to properly deploy the airbags in the event of an accident.
This increases the risk of injury to the occupants seated in front. Lexus has offered free replacement for defective SRS airbags.
In addition to the inflator, stock airbags can also fail . We suggest you carry a checklist with you when servicing your LS 430. If the airbag light starts flashing, it may indicate a problem with the airbag system. Your airbag battery may be dead or the module may have corroded. If you are concerned that your airbags are faulty, you should take your car to a mechanic for a full diagnosis.
3- There is no sound in the stereo
The Mark Levinson stereo system built into 2001 to 2006 LS 430s is known to be faulty. Many owners have complained that their stereos produce no sound or adjust the volume on their own. Although not as serious as a bad inflator, a bad sound system can affect your driving experience.
Specialists believe that this problem can be solved by installing a new amplifier . The average cost to replace a Mark Levinson stereo system is about $500. Unfortunately, there are no cheap aftermarket solutions available. If you have a problem with the stereo system in your LS 430, you may have to spend a lot of money to fix it.
4- The vehicle accelerates by itself
Owners of the 2005 Lexus LS 430 have complained of erratic, sudden, or lag acceleration when stepping on the accelerator. One possible reason is a bad throttle body. The throttle body butterfly valve can become clogged with dirt and carbon deposits, which can cause surge or shutdown.
The latter can occur when there is too much air inside the collector. A thorough cleaning of the throttle body can solve this problem. However, if the part cannot be repaired, it is best to replace it. There are many high quality throttle body parts available on the aftermarket, but we recommend visiting a mechanic first to determine the exact cause of the problem.
It is important to get this problem fixed as soon as possible, as a faulty throttle body could lead to accidents and injuries.
5- Defective lift support dampers
Lift support shocks are gas-filled springs that keep the trunk lid raised when you need to load or unload items. They can become damaged over time, causing gas to leak out of the shocks and rendering the springs unusable.
Some 2001 LS 430 models are equipped with bad trunk support struts that tend to close on their own. Falling trunk lid can cause serious injury. One owner suffered lifelong disfigurement when the lid fell on his hands as he was removing his purchase from the trunk.
There are a couple of ways to identify if your trunk support shocks have failed. If the trunk lid is difficult to open, it may indicate excess gas inside the damper, which can keep the trunk lid closed.
In the worst case, the trunk lid can get stuck in the closed position due to the pressure of the shock absorber. Conversely, gasless lift support shocks will not have enough pressure inside them to hold the trunk lid open. If your LS 430 shows any of these symptoms, you should take it to a mechanic for repair.
In conclusion
Despite its flaws, the Lexus LS 430 can hold its own against its higher-end contemporaries. Its powerful V8 engine, luxury features and smooth ride make it a favorite of Lexus fans.
The fact that restored Lexus LS 430s can still be seen on the road speaks to the car’s enduring legacy. In hindsight, the initial investment of $11,540 is a small price to pay for this iconic vehicle. If you don’t mind the high cost of ownership and frequent repairs, you’ll be rewarded with a satisfying driving experience.
