Thinking about buying a used Lexus Celsior (2006–2023) in New Zealand? We've documented 5 known faults for this model spanning engine, suspension, transmission, and fluid leaks. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated major. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
5
Documented faults
Major
Most serious
$1,800–$4,500
Typical repair
4
Systems covered
Known Lexus Celsior faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
The V35A-FTS 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 shared with Land Cruiser 300 and Crown Sedan exhibits a documented cold-start timing chain rattle on some units. Hydraulic tensioners do not retain full oil pressure during extended cold soaks, allowing chain slack for several seconds until the oil system pressurises. The pattern has been reported on LS500 and cross-platform on the V35A family. Extended oil drain intervals and use of incorrect viscosity oil worsen frequency.
Symptoms to notice
Cold-start timing chain rattle from engine front, lasting 3–15 seconds
Worse after overnight soak in cold conditions
VVTI or camshaft correlation codes in some cases
No symptoms once fully warmed up
What to check
Insist on a cold start — do not allow engine to be warmed before inspection. Listen immediately at engine startup for metallic rattling at the front of the engine. Verify correct oil grade (0W-20 specified) and check service history for adherence to 10,000 km or 12-month intervals.
Where to look: Primary and secondary timing chains at front of V35A-FTS engine block
Ask the seller
“Does it make any rattle at all on a cold morning start?”
“What oil grade and change interval has been used?”
“Has any timing or engine work been done?”
02Power Steering Rack Inner Seal Leak (LS460 USF40)
MajorOccasionalFluid Leaks $900–$2,200 to fix
The hydraulic power steering rack on LS460 models develops inner seal leaks with age and mileage. Symptoms begin as minor weeping at the rack boots but progress to measurable fluid loss. NZ and AU humidity and temperature cycling accelerate seal degradation. Remanufactured rack units are available; OEM replacement is a multi-hour job requiring subframe drop on this platform.
Symptoms to notice
Power steering fluid level dropping requiring top-up
Oily residue or wetness at inner rack boots
Groan or increased effort in steering at low speed when fluid low
Fluid drips on driveway beneath centre of vehicle
What to check
Inspect the power steering rack boots from beneath the vehicle for oil staining or wetness. Check fluid reservoir level and condition. Wipe the inner boot area clean, then re-inspect after a test drive with lock-to-lock steering movements.
Where to look: Steering rack mounted to front subframe, inner rack seals behind the steering rack boots
Ask the seller
“Has the power steering fluid level ever needed topping up?”
“Any heaviness or groan in the steering, especially on full lock?”
“Has the rack ever been replaced or rebuilt?”
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
TransmissionMajor
3 more documented faults on the Lexus Celsior
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 5 documented faults for the Lexus Celsior, the recurring problem areas are engine, suspension, and transmission. A Lexus Celsior with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Lexus Celsior?
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We've catalogued 5 known faults for the Lexus Celsior, covering engine, suspension, and transmission. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Lexus Celsior?
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Most single repairs on the Lexus Celsior fall between $1,800–$4,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 5 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Lexus Celsior?
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Yes. A Lexus Celsior inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.