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Lexus2006–2023 Major issues documented

Lexus Celsior USF40: common faults & what to check

The USF40 is the Lexus Celsior built 2006–2018. Of the 5 faults documented for the Celsior, 4 apply to this generation, each with its symptoms, what to inspect and a typical repair cost. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact Lexus Celsior

  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

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5

Documented faults

Major

Most serious

$1,800–$4,500

Typical repair

4

Systems covered

You're looking at the USF40

Everything below is narrowed to this variant. Pick a different one to change it.

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Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Which engine is in it? These cover every year of this model.

3.5L petrol (V35A-FTS)· 3.5 litre petrol4.6L petrol (1UR-FSE)· 4.6 litre petrol

A 2008 Lexus Celsior is the USF40 generation (2006 to 2018).

We cannot narrow the engine list to this year, so every engine this model was sold with is offered.

Start your free check on this Lexus Celsior

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

Lexus Celsior USF40Engine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the Celsior came with 2, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

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Can't confirm for this car

Lexus Celsior · 2008

Narrowed to the year. No engine is recorded for this vehicle. Pick an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

  • No engine is recorded for this vehicle.

matched on year only

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Lexus Celsior before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Costly issue

    Observe vehicle ride height at all four corners before and after test drive.

    See why

    Front Air Suspension Strut Failure (LS460 and LS500)

    Both the USF40 LS460 and VXFA50 LS500 use electronically controlled air suspension. The front air struts develop bladder leaks, causing the vehicle to sag at the front overnight or to trigger height-sensor warnings. Replacement struts are expensive OEM items; aftermarket coilover conversion kits are an alternative that sacrifices ride height adjustment. Failure rate increases significantly with age and in NZ's damp climate.

    What you would notice

    • Vehicle sitting noticeably lower at one or both front corners after sitting overnight
    • Air suspension warning light on dash
    • Compressor audible running frequently or continuously
    • Harsh ride or abnormal body roll if suspension defaults to limp mode

    Typically $1,500–$4,500 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Inspect the power steering rack boots from beneath the vehicle for oil staining or wetness.

    See why

    Power Steering Rack Inner Seal Leak (LS460 USF40)

    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.

    What you would 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

    Typically $900–$2,200 to put right.

See all 4 issues for this oneDocumented for the exact year and engine you picked.
Body, brakes, suspension & interior1

01Front Air Suspension Strut Failure (LS460 and LS500)

Observe vehicle ride height at all four corners before and after test drive.petrol2006–2023Suspension
Very commonSuspension $1,500–$4,500 to fix

Both the USF40 LS460 and VXFA50 LS500 use electronically controlled air suspension. The front air struts develop bladder leaks, causing the vehicle to sag at the front overnight or to trigger height-sensor warnings. Replacement struts are expensive OEM items; aftermarket coilover conversion kits are an alternative that sacrifices ride height adjustment. Failure rate increases significantly with age and in NZ's damp climate.

Symptoms to notice

  • Vehicle sitting noticeably lower at one or both front corners after sitting overnight
  • Air suspension warning light on dash
  • Compressor audible running frequently or continuously
  • Harsh ride or abnormal body roll if suspension defaults to limp mode

What to check

Observe vehicle ride height at all four corners before and after test drive. Listen for air compressor running at startup — it should cycle briefly then stop. Spray soapy water on air strut bladder and fittings while vehicle is raised to check for leaks. Pull suspension fault codes.

Where to look: Front air strut assemblies behind each front wheel, air line fittings at strut top

Parts involved: Air suspension strut, Shock absorber / strut.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the air suspension ever been repaired or replaced?”
  • “Does it sit level after being parked overnight?”
  • “Any suspension warning lights?”
Fluid leaks1

02Power Steering Rack Inner Seal Leak (LS460 USF40)

Inspect the power steering rack boots from beneath the vehicle for oil staining or wetness.petrol2006–2012Fluid Leaks
OccasionalFluid 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

  1. Inspect the power steering rack boots from beneath the vehicle for oil staining or wetness.
  2. Check fluid reservoir level and condition.
  3. 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

Parts involved: Steering rack.

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?”
Depends on the exact engine — 2 moreDocumented for a specific engine we could not confirm from what you picked. Check the engine code on the car.
Engine, transmission & cooling2

011UR-FSE 4.6 V8 Secondary Timing Chain Tensioner Rattle (LS460 USF40)

Cold start only — rattle is absent once oil pressure builds.petrol2006–2012Engine
CommonEngine $2,800–$5,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 1UR-FSE 4.6L V8 in the LS460 uses secondary timing chains to drive each bank's VVTI sprockets. The plastic tensioner ratchet pawls wear and the hydraulic tensioners lose hold after cold soaks, causing a characteristic cold-start rattle lasting 5–30 seconds. The pattern is well-documented on the LS460 platform and mirrors the same issue on Crown URS, GS460, and IS-F with related engines. Full secondary chain replacement is labour-intensive on this RWD V8.

The front of a dual overhead camshaft engine with the timing cover removed, exposing the timing chain and sprockets.Example of the part — not this vehicle

The front of a twin-cam engine with the timing cover off — chain, sprockets and guides.

Logansenf · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Metallic rattle from engine top on cold start, clearing within 10–30 seconds
  • Worse in cold ambient temperatures
  • VVTI fault codes P1349/P1354 in some cases
  • Oil consumption increase accompanying chain wear

What to check

Cold start only — rattle is absent once oil pressure builds. Listen at the front of the engine. Check oil change history rigorously; LS460s with extended oil intervals are higher risk. If a workshop inspection is possible: OBD-II scan for camshaft timing or VVTI codes.

Where to look: Secondary timing chains on both cylinder banks, top of 1UR-FSE V8

Parts involved: Timing chain.

Ask the seller

  • “Does it rattle at all when started cold, especially in the morning?”
  • “What is the documented oil change schedule?”
  • “Has any timing chain work been performed?”

028-Speed Automatic Solenoid Wear and Shift Quality Degradation (LS460)

Test drive from cold — note shift quality through all lower gears.petrol2006–2012Transmission
OccasionalTransmission $1,800–$4,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The AA80E 8-speed automatic in the LS460 develops solenoid wear leading to delayed or rough gear changes, particularly when cold. Hard shifts between 1st–2nd and 2nd–3rd, shudder on light throttle torque-converter engagement, and hesitation during kickdown are the most reported patterns. Fluid condition is critical — LS460s with neglected ATF changes accelerate solenoid wear significantly. Full solenoid body replacement or valve body rebuild is the documented repair.

Symptoms to notice

  • Delayed or clunky 1-2 or 2-3 upshift from cold
  • Shudder or judder under light throttle at low speed (torque converter)
  • Hesitation or hunting between gears
  • Transmission warning light in later-stage failures

What to check

  1. Test drive from cold — note shift quality through all lower gears.
  2. Light throttle cruise at 50 km/h to check for torque converter shudder.
  3. Check ATF colour and smell on dipstick — dark or burnt fluid is a risk indicator.
  4. Verify ATF service history.

Where to look: AA80E transmission, solenoid body and valve body inside the transmission pan

Parts involved: Torque converter, Mechatronic / valve body.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the automatic transmission fluid ever been changed?”
  • “Any rough, delayed, or shuddering gear changes?”
  • “Has the transmission been scanned for fault codes?”
Other Lexus Celsior engines and years1 documented issue that do not apply to the one you picked.
Engine, transmission & cooling1

01V35A-FTS 3.5 Twin-Turbo Cold-Start Timing Chain Tensioner Rattle (LS500)

Insist on a cold start — do not allow engine to be warmed before inspection.petrol2017 onwardEngine
OccasionalEngine $2,800–$6,000 to fix

Does not apply

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.

The front of a dual overhead camshaft engine with the timing cover removed, exposing the timing chain and sprockets.Example of the part — not this vehicle

The front of a twin-cam engine with the timing cover off — chain, sprockets and guides.

Logansenf · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

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

  1. Insist on a cold start — do not allow engine to be warmed before inspection.
  2. Listen immediately at engine startup for metallic rattling at the front of the engine.
  3. 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

Parts involved: Timing chain, Turbocharger.

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?”

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Lexus Celsior’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Other Lexus models

Lexus IS41 documented faultsLexus NX22 documented faultsLexus RX21 documented faultsLexus Windom5 documented faultsLexus GS19 documented faultsLexus UX16 documented faults

Lexus Celsior buyer questions

Is the Lexus Celsior reliable?

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?

We've catalogued 5 known faults for the Lexus Celsior, covering engine, suspension, and transmission. All 5 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Lexus Celsior?

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?

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 $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.