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Lexus LS: Front Air Suspension Strut Failure (LS460 and LS500)

Front Air Suspension Strut Failure (LS460 and LS500) is a very common suspension fault on the Lexus LS on the 2006–2023 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $1,500 to $4,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 12 documented faults on the Lexus LS.

Vehicle
Lexus LS
Years
2006–2023
Fuel
petrol
Gearbox
auto
System
Suspension

This page covers the Lexus LS as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Lexus LS faults12 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph of the Air suspension strut or Shock absorber / strut yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of a different part.

What goes wrong

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

How to check it

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

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.

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

What it costs to put right

$1,500 to $4,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

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

Now check the Lexus LS you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in published sources — owner forums, technical service bulletins, recall notices and workshop write-ups — held in our fault database. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them, and it is a starting point for an inspection rather than a manufacturer statement.

Lexus LS buyer questions

Is front air suspension strut failure (ls460 and ls500) serious on a Lexus LS?

We rate it major and very common on the Lexus LS. 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.

How much does it cost to fix on a Lexus LS?

$1,500 to $4,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Lexus LS years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2006–2023 Lexus LS. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

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. Look here: Front air strut assemblies behind each front wheel, air line fittings at strut top