The 2016 Lexus LS is a full-size luxury sedan designed for drivers who prioritize quiet comfort, long-distance cruising, and a polished ownership experience over sporty handling. It sits at the top of Lexus’ sedan lineup and competes with flagship models like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series, often winning shoppers who value durability and a smoother ride. For 2016, the LS remains part of the fourth-generation LS (XF40), which received a major refresh for 2013 and carried forward with incremental updates. It’s ideal for commuters, executives, and anyone looking for a premium sedan that’s built to rack up miles with minimal drama.

1) V8 POWERTRAIN: The 2016 LS 460 uses a 4.6L V8 (1UR-FSE) rated at 386 hp, paired with an 8-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available (LS 460 AWD) using a 6-speed automatic. 2) FLAGSHIP COMFORT: A notably quiet cabin, supportive seats, and a soft-yet-controlled ride make it a strong highway cruiser. Long wheelbase versions (LS 460 L) offer extra rear legroom for chauffeured-style comfort. 3) AVAILABLE AIR SUSPENSION: Some trims and packages include an adaptive air suspension that enhances ride comfort and allows the car to stay level under load. 4) PREMIUM TECH AND SAFETY: Many models include navigation, a Mark Levinson premium audio system, backup camera, and advanced driver aids depending on package, with strong crash-test performance for its era. 5) HIGH-END INTERIOR FINISHES: Real leather, wood or aluminum trim options, and excellent build quality help the 2016 LS maintain its luxury feel even with higher mileage.

Shoppers researching “2016 Lexus LS reliability” will generally find it ranks above many European competitors, but it’s not perfect. Here are several “2016 Lexus LS problems” and “2016 Lexus LS common issues” reported by owners and technicians: 1) SUSPENSION WEAR (ESPECIALLY AIR SUSPENSION EQUIPPED CARS): On higher-mileage examples (often 80,000–120,000+ miles), air struts or related components can leak or weaken, leading to a sagging corner, a harsher ride, or a compressor that runs more than normal. Even on steel-spring cars, control arm bushings and ball joints can wear and cause clunks over bumps. 2) INFOTAINMENT AND ELECTRONICS QUIRKS: Some owners report aging electronics issues such as intermittent screen glitches, navigation/backup camera oddities, or Bluetooth pairing and audio dropouts. These tend to appear as the vehicle ages rather than at a specific mileage, and diagnosis can be time-consuming. 3) OIL SEEPAGE AND GENERAL GASKET AGING: While the V8 is typically durable, higher-mileage vehicles can develop minor oil seepage from gaskets/seals. It’s often not catastrophic, but it’s important to address leaks early to avoid mess, smells, or rubber component deterioration. 4) BRAKE FEEL AND WEAR ITEMS: The LS is heavy, and brakes can wear faster than expected depending on driving style. Some drivers also note occasional vibration if rotors warp, typically after repeated high-speed braking or if lower-quality parts were installed previously.