Lexus LC URZ100
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Lexus LC is the brand's luxurious grand touring coupé, in the range since 2017 and available from 2021 as the open LC 500 Convertible. It positions itself as an elegant, comfortable long-distance cruiser with spectacular styling and top-tier build quality — less a sharp sports car, more a composed continent-crosser. Two very different powertrains are on offer: the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre 2UR-GSE V8 with 351 kW, and the 3.5-litre V6 with the Multi-Stage Hybrid system, the 8GR-FXS, delivering 264 kW of system output.
The clear recommendation for enthusiasts is the V8. The 2UR-GSE, developed in collaboration with Yamaha, has been in production for over 15 years and is regarded as extremely robust. Keep to the service intervals and don't skimp on coolant, and you have an engine with a superb voice and a long life ahead of it. Known minor items are moderate oil consumption, carbon build-up from the direct injection, and an eventual water pump replacement — nothing unusual for a naturally aspirated engine of this design. The hybrid V6 is the more comfort-oriented and efficient alternative, with its elaborate CVT-plus-four-speed gearbox that generates ten simulated ratios. It too is fundamentally sound, but shares the leaking water pump as a weak point with other GR V6 engines and was affected by the recall of the Denso low-pressure fuel pump.
Recalls are something to examine closely on the LC in general. Alongside the Denso low-pressure fuel pump, there was a recall for the high-pressure fuel pump over fire risk, and one for the brake booster pump. These campaigns should be demonstrably completed on any purchase candidate. Beyond that, the typical weak points are manageable: the battery discharges during longer periods of standstill, the door handle actuator can stick, and the air conditioning servo motor can fail. Early builds are prone to a creaking glass roof and a metallic clonk from the B-pillar brace. The reversing camera can develop condensation inside the lens.
When buying, it pays to check the recall history and look at the small build-quality issues of the early series. Choosing a later build sidesteps most of them. Both the coupé and the convertible are beautifully finished, and fundamental reliability sits at typical Lexus level.
The honest verdict: the LC is a gorgeous, composed grand tourer with excellent substance. The V8 is the emotional choice with a durable character, the hybrid the efficient, sensible option. As long as the recalls are done and maintenance is in order, the LC ranks among the most reliable vehicles in its segment.
Body Variants
The Lexus LC URZ100 is available as Coupé and Convertible — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Engine Overview
The Lexus LC URZ100 is available with 2 engine variants — from 359 to 471 hp.
This 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 was co-developed with Yamaha and loves to rev — strong, eager and with a proper soundtrack. It is extremely robust mechanically, and 300,000 km is realistic with disciplined servicing. The direct injection can lead to intake valve carbon build-up over the miles, which is the main maintenance item; occasional cleaning keeps it healthy. Moderate oil consumption under hard driving is normal, not a fault. The water pump counts among the wear items that come due over the years. Never let the coolant turn acidic and the engine will last a very long time.
- !! Water Pump Replacement from 130,000 km
Water pump replacement around 80,000 miles is a scheduled maintenance item rather than an unexpected failure. The pump is driven by the timing chain, so replacement labor is significant. Budget for this as part of ownership, not as a surprise.
Symptoms: Coolant weeping from pump housing, gradual coolant loss, slight temperature fluctuation - ! Moderate Oil Consumption from 100,000 km
Mild oil consumption is normal on the 2UR-GSE, especially under spirited driving. Check oil at every fill-up. Consumption of 1 quart per 3,000-5,000 miles is within Toyota's acceptable range. Not a defect but a characteristic of high-revving V8 operation.
Symptoms: Oil level drops between changes, no visible leaks, slightly more consumption under hard driving - ! Carbon Buildup (Direct Injection) from 100,000 km
Direct injection causes gradual carbon accumulation on intake valves. Less aggressive than four-cylinder DI engines due to the V8's higher exhaust gas temperatures. Walnut blasting recommended around 100,000 miles.
Symptoms: Slight rough idle, minor power loss, marginally increased fuel consumption
3.5-liter V6 with Multi Stage Hybrid system (220 kW combustion + 132 kW electric motors, 264 kW combined). Complex CVT-plus-4-speed gearbox simulates 10 gear ratios. Mechanically robust, but hybrid complexity makes repairs expensive. With only 18 units sold in 2024, long-term parts availability uncertain.
- !! Denso low-pressure fuel pump (recall) from 60,000 km
The in-tank Denso low-pressure fuel pump can fail due to cracking impellers. Covered by NHTSA recall 20V012000 for LS 500h (2018–2019) and LC 500h (2018–2020). Engine may run rough, fail to start, or stall while driving.
Symptoms: Rough idle, hard starting, sudden stalling while driving, check engine light, hesitation under load. - !! Water pump leak (GR V6 weak point) from 130,000 km
The mechanical water pump of the GR V6 family is prone to weep-hole seal leaks with pink/green coolant traces. Lexus TSB T-SB-0103-20/T-SB-0020-20 covers diagnosis. Replacement is very labor-intensive (8-10h, engine lift).
Symptoms: Coolant trace at weep hole, pink/green puddle under engine, dropping coolant level, overheating in severe cases.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Recall: Denso low-pressure fuel pump Denso low-pressure fuel pump impeller may crack, causing engine stall. Affects ~690,000 Toyota/Lexus vehicles. 15-year extended warranty through class action. Symptoms: Engine runs rough, power loss, engine stall while driving | ||
| Recall: high-pressure fuel pump (fire risk) Pulsation damper in high-pressure fuel pump may fatigue-crack, causing fuel leak and fire risk. NHTSA 18V107000, ~9,900 vehicles affected. Symptoms: Fuel smell, visible fuel leak in engine bay | ||
| Recall: brake booster pump Improperly manufactured brake booster pump may fail. Brake assist lost, VSC deactivated. ~6,900 vehicles (MY 2019), replacement free. Symptoms: Increased stopping distance, stability control warning, hard brake pedal |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 14 weaknesses have been documented for the Lexus LC URZ100 (2017–2026) — 5 engine-related and 9 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Electronics, HVAC, Body. Considered reliable: 2UR-GSE (5.0L V8).
LC (8GR-FXS, 2017–2025) — Be Careful: Denso low-pressure fuel pump (recall), Water pump leak (GR V6 weak point). Power: 359 PS.
What to watch out for with the Lexus LC? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Lexus LC URZ100 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Lexus LC URZ100? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Lexus LC URZ100 engine is the most reliable? +
Which Lexus LC URZ100 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Lexus LC URZ100 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Lexus LC URZ100? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee