Research · Subcompact Cars · 2 NHTSA variants
2021 Lexus LC 500Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint for the 2021 Lexus LC 500. Most complaints involve exterior lighting (1). The EPA rates it 18–19 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
18–19mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
1
Top: exterior lighting
Fuel cost / yr
$4,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2021 Lexus LC 500 as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
1 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2021 – Mar 2021
- Exterior lighting1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Exterior lighting
1 report
“TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF 2021 LEXUS LC500 VEHICLES. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING BEHIND 2021 LEXUS LC500, THE REAR TAILLIGHT COVER/LENS WERE REFLECTIVE MAKING IT APPEAR AS IF THE VEHICLE HAD THE TURNING SIGNALS ON OR THE HAZARD LIGHTS WERE ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT DID NOT OWN THE VEHICLE THEREFORE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE DESIGN COULD CAUSE A SAFETY RISK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Subcompact Cars, Minicompact Cars
- Engines
- 5.0L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S10)
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LC 500 Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 25 | 19 | $4,200 | 473 |
| LC 500 Convertible Auto (S10), 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 25 | 18 | $4,400 | 489 |
- 19mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Lexus LC 500 as of Oct 28, 2026.
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2021 LC 500 questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Lexus LC 500 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.
What are the most common 2021 Lexus LC 500 problems?
Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are exterior lighting (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2021 Lexus LC 500 get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Lexus LC 500 at 18–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026