DecodedCars2018 Lexus LC
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 500 2dr Coupe, 500h 2dr Coupe
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 26 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 187.4 in
- Curb weight
- 4,266–4,696 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 27% better than the average 2018 subcompact car (23.7 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 36 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Lexus LC is a subcompact car offered with 2 engines (3.5L 6-cyl and 5.0L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 187 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,266 lb (500 2dr Coupe).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (26 city / 35 highway), 27% better than the 2018 subcompact car average of 23.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,750 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 2dr Coupe | 187.4 in | 75.6 in | 53.1 in | 113 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,266 lb | 52/48 |
| 500h 2dr Coupe | 187.4 in | 75.6 in | 53.1 in | 113 in | 64.2 / 64.2 in | 4,696 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LC 500h Hybrid | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 26 / 35 / 30 | +27% | $2,750 | 301 |
| LC 500 | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S10) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 26 / 19 | -20% | $4,350 | 459 |
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.7 MPG2018 Subcompact Cars average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Lexus LC.
Similar 2018 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Lexus LC (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2018 BMW 3 Series | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 Lexus IS | 26 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Tesla Model 3 | 310 mi | ★★★★★ | 19 |
Recalls (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Nov 4, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V682000 · 1,525,742 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jan 13, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V012000 · 1,830,752 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Feb 14, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V107000 · 9,905 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lexus GS F, 2018 LC500, and 2015-2018 Lexus RC F vehicles, equipped with 5.0L V8 2UR-GSE engines with two high pressure fuel pumps. Specific operating conditions may result in damage to the pulsation damper in one of the high pressure fuel pumps, possibly causing a fatigue crack in the fuel pump cover.
- Risk
- A cracked cover may leak fuel, which, in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pumps, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 2, 2018. Owners may contact Lexus customer service 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J2B and JLB.
Not every 2018 Lexus LC is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
7Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
14,298 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Lexus LC buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 2 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Structure › Body — 2 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 14,298 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Lexus LC. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other LC years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →