1990 Lexus LS400: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 24 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 1989
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1990 lexus ls400. The contact stated that the front drivers side door failed to unlock from the inside or outside of the vehicle. The contact attempted both automatically and manually but the door failed to unlock and open. The contact stated that he had no alternative but to exit through the passengers side door. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was unable to be replicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 130,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2014
“Bends after driving on a crown road......3x.....bcp in smyrna de will not give me another changed left and right tie rod ends twiice and still cannot keep the vehicle on the road.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2013
“My car, made by toyota, has all the same problems, faulty parts, as the cars that were recalled for sudden acceleration. I have had the sudden acceleration problem happen twice and I am currently unable to drive the car because of a faulty resistor that controls the fuel feed tot the fuel pump keeps causing the car to act like it is running out of gas. Very dangerous. Lexus has refused to fix it even though I am willing to pay. They want nothing to do with cars with the same parts as sudden acceleration.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2011
Show 7 more owner reports
“Accelerator pedal sticks and engine continues to accelerate. I can only stop it by pushing on the brake hard, putting it in neutral or turning off engine. Sometimes if I have room in front of my car, I can stop it by pumping the brake. This has occurred several times. I cannot tell what causes it. Definitely not floor mat. *tw”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2009
“I have a 1990 lexus ls 400 and I have had to change my alternator and power steering pump 3 times due to the power steering pump having a leak and there are millions having the same problem and it cost a lot of money I think lexus should have recalled their pumps to correct this problem please help me this is becoming ridiculous. Every year I have to change my pump due to this problem they cost 600 dollars just the part someone should take some kind of notice to this major problem. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2007
“The right rear tire had a bubble. Consumer took the vehicle to dealer ,and they stated that vehicle was involved in a collision. Consumer stated that vehicle had not been involved in any collision.*ak”Owner report · Tires · Mar 2005
“Instrument panel lights don't work (speedometer) on 90 lexus ls400. Apparently it's happened to all of them or is happening to all of them. Cost $2000 to repair! Not safe driving without seeing speed. (entire cluster is electronic so can't see even in daylight.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2003
“Passenger door lock mechanism on my 1990 lexus ls400 has failed to the point where door will not open from outside nor inside. Lexus dealer wants $800 to fix the problem and the possibility of damaging door panel and scratching window. This is clearly a safety hazard that lexus (toyota) should pay for. I have asked them to pay for it they refused. I am also adding the fact that the dealership has had other ls400's that they've fixed for this specific safety problem.”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Apr 2003
“Consumer stated while traveling at 30 mph, another vehicle ran a light and the consumer hit the vehicle. Consumer's vehicle was totaled. The driver side airbag did not deployed. The passengers neck and back was injured as a result. Passengers were wearing seat belts. *ph *ts *jb”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2003
“While driving 30mph another vehicle pulled in front of consumer, and consumer rearended vehicle. Consumer's airbag didnot deploy.*ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
LAMP HOUSING OF CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP COULD BECOME DISTORTED AFTER PROLONGED ILLUMINATION, PARTICULARLY UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES.
Remedy: REPLACE LAMP HOUSING WITH ONE OF HIGHER TEMPERATURE RESISTANT MATERIAL.
Check your exact LS400 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Lexus LS400 reliable?
NHTSA has 24 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1990 Lexus LS400. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 1990 Lexus LS400 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:brake lights:switch. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.