1996 Lexus LS400: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 19 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“There was a strong fuel smell inside vehicle. Vehicle was inspected by dealer 5 times before fuel tank was replaced.*ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 2001
“Tl* the contact owns a 1996 lexus ls400. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 116,000. Updated 02/23/16*lj updated 05/04/18*jb *tr”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2000
“As highway speed is increased frontal/side wind off windshield caused at two different times for me to have to realign the car on the roadway due to this problem, also as the speed increases the inside of the car is noisy.*ak”Owner report · Visibility · Oct 1999
Show 4 more owner reports
“All four tire buldging and performing poorly causing vehicle to ride roughly. Nlm bridgestone (dot elangjcc146 225/60r16 - 97v er-33)”Owner report · Tires · Aug 1999
“Cannot read clock and temperature display due to sunshine/potential hazard if driver if concentrating on trying to read display rather than the road.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 1996
“Vehicle was having a problem with the seat belts retracting. The seat belt did not go back into its original position after it was extended. Provide further details. *nm”Owner report · Seat Belts
“After making a complete stop vehicle rolled for about 4-5 feet causing a rearend collision. Dealer could not determine the cause. *ak”Owner report · Steering
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE TERMINAL FOR THE STARTER MOTOR MAGNETIC SWITCH, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT CAN OCCUR IF ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE LIQUID, SUCH AS ROAD SPLASH WITH DEICING SALT, ENTERS THIS AREA.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE MAGNETIC SWITCH.
How other years compare
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 1996 Lexus LS400 reliable?
NHTSA has 19 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Lexus LS400. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 1996 Lexus LS400 have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. 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.