1997 Lexus LS400: problems, recalls and reliability

2 recalls and 13 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.

Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006

recalls

owner complaints

fire reports

typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Among the quietest LS400 years (#9 of 9 by complaints, age-adjusted)1 fire report

Common problems Recalls Other years FAQ

Common problems

Computed from 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 13 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.

Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)2 complaints

Tires2 complaints

Engine (engine mechanics)1 complaint

Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)1 complaint

Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)1 complaint

Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)1 complaint

“Crash caused by poor wet traction of goodyear integrity tires. Accident was preceded by numerous instances of lost lateral grip and slipping under normal acceleration in normal driving.”Owner report · Tires · Jun 2018

“Vehicle does not start when hot. Starter does not turn. Vehicle was never recalled for NHTSA campaign id: 98v016000. My car has a production date of 7/97. Cut off date for this campaign was 6/97. I believe my vehicle should have been recalled for the repair of the magnetic switch in the starter. A no start condition exists and a fire can result if the solenoid shorts out. This is a safety issue and needs to be addressed.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2015

“Vehicle was involved in a driver side front fender collision at 50 mph, and both frontal air bags and side air bags did not deploy. Dealer/manufacturer were notified. *ak toyota's legal department confirmed that the direct frontal collison forces were below the threshold for deployment, impacting the softer portion of the left front corner of the vehicle, and was not a direct frontal impact, therefore the air bags did not deploy, two people were injured in the accident. *tt”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2001

Show 3 more owner reports

“Left front tire was wearing out. Then, shifted the tire to right front and wearing continued. Consumer took vehicle to dealership for alignment. Mechanic told him that he could do that because balljoints needed to be replaced. The balljoint are made from substance that would wear out at certain mileage. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Jan 2001

“While driving, consumer applied brakes and heard an extremely loud grinding noise, dealer had to sand rotors to remove rust. *slc”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2000

“Vehicle was parked and noticed that there was smoke coming out from under the hood in the engine area. Attempted to open the hood and the engine was burned out. *ak mr. Davis wrote in saying this is not his vehicle, nor has his vehicle experienced any problems described, he has not filed any complaints. *slc”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 1997

When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 2 campaigns

EXTERIOR LIGHTING06E049000 · May 2006

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY98V016000 · Jan 1998

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

199539 complaints · 2 recalls 199619 complaints · 2 recalls 1997 (this page)13 complaints · 2 recalls 199845 complaints · 1 recalls 199922 complaints · 1 recalls

Check your exact LS400 by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1997 Lexus LS400 reliable?

NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Lexus LS400. The most complained-about area is electrical system.

Does the 1997 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.