1998 Lexus LS400: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 45 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is vehicle speed control (32% of complaints); the 1996 and 1997 and 1999 and 2000 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 45 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 lexus ls400. While stationary, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the vehicle started after several attempts were made. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer (arrowhead lexus in peoria, arizona) was made aware of the failure and stated that an unknown recall on the vehicle had closed/expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The recall information was not provided. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2018
“Twice, with two different drivers, this vehicle has accelerated/surged at a stop. The vehicle was able to be held steady by pressing the brake as hard as possible, but vehicle still surged and tried to move forward. On the first incident, the vehicle was put in neutral and continued to rev momentarily. After the first incident, the lexus oem floor mat (standard, not all season) was removed. The same event occurred again tonight with a different driver and the floor mat still removed. I am quite concerned this may be related to other toyota recalls. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 2014
“The airbags in the front of the car dropped and it weighs the front of the car down so I need to warm up the car so that the front engine rises and doesn't scrape when you turn the wheel. Please advise if this can be checked by lexis for safety reasons free of charge. Thank you for your prompt attention to this inquiry. Kind regards, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 lexus ls400. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. The vehicle traveled into a residential garage and crashed into a wall. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The shop technician diagnosed the wrong problem. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 153,000 and the current mileage was 160,000. Updated 07/22/14 ma”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2011
“Tl*the contact owns a 1998 lexus ls400. The contact stated that the hood of the vehicle was fully opened in a secured position and without warning, it suddenly released in a downward position and closed. The hood released on the contacts left hand and caused injury to the middle finger. The contact planned to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000. Updated 01/24/11 *bf the consumer stated the hydraulic pistons which were supposed to keep the hood securely and fully opened failed suddenly, while his hand was under the hood. The consumer was unable to move his hand in time. Updated 03/22/11”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2010
“This happened with no warning. Steering wheel was hard to turn counter clockwise and would bind when turned almost all the way. I turned it all the way and there was a loud "snap" sound. I then noticed the air bag light came on in the dash. After the "snap" it was easier to turn the steering wheel clockwise and counter clockwise. I don't know what is wrong but will take the car to the dealer to check this out. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2008
“Time, date and location: monday, may 19 at approximately 3:30 pm at the blockbuster parking lot in stafford, va vehicle: 1998 lexus ls400 I was pulling into a parking space in front of the blockbuster. I had my foot on the brake to slowly pull into the space. Suddenly, the engine revved and the car jumped the curb and repeatedly hit the front of the blockbuster. I pushed down hard on the brake, but it would not respond. I put the car in park and the car stopped. *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · May 2008
“1. Vehicle has trouble starting. 2. Starter failure. Have to turn ignition several times (15-20) to get the starter to rotate. I know there was a NHTSA campaign 98v016000 on the 1995 through 1997 lexus ls400 for the starter assembly due to improper assembly of the terminal for the magnetic switch. My question is can my vehicle be covered under this campaign considering the 1998 ls400 was built in 1997. Also can this cause an underhood fire in my vehicle while I'm continuing to start my vehicle with this problem persisting? Thank you for your time. 3. Vehicle has not been repaired yet. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2005
“The vehicle was damaged with altered paper and the rear passenger panel was scraped behind the tire. It appeared as though this damage was pre-existing. *bf the damages occurred while being sipped from florida to new jersey. *sc”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2005
“Stopped at a red light and the car accelerated to the point it was spinning tires. Car was put into park and the car was brought under control. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Nov 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN 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: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
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 1998 Lexus LS400 reliable?
NHTSA has 45 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1998 Lexus LS400. The most complained-about area is vehicle speed control (32% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1998 Lexus LS400 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 110,167 miles or less.
Does the 1998 Lexus LS400 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has 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.