1992 Lexus SC400: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 30 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (32% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 1992
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1992 lexus sc400. While driving 35 mph, the hydraulic braking system trapped the brake fluid pressure and the rear brake line. As a result, the rear brakes began to drag and only the front brakes could be used. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 92v046000 (service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components). The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 191,000 and failure mileage was 185,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2007
“My car is a used 1992 lexus sc400 and I bought it from a private owner and I didn't have the car for a week and the car caught on fire. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2007
“Tl*the contact owns a 1992 lexus sc400. While driving 40 mph the traction control light remained illuminated. When the brake pedal was depressed there was a popping noise in the rear brakes. The road conditions were not a factor. The current and failure mileage were 230,000. *ak the rear brakes would lock up when coming to a full. Updated 05/04/07*tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* - the contact stated that the 1992 lexus sc400, accelerated rapidly to about 50 mph while in the driveway. She stated that while backing into a driveway at about 2 mph the vehicle accelerated. This was early morning of 01/31/06, the weather and driveway conditions were dry. The gas pedal accelerated and pressed to the floor. She applied the brakes with force, but the vehicle didn't stop. The contact stated that the vehicle hit another vehicle in the driveway. This also happened to her husband last month, and he almost ran into the a garage. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2007
“The instrument cluster of my 1992 sc400 is going out and at night, I have to use a flash light to see my gauges. Lexus option is to replace the whole cluster with an improved design for around $1500! *jb”Owner report · Interior Lighting · Oct 2006
“Lower control arm ball joint separated while vehicle was moving at approx 30mph, rusulting in loss of vehicle control. Major damage to fender weld, wheel and tire. No person were injured due to low speed and no traffic.*ak”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2004
“Vehicle accelerates when brakes are applied. *mr when the consumer stepped on the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated instead of stopping. The service dealer stated that there was no problem. *sc *jb”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2004
“The instrument panel gauge lights on my 1992 sc40 began going bad at around 75,000 miles [1999]. By 95,000 miles 50% of lights are out. By design the panel/needles must be replaced which is a very expensive procedure. I have been putting it off because my wife usually only drives the sc400 during the daylight hours, but now my son would like to take it over and the problem of safety during night driving comes into play. Toyota/lexus should be ashamed of building such a great car with a monumental flaw such as this. I am not the only owner with this problem nor is it restricted to the lexus brand of the parent toyota motor company. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2004
“Dash instrument speed, tach, gas, and temperature needles no longer illuminate. Therefore, you can not view them at night and, often, during the day. No adequate repair is available. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2004
“The vehicle has had an on going problem with the traction control lights coming on and off. The problem has worsened over time and now the light remains on. There was a hydraulic brakes recall 92v046000 on this issue but the manufacture is indicating that the VIN number isn't included. The consumer had the VIN number run by alldata and a mechanic who indicated that the VIN number was included. *nm the all data description of the recall indicated that the rear brake pads would be stressed because of the malfunctioning traction control and ABS system. The rear pads were replaced at 15000 miles. *nm”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2002
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE/TRACTION CONTROL COMPUTER LOGIC PROGRAM WAS INCOMPLETE, RESULTING IN THE TRAPPING OF BRAKE FLUID PRESSURE IN THE REAR BRAKE LINES. FAILURE TO RELEASE THE REAR BRAKE LINE PRESSURE CAUSES A CONDITION WHERE BRAKE PEDAL APPLICATION RESULTS IN ACTIVATION OF THE FRONT BRAKE ONLY, AND CONTINUAL REAR BRAKE DRAG.
Remedy: REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE/TRACTION CONTROL COMPUTER, AND IF ANY BRAKE SYSTEM IS DAMAGED FROM THE DEFECTIVE OPERATION OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE/TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM, REPAIR THE DAMAGE AT NO COST.
Check your exact SC400 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 1992 Lexus SC400 reliable?
NHTSA has 30 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1992 Lexus SC400. The most complained-about area is electrical system (32% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1992 Lexus SC400 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 96,000 miles or less.
Does the 1992 Lexus SC400 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components. 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.