1998 Lexus LS
Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 4 |
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 3 |
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 7 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 8 |
| 2005 | 5 |
| 2006 | 17 |
| 2007 | 45 |
| 2008 | 43 |
| 2009 | 13 |
| 2010 | 8 |
| 2011 | 9 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2018 | 13 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 2 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
WHEN TRYING TO STOP MY 1998 LEXUS LS 400 IN MY GARAGE THIS MORNING, THE CAR SURGED FORWARD. I SLAMMED THE BRAKES ON EVEN HARDER AND THE CAR SURGED EVEN MORE FORWARD. THE WHEELS WERE SPINNING AND I FINALLY GOT THE CAR TOTALLY STOPPED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060817
1 of 2 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
VEHICLE HAS TROUBLE STARTING. I OWN A 1998 LS400 THAT HAS TROUBLE STARTING. THE IGNITION HAS TO BE TURNED SEVERAL TIMES(20) TO GET THE STARTER TO TURN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20061018
SAFETY TIMELINE
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Lexus LS — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1998 Lexus LS reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Lexus LS?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Lexus LS have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.