MYRModel Year Report

1996 Lexus LS400

○ Not enough data
1996 Lexus LS400
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:45:13.931Z

Only 19 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 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
19

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1996

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1990: 24 complaints 1990 1991: 21 complaints 1992: 8 complaints 1992 1993: 65 complaints 1994: 68 complaints 1994 1995: 39 complaints 1996: 19 complaints 1996 19 1997: 13 complaints 1998: 45 complaints 1998 1999: 22 complaints 2000: 12 complaints 2000 2001: 2 complaints
1990: 24 complaints 1990 1991: 21 complaints 1991 1992: 8 complaints 1992 1993: 65 complaints 1993 1994: 68 complaints 1994 1995: 39 complaints 1995 1996: 19 complaints 1996 19 1997: 13 complaints 1997 1998: 45 complaints 1998 1999: 22 complaints 1999 2000: 12 complaints 2000 2001: 2 complaints 2001
1990: 24 complaints 1990 1991: 21 complaints 1991 1992: 8 complaints 1992 1993: 65 complaints 1993 1994: 68 complaints 1994 1995: 39 complaints 1995 1996: 19 complaints 1996 19 1997: 13 complaints 1997 1998: 45 complaints 1998 1999: 22 complaints 1999 2000: 12 complaints 2000 2001: 2 complaints 2001

1996: 19 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
199024
199121
19928
199365
199468
199539
199619
199713
199845
199922
200012
20012

Known problem areas

Only 19 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Service brakes

3 of 19 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

Electrical system

3 of 19 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Lexus LS400. The contact attempted to start the vehicle when the battery caught on fire at the positive post. He stated that he was able to extinguish the fire yet the vehicle would no longer start.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-04-04

Visibility

2 of 19 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing windshield and exterior.

Tires

2 of 19 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.

Fuel system, gasoline

2 of 19 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

Driving vehicle down freeway started smelling gasoline odor. Drove straight to nearest Toyota dealer. To make a long story short, the seams of the fuel tank had split open.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-06-05

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1998-02-09Electrical system98V016000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will repair the magnetic switch.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2006-07-01Exterior lighting06E049000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1996 Lexus LS400 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 98V016000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 06E049000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1996 Lexus LS400 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 1996 Lexus LS400?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Lexus LS400 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.