1997 Lexus LS400
Only 13 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 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 13
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1997
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1997: 13 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 24 |
| 1991 | 21 |
| 1992 | 8 |
| 1993 | 65 |
| 1994 | 68 |
| 1995 | 39 |
| 1996 | 19 |
| 1997 | 13 |
| 1998 | 45 |
| 1999 | 22 |
| 2000 | 12 |
| 2001 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 13 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
4 of 13 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
As I was driving, my vehicle started accelerating on it's own. When I had previously checked the speed odometer it said 50. All of a sudden the vehicle started gaining speed. I took my foot off of the gas pedal and the speed kept accelerating.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-12-09
Also filed under Vehicle speed control and engine
Vehicle speed control
3 of 13 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cruise control.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving my 1997 Lexus LS400 in ca on the 605 fwy, west toward 210 fwy, all systems on the car locked (Steering wheel, brakes, gas pedal) as I was changing lanes.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-02-23
Also filed under Power train and steering
Tires
2 of 13 total reports mention: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-05-12
Engine
2 of 13 total reports mention: engine.
Power train
2 of 13 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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.
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I
2003-07-17Defect petitionClosed 2003-09-23 Unintended engine speed increase/sa
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Lexus LS400 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 98V016000 · Electrical system
- Recall 06E049000 · Exterior lighting
FAQ
- Is the 1997 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 1997 Lexus LS400?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 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.