1997 Lexus LS400

○ Not enough data

1997 Lexus LS400
RENDERED 2026-08-02T14:04:45.014Z

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.

How is this computed?

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.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 of 13 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.

CRASH INJURY

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, 20100223

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, 20141209

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, 20190512

ENGINE

2 of 13 total reports mention: engine.

Show complaint excerpts

NHTSA ODI report, 20141209

VISIBILITY

1 of 13 total reports mentions: visibility.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 of 13 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.

FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19980209 — electrical system

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, SUCH

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE MAGNETIC SWITCH.

Campaign 98V016000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20030717 — DP (closed 20030923)

UNINTENDED ENGINE SPEED INCREASE/SA

R 20060701 — exterior lighting

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 N

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.

Campaign 06E049000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Lexus LS400 — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for engine issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 98V016000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Verify recall 06E049000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.

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 vehicle speed control, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Lexus LS400 have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.