MYRModel Year Report

1998 Lexus LS400

○ Not enough data
1998 Lexus LS400
RENDERED 2026-11-01T16:56:27.709Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
45
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1998

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Vehicle speed control

31% of complaints

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 1997: 13 complaints 1998: 45 complaints 1998 45 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 1997: 13 complaints 1997 1998: 45 complaints 1998 45 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 1997: 13 complaints 1997 1998: 45 complaints 1998 45 1999: 22 complaints 1999 2000: 12 complaints 2000 2001: 2 complaints 2001

1998: 45 complaints

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

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Vehicle speed control

31% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing linkages and accelerator pedal.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Lexus LS400. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. The vehicle traveled into a residential garage and crashed into a wall. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-04-02

Time, date and location: Monday, May 19 at approximately 3:30 pm at the blockbuster parking lot in stafford, va vehicle: 1998 Lexus LS400 I was pulling into a parking space in front of the blockbuster.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-05-20

At a stop vehicle lurched out of control and accelerated without touching gas pedal. Brakes did not stop vehicle, and rearended another vehicle. Damaged hood and grill on vehicle. Contacted dealer and vehicle was repaired.

NHTSA ODI report, 2001-06-27

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

Electrical system

20% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing module and starter assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Lexus LS400. While stationary, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the vehicle started after several attempts were made.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-08

Tires

13% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt.

Service brakes

9% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY

Exterior lighting

7% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing flasher unit and turn signal.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. I
    2003-07-17Defect petitionClosed 2003-09-23 Unintended engine speed increase/sa
  2. R
    2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber…

    Remedy: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1998 Lexus LS400 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Vehicle speed control: 14 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Tires: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1998 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 1998 Lexus LS400?
The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Lexus LS400 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

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