1998 Lexus LS400
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
31% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing linkages and accelerator pedal.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20140402
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, 20080520
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.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20010627
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
20% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file, 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, 20180508
13% of complaints: tires — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt.
9% of complaints: service brakes — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURY7% of complaints: exterior lighting — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing flasher unit and turn signal.
SAFETY TIMELINE
UNINTENDED ENGINE SPEED INCREASE/SA
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 S
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.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Lexus LS400 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.