1996 Lexus SC400
Only 4 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 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1996
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1996: 4 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1992 | 30 |
| 1993 | 9 |
| 1994 | 2 |
| 1995 | 9 |
| 1996 | 4 |
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 4 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Tires
2 of 4 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Show complaint excerpts
While the vehicle was parked both passengers and driver rear tires tread separated. Consumer took the tires to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined the tires were worn out. *ak ply separation occured on the inside of both tires.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-06-24
While the vehicle was parked both passenger and driver rear tires tread separated. Consumer took the tires to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the tires were worn out. *ak there was 3/32 tread remaining on the tire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-06-24
Latches/locks/linkages
1 of 4 total reports mentions: latches/locks/linkages, most commonly citing latch.
Show complaint excerpts
Passenger door lock assembly failed and would not allow door to be opened from the outside, only would open from the inside; causing a over $500 repair because a small piece of metal in the assembly broke.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-05-18
Exterior lighting
1 of 4 total reports mentions: exterior lighting, most commonly citing brake lights.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · 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.
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Lexus SC400 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Tires: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Latches/locks/linkages: 1 report on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 98V016000 · Electrical system
FAQ
- Is the 1996 Lexus SC400 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 SC400?
- The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 Lexus SC400 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.