MYRModel Year Report

1996 Lexus SC400

○ Not enough data
1996 Lexus SC400
RENDERED 2026-08-02T14:07:37.990Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Lexus SC400 Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 highlighted. 1990: 1 complaints 1990 1992: 30 complaints 1993: 9 complaints 1993 1994: 2 complaints 1995: 9 complaints 1995 1996: 4 complaints 1996 1997: 1 complaints 1997 1998: 2 complaints 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 1 complaints 2001: 1 complaints 2001
1996: 4 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19901
199230
19939
19942
19959
19964
19971
19982
19992
20001
20011

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.

Show complaint excerpts

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, 20040624

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, 20040624

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 of 4 total reports mentions: latches/locks/linkages.

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, 20040518

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 of 4 total reports mentions: exterior lighting.

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

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 Lexus SC400 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 98V016000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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:tread/belt, 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.