Menu

1997 Lexus LS400Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 13 owner complaints about the 1997 Lexus LS400, most often about the vehicle speed control. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints135 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage128kVehicle speed control, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 12, 2019. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Lexus LS400 has problems

13 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Vehicle speed control32
Power train21
Engine20
Tires20
Service brakes, hydraulic21
Electrical system20
Air bags11
Visibility10
Latches/locks/linkages10
4 other systems41

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1997 Lexus LS400 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Lexus.

Best & worst years

1997 vs. every other LS400 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the LS400 median. How we score

'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1997 Lexus LS400, and the recalls they led to.

  1. UNINTENDED ENGINE SPEED INCREASE/SADP03003 · closed Sep 23, 2003
    No recall
In owners' words

What LS400 owners report

Recent vehicle speed control complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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. I PRESSED THE BRAKES AND THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK! THE…
Complaint 10663131 · Dec 9, 2014 · 230,000 miles
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. I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE CAR AND AFTER SPINNING SEVERAL TIMES RAN INTO THE CENTER DIVIDER. I WAS VERY LUCKY NOT TO GO OVER THE…
Complaint 10313402 · Feb 23, 2010 · 25,000 miles
A FIRE STARTED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED VIA LETTER. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT 1 WEEK PRIOR TO THE FIRE, ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED, THE RADIO DIED AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPER DIED, THE PROBLEM WAS THEN DIAGNOSED AS A…
Complaint 8013665 · Jul 10, 2002

Own a 1997 LS400?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.