Lexus LS400 Problems by Year
NHTSA has 152 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file for the Lexus LS400, across 7 model years (1995–2001). The 1998 model year has the most complaints (45). The most reported problem area overall is vehicle speed control.
Lexus LS400 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical LS400 year: 1995, 1998. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 1998 LS400: 45 complaints, 0 recalls
- 1995 LS400: 39 complaints, 1 recall
- 1999 LS400: 22 complaints, 0 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2001 LS400: 2 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2000 LS400: 12 complaints, 0 recalls
- 1997 LS400: 13 complaints, 1 recall
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Lexus LS400 problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Speed Control | 37 | 6 | 17 |
| Electrical System | 33 | 6 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 12 | 3 | 1 |
| Tires | 12 | 5 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 11 | 6 | 3 |
| Power Train | 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Engine | 7 | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension | 7 | 4 | 1 |
| Visibility | 7 | 4 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Steering | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| Exterior Lighting | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Equipment | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Seats | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Lexus LS400 model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 LS400 | 2 | 0 | — | Air Bags | |
| 2000 LS400 | 12 | 0 | — | Vehicle Speed Control | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 1999 LS400 | 22 | 0 | — | Vehicle Speed Control | More complaints than other years |
| 1998 LS400 | 45 | 0 | — | Vehicle Speed Control | Far more complaints than other years |
| 1997 LS400 | 13 | 1 | — | Vehicle Speed Control | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 1996 LS400 | 19 | 1 | — | Electrical System | About as many complaints as other years |
| 1995 LS400 | 39 | 1 | — | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
More from Lexus: all Lexus models · Lexus VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Lexus LS400 years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 1995 (39), 1998 (45) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical LS400 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Lexus LS400?
Vehicle Speed Control, with 37 complaints across 6 model years.
How many recalls does the Lexus LS400 have?
1 safety recall across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.