MotorDeets

Lexus LS400 problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every LS400 from 1990 to 2001: 338 owner complaints and 4 recalls across 12 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1994 (68), 1993 (65), 1998 (45). Best fuel economy: 19 mpg combined (2000).

Lexus LS400
Photo: Mohammed Hamad · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Electrical128
Speed control / throttle47
Seat belts25
Airbags19
Brakes (hydraulic)19
Tires19
Transmission & drivetrain18
Other / unknown15

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199012418
199102118
19920818
199306518
199406818
199513919
199611919
199711319
199804519
199902219
200001219
200102–

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Lexus LS400.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Lexus LS400?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1994 (68), 1993 (65), 1998 (45).

How many recalls has the Lexus LS400 had?

Across 1990–2001, NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).