MotorDeets

1997 Lexus SC300: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1997 Lexus SC300: 0 recalls, 5 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.

0vehicle recalls
5owner complaints
1mention a crash
19best combined mpg
1997 Lexus SC300
Photo: Altair78 · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine & cooling2
Steering1
Brakes (hydraulic)1
Tires1
Transmission & drivetrain1
Airbags1
Speed control / throttle1

What owners describe

The 1997 Lexus SC300 has 5 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 5 SC300 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 5). Complaints peaked in 1999 (1 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 27,100 miles.

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.0 L 6-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive172219Premium
3.0 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive162218Premium
4.0 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive162118Premium

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 1997 Lexus SC300.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1997 Lexus SC300 manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

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

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 1997 Lexus SC300 manual
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
Check 1997 Lexus SC300 manual
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
Check 1997 Lexus SC300 manual

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FAQ

Does the 1997 Lexus SC300 have any recalls?

NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1997 Lexus SC300. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.

What are the most common 1997 Lexus SC300 problems?

Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (2), steering (1), brakes (hydraulic) (1).

What gas mileage does the 1997 Lexus SC300 get?

EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (3.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1997 Lexus SC300 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other SC300 years

19921993199419951997