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.

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.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Steering (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (hydraulic) (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Tires (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
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)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | Premium |
| 4.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | Premium |
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.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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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.