1998 Lexus Ls400 problems
The Lexus LS (Japanese: レクサス・LS, Hepburn: Rekusasu LS) is a full-size luxury sedan (F-segment in Europe) serving as the flagship model of Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota. For the first four generations, all LS models featured V8 engines and were predominantly rear-wheel-drive. In the fourth generation, Lexus offered all-wheel-drive, hybrid, and long-wheelbase variants. The fifth generation changed to using a V6 engine with no V8 option, and only one length was offered.
As the first model developed by Lexus, the LS 400 debuted in January 1989 with the second generation debuting in November 1994. The LS 430 debuted in January 2000 and the LS 460/LS 460 L series in 2006. A domestic-market version of the LS 400 and LS 430, badged as Toyota Celsior (Japanese: トヨタ・セルシオ, Hepburn: Toyota Serushio), was sold in Japan until the Lexus marque was introduced there in 2006. In 2006 (for the 2007 model year), the fourth generation LS 460 debuted the first production eight-speed automatic transmission and an automatic parking system. In 2007, V8 hybrid powertrains were introduced on the LS 600h/LS 600h L sedans.
Development of the LS began in 1983 as the F1 project, the code name for a secret flagship sedan. At the time, Toyota's two existing flagship models were the Crown and Century models – both of which catered exclusively for the Japanese market and had little global appeal that could compete with international luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Jaguar. The resulting sedan followed an extended five-year design process at a cost of over US$1 billion, and premiered with a new V8 engine and numerous luxury features. The Lexus LS was intended from its inception for export markets, and the Lexus division was formed to market and service the vehicle internationally. The original LS 400 debuted to strong sales, and was largely responsible for the successful launch of the Lexus marque.
Since the start of production, each generation of the Lexus LS has been manufactured in the Japanese city of Tahara, Aichi. The name "LS" stands for "Luxury Sedan", although some Lexus importers have preferred to define it as "Luxury Saloon". The name "Celsior" is taken from Latin word "celsus", meaning "lofty" or "elevated".
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Common 1998 Lexus Ls400 problems
Based on the information provided in the sources, here are the common problems with the 1998 Lexus LS400 based on complaints from owners:
- Timing Belt Replacement: The timing belt in the 1UZ 4.0L V8 engine of the Lexus LS400 needs replacement every 90,000 miles or 7 years. Failure to replace it can result in severe engine damage, especially in the 1998-2000 models with VVT-i intake manifold, which are interference engines.
- Engine Mounts Collapse: The Lexus LS400 uses special fluid-filled engine mounts to reduce vibrations, but over time, these mounts may collapse and fail, leading to increased vibration in the car. Replacing these mounts can be costly compared to standard rubber mounts used in other vehicles.
- Power Steering Pump Leaks: The power steering pump in the LS400 may develop leaks over time, potentially causing damage to the alternator located beneath it. Addressing leaks in the power steering system may require professional intervention to prevent further issues.
- Transmission Problems: Some Lexus LS400 owners have reported transmission issues, which can manifest as delays in shifting, rough shifting, or complete transmission failure. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs are essential to prevent significant transmission problems .
- Suspension Components Wear: The multi-link suspension system in the Lexus LS400 is complex and durable but may require attention over time. Components like shock absorbers, bearings, and stabilizers may need replacement after extensive use to maintain optimal performance and comfort .
- Brake System Maintenance: The brake system in the LS400 requires regular maintenance, including replacing brake pads every 40,000 kilometers and brake discs every 120,000 kilometers. Proper upkeep of the brake system is crucial for safe driving and optimal braking performance .
These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance, timely repairs, and attention to specific components in the 1998 Lexus LS400 to ensure its longevity and performance.
Is 1998 LS400 reliable?
Very reliable, super luxury.
Best luxury car for the money. Highly recommended for a mature driver, it is a great cruiser, not a sports car.
What are the most common problems with the LS400?
These are the common problems for the old LS400's: Starter, ps pump, alternator, ECU's caps, tranny, tranny's mount, flexdiscs (1 at the tranny & the other at the rear axle), strut bars & flex EGR pipe so ask the current owner if they've been changed along w/ the timing belt/water pump but for $800, you can't expect ...
What is the life expectancy of a Lexus LS 400?
A: You should be able to reach 200,000 miles in that car if you really take care of it. The LS 400 is a very reliable luxury sedan, but you should consider changing the timing belt because of its age.
What is the highest mileage on the LS400?
The million-mile Lexus LS owned by auto journalist Matt Farah has finally lived up to its name, with the 1996 LS 400 reaching 1,000,000 miles this past week. Farah purchased the LS used for $1,500 USD with 897,000 miles on the odometer in 2014, with the plan to break the million-mile mark.
1998 Lexus Ls400 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lexus Ls400 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Electrical system problems
- Tires problems
- Service brakes problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Lexus Ls400 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1998 Lexus Ls400
The NHTSA has received 46 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Lexus Ls400. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1998 Lexus Ls400 vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-02-08
- VIN: JT8BH28F7W0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS LS400. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE MADE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STARTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER (ARROWHEAD LEXUS IN PEORIA, ARIZONA) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT AN UNKNOWN RECALL ON THE VEHICLE HAD CLOSED/EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE RECALL INFORMATION WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 151,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-11-22
- VIN: JT8BH28F7W0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TWICE, WITH TWO DIFFERENT DRIVERS, THIS VEHICLE HAS ACCELERATED/SURGED AT A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE HELD STEADY BY PRESSING THE BRAKE AS HARD AS POSSIBLE, BUT VEHICLE STILL SURGED AND TRIED TO MOVE FORWARD. ON THE FIRST INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN NEUTRAL AND CONTINUED TO REV MOMENTARILY. AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT, THE LEXUS OEM FLOOR MAT (STANDARD, NOT ALL SEASON) WAS REMOVED. THE SAME EVENT OCCURRED AGAIN TONIGHT WITH A DIFFERENT DRIVER AND THE FLOOR MAT STILL REMOVED. I AM QUITE CONCERNED THIS MAY BE RELATED TO OTHER TOYOTA RECALLS. *TR
SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-08-01
- VIN: JT8BH28FXW0
- Components: SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE AIRBAGS IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR DROPPED AND IT WEIGHS THE FRONT OF THE CAR DOWN SO I NEED TO WARM UP THE CAR SO THAT THE FRONT ENGINE RISES AND DOESN'T SCRAPE WHEN YOU TURN THE WHEEL. PLEASE ADVISE IF THIS CAN BE CHECKED BY LEXIS FOR SAFETY REASONS FREE OF CHARGE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION TO THIS INQUIRY. KIND REGARDS, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-09-21
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT8BH28F9W0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS LS400. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE TRAVELED INTO A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE AND CRASHED INTO A WALL. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE SHOP TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THE WRONG PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000. UPDATED 07/22/14 MA
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1JT8BH28F8W
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS LS400. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WAS FULLY OPENED IN A SECURED POSITION AND WITHOUT WARNING, IT SUDDENLY RELEASED IN A DOWNWARD POSITION AND CLOSED. THE HOOD RELEASED ON THE CONTACTS LEFT HAND AND CAUSED INJURY TO THE MIDDLE FINGER. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 111,000. UPDATED 01/24/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE HYDRAULIC PISTONS WHICH WERE SUPPOSED TO KEEP THE HOOD SECURELY AND FULLY OPENED FAILED SUDDENLY, WHILE HIS HAND WAS UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO MOVE HIS HAND IN TIME. UPDATED 03/22/11
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-09-27
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT8BH28F4W0
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: ON SEPTEMBER 27,2005, MY1998 LEXUS LS 400 RAMMED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. MY CAR ACCELERATED NOT ONCE, BUT TWICE INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. WHEN THE POLICE AND FIREMEN CAME, THE POLICEMAN STOOD NEXT TO MY WINDOW AND ASKED ME TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL SO THAT THE FIREMEN COULD PUSH THE CAR OUT OF THE ROAD. THE CAR ACCELERATED IN REVERSE AND ALMOST RAN OVER THE FIREMEN. THE POLICEMAN NOTED THIS IN HIS REPORT. I WAS ON AIRPORT BLVD. WITHIN 1 MILE OF THE MOBILE AIRPORT. MY CAR WAS TAKEN TO LEXUS OF MOBILE WHERE THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. I NEVER DROVE THE CAR AGAIN BECAUSE I HAD NO CONFIDENCE IN IT. I FELT THAT THIS INFORMATION MIGHT BE OF HELP TO SOMEONE LOOKING INTO THE TOYOTA PROBLEMS.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-01
- VIN: JT8BH28F4W0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ACCELERATION STUCK, RPMS LOCK IN AT ABOUT 2000. FAILURE OCCURS ABOUT ONCE OR TWICE DAY, BUT USUALLY ONLY IF THE AIR CONDITION IS TURNED OFF. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS NOW WITH MY VEHICLE. I TURN OFF VEHICLE AND RESTART IT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AND REGAIN CONTROL OF THE ACCELERATOR, IT ALMOST ALWAYS RETURNS AFTER RESTART. I BELIEVE THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY FAULT IN LEXUS ELECTRONIC THROTTLE SYSTEM AND SINCE YOU ALL ARE FINALLY INVESTIGATING THIS I THOUGHT I SHOULD REPORT IT IN CASE YOU WOULD LIKE TO EXAMINE MY VEHICLE SINCE IT OCCURS SO OFTEN. I WAS TOLD BY LEXUS I SHOULD PURCHASE A NEW THROTTLE BODY, I HAVEN'T DONE SO BECAUSE I DO NOT SEE HOW THAT WILL CORRECT MY ACCELERATOR FROM STICKING IN ONE POSITION DURING DRIVING AND I BELIEVE THIS IS MORE OF A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE NOW WITH THE RECALLS FINALLY BEING DONE. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-10-27
- VIN: JT8BH28F1W0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THIS HAPPENED WITH NO WARNING. STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN COUNTER CLOCKWISE AND WOULD BIND WHEN TURNED ALMOST ALL THE WAY. I TURNED IT ALL THE WAY AND THERE WAS A LOUD "SNAP" SOUND. I THEN NOTICED THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON IN THE DASH. AFTER THE "SNAP" IT WAS EASIER TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL CLOCKWISE AND COUNTER CLOCKWISE. I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS WRONG BUT WILL TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER TO CHECK THIS OUT. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-05-19
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT8BH28FXW0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TIME, DATE AND LOCATION: MONDAY, MAY 19 AT APPROXIMATELY 3:30 PM AT THE BLOCKBUSTER PARKING LOT IN STAFFORD, VA VEHICLE: 1998 LEXUS LS400 I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN FRONT OF THE BLOCKBUSTER. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO SLOWLY PULL INTO THE SPACE. SUDDENLY, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE CAR JUMPED THE CURB AND REPEATEDLY HIT THE FRONT OF THE BLOCKBUSTER. I PUSHED DOWN HARD ON THE BRAKE, BUT IT WOULD NOT RESPOND. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND THE CAR STOPPED. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-11-01
- VIN: JT8BH28F4W0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 1. VEHICLE HAS TROUBLE STARTING. 2. STARTER FAILURE. HAVE TO TURN IGNITION SEVERAL TIMES (15-20) TO GET THE STARTER TO ROTATE. I KNOW THERE WAS A NHTSA CAMPAIGN 98V016000 ON THE 1995 THROUGH 1997 LEXUS LS400 FOR THE STARTER ASSEMBLY DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE TERMINAL FOR THE MAGNETIC SWITCH. MY QUESTION IS CAN MY VEHICLE BE COVERED UNDER THIS CAMPAIGN CONSIDERING THE 1998 LS400 WAS BUILT IN 1997. ALSO CAN THIS CAUSE AN UNDERHOOD FIRE IN MY VEHICLE WHILE I'M CONTINUING TO START MY VEHICLE WITH THIS PROBLEM PERSISTING? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. 3. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET. *JB
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-01
- VIN: JT8BH28FGW0
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED WITH ALTERED PAPER AND THE REAR PASSENGER PANEL WAS SCRAPED BEHIND THE TIRE. IT APPEARED AS THOUGH THIS DAMAGE WAS PRE-EXISTING. *BF THE DAMAGES OCCURRED WHILE BEING SIPPED FROM FLORIDA TO NEW JERSEY. *SC
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-10
- VIN: JT8BH28F4W0
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: DRIVING AT 25 MPH I HEARD A BEEPING SOUND AND THE VSC OFF LIGHT ON THE DASH CAME UP ALONG WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE THEN WENT INTO FAIL SAFE MODE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WOULD NO LONGER ALLOW ME TO ACCELERATE WITH GAS PEDAL. HOWEVER VEHICLE WOULD MOVE APPROXIMATELY 12(MPH) ON ITS OWN WHEN I RELEASE CONSTANT PRESSURE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL. WHEN I PLACED IN NEUTRAL OR PARK POSITION, RPM'S WOULD RISE TO ABOUT 2000(RPM). TURNED OFF POWER TO VEHICLE AND RESTARTED, STILL VEHICLE WOULD ONLY MOVE 12(MPH) ON ITS OWN. AGAIN POWERED DOWN VEHICLE AND RESTARTED THEN TURNED OFF THE VSC BEFORE THE CAR WOULD SCAN FOR TROUBLE AND THIS ACTION RETURNED TO ME CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE. I NOTICED THE GS300 AND GS400 LEXUS WAS RECALLED APRIL 16, 1998-NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V080000. MY QUESTION IS IF THE SAME VSC SYSTEM IS ON THE LS400, I BELIEVE IT SHOULD RECEIVE EQUAL TREATMENT IF PERHAPS THIS PROBLEM IS RELATED IN SOME ODD WAY TO THE YAW RATE SENSOR.*AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-04
- VIN: JT8BH28F1W0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND THE CAR ACCELERATED TO THE POINT IT WAS SPINNING TIRES. CAR WAS PUT INTO PARK AND THE CAR WAS BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-01
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES WHILE APPLYING BRAKES SUUDENLY VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-29
- Crash: 1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE TRYING TO PARK, VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD AND RAN INTO A STORE BEFORE STOPPING. CONSUMER HAD BRAKES APPLIED. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK JLG
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-22
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT8BH28F8W0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE PARKING VEHICLE AT 5 MPH, AND WITHOUT WARNING, VEHICLE SUDDENLY LUNGED FOWARD, SLAMMING INTO A WALL. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-20
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT8BH28F9W0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: AT A STOP VEHICLE LURCHED OUT OF CONTROL AND ACCELERATED WITHOUT TOUCHING GAS PEDAL. BRAKES DID NOT STOP VEHICLE, AND REARENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. DAMAGED HOOD AND GRILL ON VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER AND VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-20
- VIN: JT8BH28F6W0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, TRACTION CONTROL WARNING BEEPER AND LIGHT WOULD COME ON, CAR WOULD SWERVE AS BRAKES AND ACCELLERATOR WOULD ACTUATE WITHOUT INPUT FROM DRIVER. THIS HAPPENED FOUR TIMES OVER THE PAST YEAR. EACH TIME CAR WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP. THEY SAY THEY CAN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM SO TAKE CAR BACK AND BRING IT IN WHEN IT DOES IT AGAIN. WE HAVE DONE THAT 4 TIMES NOW. PROBLEM DOES NOT GET FIXED. WHILE WE CAN'T PREDICT WHEN IT WILL OCCUR, THE SWERVING WAS MORE PRONOUNCED ON THIS LAST EPISODE AND ALMOST CAUSED VEERING INTO ON-COMING TRAFFIC. THIS CAR IS NOW IN THE DANGEROUS LIVES THREATENING PROBLEM CATEGORY. WHILE EVERYONE AT LEXUS WE HAVE CONTACTED IS POLITE, ETC. THE PROBLEM DOES NOT GET SOLVED AND THEY WANT US TO TAKE THE CAR BACK AND, "BRING IT IN WHEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN." THAT IS NOT A SOLUTION, IT IS A HAND BACK THE PROBLEM TO THE CUSTOMERACTION. WE ARE CONCERNED THAT PROBLEM WILL CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT, ANT THINK THAT THE MAUFACTURER SHOULD TAKE THE CAR BACK, CHANGE OUT EVERY COMPUTER, SENSOR, AND CHIP RELATED TO ANY SYSTEM THAT COULD ACTUATE THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM PHENOMENA WE ARE EXPERIENCING. WE HAVE CONTACTED LEXUS OF US IN TORRANCE, CA. AND THE DEALERSHIP HERE IN MELBOURNE F WE ALSO CONTACTED NHTSA BY PHONE AND SPOKE TO A REP WHO ASSIGNED AN ID# 607064 AND SAID FORMS WOULD BE SENT TO US BY MAIL. WE HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED ANYTHING. THIS IS TO ASK FOR HELP IN GETTING THIS PROBLEM FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED.L.TEM THAT. *AK
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-01
- VIN: JT8BH28F6W0
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AUTOMATIC TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON, THERE IS A BEEPING SOUND, AND VEHICLE SWERVES LIKE IT IS GOING INTO A CURVE, USUALLY TO LEFT. PROBLEM WILL OCCUR RANDOMLY OVER 40 MPH, WEATHER CONDITIONS DO NOT PLAY A FACTOR IN DEFECT. *AK CONSUMER STATES WHEN PROBLEM OCCURS, THE ACCELERATOR, BRAKES, AND STEERING ARE ACTUATED WITHOUT ANY INPUT FROM THE DRIVER AND PROBLEM IS NOT WEATHER RELATED, DEALER HAS KEPT VEHICLE LONG PERIODS OF TIME, ONE INSTANCE FOR ALMOST 1 MONTH, ALWAYS COMES BACK AND CAN NOT FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM, CONSUMER FEELS THE PROBLEM IS RELATED TO COMPUTER OR SENSOR DEFECT. *SLC
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-01
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: THE BRIDGESTONE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TWO FLATS ON BOTH RIGHT REAR AND LEFT REAR WITHIN 4 MONTHS, CONSUMER REPLACED ALL THE BRIDGESTONE TIRES DUE TO PROBLEMS, TIRES WERE REPLACEMENT TIRES NOT ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. *MJS
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-05
- VIN: JT8BH28F7W0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT WHERE NO ONE WAS INJURED, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER WHO COULD FIND NO PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH THIS HAPPENED TWICE IN ONE DAY. *SLC
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-03
- VIN: JT8BH28F4W0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-01
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: PE00 020; CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 85MPH ON HIGHWAY AND IT WAS A 100 DEGREES. SHE HEARD A BUMPING NOISE. TIRE WAS HITTING UP AGAINST THE VEHICLE. RIGHT REAR TIRE TREAD HAD CAME APART. BRIDGESTONE E33255/60YR16 HIGH SPEED.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-07-25
- VIN: JT8BH28F4WO
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TREAD SEPARATION WHILE DRIVING. WAS ABLE TO STOP BEFORE THE TIRE BLEW OUT. SEARS CALLED BRIDGESTONE ABOUT THE DEFECT AND THEY REPLACED IT FREE OF CHARGE, SINCE THEY KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM WITH THAT TIRE. HOWEVER, THEY WOULD NOT RPLACE THE REMAINING THREE TIRES, WHICH COULD INCURR THE SAME SEPARATION AND POTENTIAL BLOW OUT.*AK( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P22560V16 )
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-13
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT8BH28F1W0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN APPLYING BRAKES TO BRING VEHICLE TO A STOP, CAUSING VEHICLE TO REAR END ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT OF CONSUMER. DRIVER RECEIVED A SPRAINED WAIST. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK *ML
1998 Lexus Ls400 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1998 Lexus Ls400.
- Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Negative 1998 Lexus Ls400 car reviews
Positive 1998 Lexus Ls400 car reviews
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I am a senior who has owned many cars in the last sixty-two years. Our last cars, a 1986 Cressida, and a 1997 Avalon, were excellent, but our Lexus is far and away the best and most luxurious. What a marvelous piece of machinery! For the life of me, I can't understand how the engine can be so very strong and yet so audibly subtle. Simply put, we're sold!
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The car is very reliable and I feel very safe driving my family around in it. Although it took me a while to get used to the delay in jumping off the line when switching from a Mustang GT stick, it has plenty of power and is luxury at its finest. I am still discovering cool features.
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Great car... no problems
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If you're looking for a comfortable ride with exceptional road stability, a Lexus sedan is a great choice. During our test drives of several flagship models, we found the Lexus to be the most comfortable with smooth handling and comfortable seats. While it may not be as quick off the line as some competitors, it really takes off once it gets going. If you're looking for a more economical option, an Infinity may be a good choice. We hope this information helps you make an informed decision.
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I purchased my first ES 300 in 2000 for my then-fiancée. She loved it, but I loved it even more. After we got married, I sold it to my brother-in-law and bought my wife a Mercedes, which almost led to a divorce. Needless to say, I found my true love in a 1998 LS 400 from the original owner, which was in impeccable condition. This car is the best in its class, offering unbeatable price, comfort, and reliability. Its classic styling, smooth ride, and dependability make it a top choice. I love this car almost as much as I love my wife!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Lexus Ls400 problems:
Buying an LS400: Common Problems to Look For? - ClubLexus ...
Mar 5, 2018 ... For structural issues, make sure the black radiator support beam has not been bent and is actually painted black in the front of the car. Remove ...
What Are The Most Common Problems With Ls400?!?!?! - 90 - 00 ...
Jun 23, 2005 ... So I was hoping that this forum might contain a recommended maintance guide.. www.lexus.com was no help unfortunately. Others future newbies, as ...
Tell me why I shouldn't buy a '98-00 LS 400. : r/Lexus
Jul 2, 2016 ... I have read innumerable stories regarding the legendary reliability of these cars. Most of the examples I can find online have somewhere between ...
Issues With '98 Lexus Ls400 - 90 - 00 Lexus LS400 - Lexus Owners ...
Dec 27, 2014 ... such things as the igniter-s can cause problems you describe, and so could a failing crank or cam position sensor, or even a relay, there are ...
1998 Lexus LS400 Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
Top 1998 Lexus LS400 Problems · Higher Mileage Cars May Develop Noises in Front Suspension. 52 people have reported this. 18 · Automatic Transmission Shudder ...
Other years of Lexus Ls400
Are you having problems with your 1998 Lexus Ls400?
Reyes Hayes 2024-10-26
There is a 2 inch rust bubble at the driver's side roof where it meets the windshield, and the paint is peeling at two places on top of the rear bumper. While I am unsure if these items are covered by warranty, I am confident that they are not. Despite these issues, I still hold Lexus to a high standard. I reside in California and have noticed that the air conditioner is weak, even after being recharged and checked. I had to cut the factory floor mat as it was too close to the accelerator, even with the tabs. The floor mat would depress the accelerator, causing the engine to gun once. I sent in a complaint but unfortunately did not receive a response. I encourage you to check your mat. The gas pedal design is flawed as the mat cannot slide under the pedal.