2001 Lexus Ls400 problems

General information about Lexus-Ls400
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 2001 Lexus Ls400 problems

The Lexus LS400, produced in 2001, is known for its luxury and reliability, but like any vehicle, it has common problems that owners have reported.

Suspension Issues: The LS400's multi-link front and rear suspension system is designed to handle all road irregularities and allow for high-speed turns. However, some owners have reported issues with the suspension components, such as wheel bearings, silent blocks, and levers, which may require replacement after significant mileage. Additionally, the adaptive pneumatic rear suspension, which was introduced in 1997, can be affected by salty winter conditions, reducing its resource and requiring careful operation .
Transmission Issues: The LS400's transmission is known for its durability, but it requires regular oil changes every 40,000 kilometers to maintain its longevity. Some owners have reported issues with the transmission mount and flexdiscs, which may need to be replaced over time. Additionally, the transmission's adaptive automatic switching algorithm can change depending on the driving style, which may affect its performance and durability .
Engine Reliability: The LS400's 4.0-liter engine is known for its reliability, but some owners have reported issues with the starter, power steering pump, alternator, and ECU caps. These issues may require replacement over time and can affect the car's overall performance and reliability.

In summary, while the Lexus LS400 is known for its luxury and reliability, it is not immune to common problems. Owners have reported issues with the valve cover gasket leak, non-functioning heater vents and radio, suspension components, transmission issues, and engine reliability. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent these issues and ensure the car's longevity and performance.

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.

How reliable is the LS400?

This is the most reliable car on the planet. There's multiple examples of these cars going 250, 300,000 miles with no issues. All you need is brakes, tires, gas, and oil changes, and that's it. And these things will run forever.

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.

2001 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:

Suspension problems
Air bags problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2001 Lexus Ls400 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2001 Lexus Ls400 complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Lexus Ls400.

2001-10-30

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2001-10-17
Crash: 1
VIN: JTHBN30F210
Components: SUSPENSION
Summary: CONSUMER PULLED AWAY FROM A STOP AND T-BONED ANOTHER VEHICLE GOING 40-50MPH. FRONT END OF CONSUMER'S VEHICLE COLLAPSED. CONSUMER IS CURRENTLY CONTACTING LEXUS FOR INFORMATION.*AK

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2001-10-30

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2001-10-17
Crash: 1
VIN: JTHBN30F210
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: CONSUMER PULLED OUT FROM A STOP AND T-BONED ANOTHER VEHICLE, FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, OTHER VEHICLE WAS GOING 40-50MPH, CONSUMER WAS CHECKING WITH LEXUS TO SEE WHY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.*AK *JB

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2001 Lexus Ls400 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2001 Lexus Ls400.

2006-03-23

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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2001 Lexus Ls400 problems:

Buying an LS400: Common Problems to Look For? - ClubLexus ...

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-1st-and-2nd-gen-1990-2000/882509-buying-an-ls400-common-problems-to-look-for.html

Mar 5, 2018 ... LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) - Buying an LS400: Common Problems to Look For ... ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion ... 2001. Location. Florida.

Common Issues And A Ls400 Buying Guide - 90 - 00 Lexus LS400 ...

https://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/topic/11775-common-issues-and-a-ls400-buying-guide/

Jul 25, 2004 ... Are there any topics posted about more recent model years (after 2001)?. I own a 1995 LS400. A few days ago my engine light/trac light came on ...

Any common issues w/LS400? - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-1st-and-2nd-gen-1990-2000/764036-any-common-issues-w-ls400.html

common issues on the LS400 are front lower strut rod bushings deteriorating depending on road conditions and driving habits, power steering leak ...

Common Rx300 Problems - 99 - 03 Lexus RX300 - Lexus Owners ...

https://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/topic/15352-common-rx300-problems/

Nov 16, 2004 ... wwest · wwest Grand Master. Regular Member. 2.8k. Lexus Model: 1992 LS400, 2001 RX300, 2001 911 C4. Share · Posted November 16, 2004. Strange...