1997 Lexus Lx450 problems
The Lexus LX (Japanese: レクサス・LX, Hepburn: Rekusasu LX) is a full-size luxury SUV sold by Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota since January 1996, having entered manufacturing in November 1995. It is Lexus' largest and most expensive luxury SUV. Four generations have been produced, all based heavily on the long-running Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs. The first-generation LX 450 started production in 1995 as Lexus' first entry into the SUV market. Its successor, the LX 470, premiered in 1998 and was manufactured until 2007. The third-generation LX debuted at the New York International Auto Show in April 2007. The fourth-generation LX debuted in October 2021.
The first-generation LX 450 had a straight-six engine and seats for seven passengers. The second and third-generations had a V8 engine powertrain, a welded steel body-shell combined with full-size steel ladder frame (body-on-frame construction), and seats for eight passengers. The fourth-generation model has a twin-turbocharged V6 engine powertrain and seats for seven passengers as standard and four passengers as an option. The second-generation LX 470 shared exterior styling with the Japanese domestic market Land Cruiser Cygnus.
According to Lexus, the "LX" name stands for "Luxury Crossover". However, some Lexus importers use the backronymic name, "Luxury Four Wheel Drive".
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Common 1997 Lexus Lx450 problems
The 1997 Lexus LX450 is a popular luxury SUV, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the 1997 Lexus LX450, based on complaints from owners of this car:
- Electrical System Issues: Many owners have reported issues with the power windows and door locks, which can fail to operate properly or stop working altogether. This can be caused by a number of factors, including faulty wiring, damaged switches, or electrical system failures.
- Oil Leaks from the Engine: Another common issue reported with the 1997 Lexus LX450 is oil leaks from the engine. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn gaskets, faulty oil seals, or damaged engine components. Oil leaks can lead to low oil levels, which can cause engine damage and reduced performance if not addressed promptly.
- Suspension System Problems: Some 1997 Lexus LX450 owners have reported problems with the suspension system. This can manifest as a bumpy or unstable ride, excessive tire wear, or difficulty controlling the vehicle on rough terrain. These issues can be caused by worn suspension components, damaged shocks or struts, or improperly inflated tires.
- Drivetrain Issues: Some 1997 Lexus LX450 owners have reported issues with the drivetrain, particularly with the transfer case. Some owners have reported that the transfer case can fail or become damaged, which can impact the vehicle's four-wheel-drive capabilities and overall performance.
It is important for 1997 Lexus LX450 owners to stay aware of these common issues and address them promptly to avoid further damage or costly repairs. Regular maintenance and inspection can also help prevent these issues from occurring in the first place, and there are many resources available for troubleshooting and diagnosing problems with the 1997 Lexus LX450.
What is the gas mileage for a 1997 Lexus LX450?
Based on data from 37 vehicles, 2,307 fuel-ups and 479,227 miles of driving, the 1997 Lexus LX450 gets a combined Avg MPG of 11.93 with a 0.09 MPG margin of error.
What year did the LX450 come out?
1995
The first LX 450 rolled off the production line in December 1995. The LX 450 was powered by a 4.5-liter, twin-cam, four-valve inline-six engine that produced 160 kW (215 hp) and 373 N⋅m (275 lb⋅ft) of torque. Both front and rear axles were solid.
How many miles per gallon does a 1996 LX450 get?
Based on data from 11 vehicles, 652 fuel-ups and 137,828 miles of driving, the 1996 Lexus LX450 gets a combined Avg MPG of 12.18 with a 0.15 MPG margin of error.
How big is the gas tank on a Lexus LX450?
25.1 gal
Fuel & MPG
301.2/351.4 mi. 25.1 gal.
1997 Lexus Lx450 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lexus Lx450 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Suspension problems
- Tires problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Lexus Lx450 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Lexus Lx450 complaints
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Lexus Lx450.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-03-13
- VIN: JT6HJ88J1V0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE READ ON ONE OF THE VEHICLE'S TIRES SEPARATED YET THE TIRE REMAINED INFLATED. THE TREAD SEPARATION CAUSED SOME DAMAGE TO THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INSPECTED THE TIRES. THEY CONCLUDED THAT THE DIDN'T NOTICE ANYTHING UNUSUAL ABOUT THE TIRES. *NM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-01
- VIN: JT6HJ88J8V0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE ROTORS ON THE DISC BRAKES HAVE WARPED THREE TIMES IN APP. 8000 MILES. THE MANUFACTURER CONCEDES THAT THE BRAKES ARE INADEQUATE FOR THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE, WHEN IT IS OWNED BY PEOPLE IN HILLY AREAS. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO STATES THAT THE PROBLEM OF BRAKES OVERHEATING IS PERVASIVE, BUT SAYS IT IS NOT A DESIGN FLAW. I HAVE ASKED THE MANUFACTURER TO EITHER PROVIDE A FIX, OR EXTEND THE WARRANTY FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE, BUT THE MANUFACTURER HAS REFUSED. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-01
- VIN: JT6HJ88J1V0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ON ANY GIVEN OCCASION AND ANY WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS, VEHICLE ACCELERATES TO A HIGH SPEED WITHOUT DRIVER APPLICATION. DRIVER HAS TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO STOP VEHICLE, WOULD NOT STOP OR SLOW WITH BRAKE APPLICATION. *AK *ML
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCES SUDDEN AND TRAUMATIC DECELERATION WHEN THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY (AND REPEATEDLY) RELEASED FROM CRUISE CONTROL.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-03-01
- VIN: JT6HJ88JXV0
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: ON TWO OCCASIONS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHICH RESULTED IN LOSS OF CONTROL CAUSING VEHICLE TO COLLIDE INTO GARAGE. YH
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT6HJ88J5V0
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS THE FRONT OF THE CAR BECOMES UNSTABLE. THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE ALTERNATELY RISE AND FALL. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THIS ACTION IS TO REDUCE THE SPEED.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT6HJ88J5V0
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE BECOMES UNSTABLE. LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE ALTERNATELY RISE AND FALL.
Negative 1997 Lexus Lx450 car reviews
Positive 1997 Lexus Lx450 car reviews
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You've made an excellent choice with this vehicle. It's built solidly and doesn't squeak or rattle. The engine is smooth and provides plenty of power, making it a great choice for off-road adventures. The Land Cruiser or LX 450 are the only upgrades available in terms of functionality and off-road prowess, and you won't be disappointed with either. The LX 450 is quiet on the highway, roomy and comfortable, and has great clearance. It also offers more room than the Mitsu, which is a great bonus. Overall, it's a fantastic vehicle that you'll love driving.
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This SUV deserves its own class. It is by far the most reliable, solid, and safe SUV out there. With plenty of power to trailer a 20-foot boat, go anywhere off-road, and carry seven people (5 adults, 2 kids), it is the perfect vehicle for any adventure. Repairs are virtually non-existent, and the build quality is far superior to all others. Other manufacturers should use the LX450 as a benchmark. The stereo is amazing for a '96, and the paint looks brand new after 6 years. I love the split rear tailgate, which is great for family outings and Home Depot runs. This SUV is perfect for New England winters.
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I bought a Toyota Land Cruiser without even taking it for a test drive! Luckily, it turned out to be a great purchase. Two years later, I bought my 1996 LX 450 and I'm still driving it today, even after 299,000 miles. Everything on this vehicle seems to last, and I only recently had to replace the alternator and fix a small power steering fluid leak. I make sure to regularly check the engine oil (just in case of any leaks). I've never pushed it to its limits, but it performs excellently on both back roads and highways, and is both dependable and comfortable. The only downside is the cup holders, which are pretty useless. It can also be a bit difficult to reach the spare tire and the jack, but overall it's an excellent truck. In fact, my son wants to drive it now, which is why I'm here looking for another one to adopt. After reading this, I hope the seller won't raise the asking price. UPDATE: 450,000 miles and still no problems ever!
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This has been an amazing family vehicle for our active duty military family of 5 plus our Lab. We have traveled coast to coast at least 4-5 times in the 10 years we've had it. We even took it 4-wheeling in sand and mountains in AZ and west TX, with everyone in the car! It handles beautifully and creeps and crawls up and down rocks and the desert landscape with ease. We've also taken it out on drives on the beach on the east coast and it never gets stuck. The leather interior is a must-have with a family! If the kids get sick in the car or if there's dog hair, no problem! Even if the kids spill cheerios, ketchup, fries, or drinks, everything wipes up clean and doesn't leave any smell! We wish we could afford another one! This one is still going strong but we would love cupholders! That's my only gripe! Update: 10k miles later, we still have her and she's still going strong!! I WANT ANOTHER ONE!!
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I had the pleasure of test driving a Landcruiser from a private party seller and absolutely fell in love with the truck. Although it was an older model, I wanted to make sure everything was in good condition, so I had the truck inspected by Toyota. Unfortunately, they found a problem with the rear main seal, and the cost of repairs would have been over $1800. I decided to pass on the vehicle. However, my luck changed when I found an LX470 with an extended warranty. I felt confident that the vehicle was sound, but later discovered a similar oil stain around the rear main seal. Thankfully, the warranty covered the repairs, and the truck has always run great, even with the leak. It's a fantastic family vehicle, and I would definitely buy it again. Just be aware of potential oil leaks!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Lexus Lx450 problems:
1997 Lx450 Nightmare Solved! - 96 - 97 Lexus LX450 - Lexus ...
Dec 17, 2003 ... I got lucky and found a guy on a land cruiser web site that had the same problem. ... Lexus Model: 1997 LX 450 ... common problem. The truck sure ...
1997 Lexus LX 450 what to look for when buying?? Help please ...
... 1997 Toyota instead of Lexus? Probably same issues? What about the 100 series compared to 80 series maintenance and common repairs?
1993-1997 GS300 oil leak - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion
... engine block. The car's ... ago. Tags 1993, 1994, 1997, common, filter, gs, gs300, housing, leak, leakage, leaking, lexus, lx450, oil, problems.
What to Do to My AWD 1997 Lexus LX450? | IH8MUD Forum
Also, I know these vehicles have some HG (head gasket) issues, so is this something I should look at replacing right away? Or should I simply ...
Thoughts on 96 or 97 LX450 - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion
Aug 20, 2009 ... I think the only serious mechanical problems were belts and the steering's rack and pinion had to be replaced. The car currently has 140K miles.
Other years of Lexus Lx450
Are you having problems with your 1997 Lexus Lx450?
Jaren Hand 2024-11-23
This is a great truck that is incredibly reliable. However, if you're 6' or taller, you may find it uncomfortable to drive as your knees may press against the lower dash. I do have a concern about excessive rocking when driving on uneven surfaces, but the dealership was kind enough to replace the tires and shocks free of charge due to this safety issue. Overall, this has been one of the best trucks I've ever owned!