1998 Lexus Lx450 problems

General information about Lexus-Lx450
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

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 1998 Lexus Lx450 problems

Based on the information gathered from various sources, here is a list of common problems reported by owners of the Lexus LX450 (1998 model):

Transmission Backlash: After covering a certain mileage, typically between 200,000 to 300,000 kilometers, owners have noticed a noticeable backlash in the transmission. This backlash is described as a knock or bump when accelerating after coasting. The issue is attributed to wear in various components like splines, joints, and gears in the transmission system .
Suspension Problems: The front suspension of the Lexus LX450 may experience issues with ball bearings, upper and lower, needing replacement after 150,000 to 200,000 kilometers. Original ball joints are recommended for replacement after running 30,000 to 100,000 kilometers. The silent blocks in the suspension system may also wear out over time, requiring attention.

Hydraulic Suspension Malfunctions: The AHC hydraulic suspension system, which controls ride height, may start to malfunction with age. This can be due to sensor issues, hydraulic accumulator deterioration, or pump problems. Owners have reported issues with the suspension system after covering 200,000 to 300,000 kilometers, necessitating maintenance or repairs .
Brake System Concerns: Periodic maintenance is required for the brake calipers of the Lexus LX450. Over time, the main brake cylinder may wear out, leading to potential issues with braking performance. Additionally, for restyled models with VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering) systems, there have been reports of steering column shaft problems that required a safety bracket installation.

These common problems reported by owners of the Lexus LX450 (1998 model) highlight various areas where maintenance and attention may be needed to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance and longevity.

How many miles per gallon does a Lexus LX450 get?

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 are the common problems for an LX470?

What years was the LX450 produced?

LX 450 – 3 Model years

1998.
1997.
1996.

How many miles can you get out of a Lexus LX470?

Owns this car

Lexus LX 470, or any other car, in an accident? Need I say more? It not only delivers unique safety, but with simple proper maintenance will last between 300,000 and 500,000 miles.

1998 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:

Fuel system problems
Other problems
Power train problems
Electrical system problems
Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Lexus Lx450 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1998 Lexus Lx450 complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Lexus Lx450.

1999-02-01

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: JT6HTOOW3W0
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,POWER TRAIN
Summary: DESIGN OF THE ODOMETER AND FUEL GAUGE CREATES DIFFICULTY IN VISIBILITY IN SUNLIGHT AND IMPOSSIBLE TO READ IN SOME LIGHTING CONDITIONS. *YC

Add Complaint

1999-02-01

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 2HGEJ6576WH
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: ALTERNATOR FAILED. *YC

Add Complaint

1998-08-03

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1998-08-02
VIN: JT6HT00W8W0
Components: TIRES
Summary: MICHELIN TIRE FAILURE CAUSED VEHICLE TO JOLT/SWERVE SEVERELY.

Add Complaint

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1998 Lexus Lx450 problems:

2003 LX470 common problems???? - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum ...

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/lx-1st-and-2nd-gen-1996-2007/581010-2003-lx470-common-problems.html

Jul 12, 2011 ... Thank you for the info! Tags 1998, 2003, buying, common, gs300, gx470, issues, lexus, lx450, lx470, problems, repairs, rims, spokes, tight, turn.

2007 Lexus lx 470 common problems | IH8MUD Forum

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/2007-lexus-lx-470-common-problems.992886/

Hello, I just purchased a 2007 lx 470 with 96k miles from an independent dealer. It has been dealer serviced over it's life and timing belt ...

Common Problems in LX 470: Looking to buy 1 - ClubLexus - Lexus ...

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/lx-1st-and-2nd-gen-1996-2007/243782-common-problems-in-lx-470-looking-to-buy-1-a.html

Oct 17, 2006 ... LX - 1st and 2nd Gen (1996-2007) - Common Problems in LX 470: Looking to buy 1 - I'm looking for a 1998-2003 LX 470.

1997 Lx450 Nightmare Solved! - 96 - 97 Lexus LX450 - Lexus ...

https://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/topic/5030-1997-lx450-nightmare-solved/

Dec 17, 2003 ... Thi, Rookie and others who have helped me. My on going problem that I thought was tranny related and then engine turned out to be a ...

Lexus LX450 in our Very Near Future | Expedition Portal

https://expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/lexus-lx450-in-our-very-near-future.138264/

Feb 4, 2015 ... Aside from the odd rare head gasket issue (this is not as common a problem as many believe), and a front axle service there is a "pesky ...