Lexus Sc300 problems
The Lexus SC (Japanese: レクサス・SC, Rekusasu SC) is a grand tourer that was retailed by Lexus (a luxury vehicle division of Toyota), and built from 1991 until 2010. It features a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive design and seating for up to four passengers. The first-generation SC debuted as the V8-powered SC 400 in 1991, and the I6-powered SC 300 was added in 1992. Both first-generation models were produced until 2000. The second-generation model, the SC 430, went into production in 2001. The SC 430 features a hardtop convertible design and a V8 engine. The first-generation SC was largely styled in California at Calty, and the second-generation SC was mainly conceived at design studios in Europe.
In Japan, the related third-generation Toyota Soarer, with which the first-generation SC originally shared body design and multiple components, featured a separate line-up of vehicle configurations and different powertrains. The third generation Soarer sport coupe, largely identical to the SC 430, was superseded by its Lexus counterpart in Japan when the Lexus marque débuted there in 2005. The SC was the sole coupé in the Lexus lineup until the arrival of the IS C. According to Lexus, the SC designation stands for Sport Coupe. The LC replaced the SC lineup in 2017.
First generation (Z30; 1991)
1991–2000
In the early 1990s, following the début of Lexus, automotive press reports indicated a forthcoming Full-size Lexus coupé to compete with other luxury GT coupés of other marques like the Mercedes-Benz CL, Acura Legend coupe and later the Acura CL, Mazda Eunos Cosmo, Buick Riviera, Cadillac Eldorado, Lincoln Mark VIII, Jaguar XJS, Bentley Continental, Maserati Shamal/Ghibli, Ferrari 456 and BMW 8 Series coupe. At that point, Toyota had no genuine luxury coupés in its model range. A coupe would complement the successful Lexus flagship model, the V8-powered, rear-wheel drive LS 400 sedan. The coupé was going to be targeted towards the American market, and the development effort for its exterior design was handed over to the Calty Design Research center in California in 1987.
The American Calty design team took a different approach to designing the car, using plaster molding shapes to design the body, and working three-dimensionally instead of the traditional 2-D sketch approach. As described by design chiefs Denis Campbell and Erwin Lui, the result was a car that was based on "emotion and feeling" rather than linear aesthetics. The resulting design possessed almost no straight edges, and produced a drag coefficient of Cd=0.31. The production design concept by Lui was approved at the beginning of 1989, resulting in Lui being sent back to Japan for 4 months to assist in completion of the production design. According to automotive journalist Bill Russ, the SC design was considered influential among automotive designs of the time.
Production of the Soarer started in April 1991 at the Motomachi plant in Toyota, Aichi, with the Lexus SC produced alongside the Soarer at a second Higashi Fuji plant at Susono, Shizuoka. Motomachi-sourced cars lasted until April 1997. The Lexus SC platform was used to develop Toyota's next generation Supra, both vehicles were manufactured in the same plant.
The SC 400 débuted on 1 June 1991 in the United States as a 1992 model. The SC 400's 4.0 L V8 1UZ-FE, the same engine as used in the LS 400, was reported to have cost over US$400,000,000 in research and development. The engine sits behind the front axles, which makes it a front mid engine rear wheel drive vehicle. The SC 400 was honored as the Motor Trend Import Car of the Year for 1992. It also made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list from 1992 through 1996.
In July 1992, the SC 300, a smaller-engined version of the SC 400, premiered in the United States. The SC 300 was equipped with a 3.0 L inline 6 2JZ-GE. Lexus' traction control system, TRAC, was offered as an option.
The first-generation SC lasted in production until 7 July 2000, over nine years, quite long compared to the other cars of the 1990s. Even with the SC's long production cycle, only minor exterior changes were made. New tail lighting and a modified spoiler design was part of the mid-cycle vehicle refresh. A front grille was added in 1996, along with a redesigned front bumper, side skirts and rocker panels. The SC 400 produced 250 hp (186 kW)/260 lb⋅ft (353 N⋅m) from 1991 to 1995. The original 1991–1997 engines for the 2JZ-GE-powered SC 300 were rated at 225 hp (168 kW)/210 lb⋅ft (285 N⋅m). The output of the SC 300 was 5 horsepower more than the equivalent engine used in the Toyota Supra.
In 1996, the SC 400's 1UZ-FE engine design was upgraded to 260 hp (194 kW) from 250 hp (186 kW). These engines were coupled with a 4-speed automatic transmission on both the SC 300 and SC 400 models. A 5-speed manual transmission was only offered on the SC 300 from its debut until 1997.
By the end of the decade, North American SC sales began dwindling due to the lack of significant design updates since the car's introduction and marketplace changes that led to loss of interest in coupes.
In 1997 (1998 model year), both the SC 300 and 400 were upgraded with VVT-i and thus the ratings were raised to 290 hp (216 kW)/300 lb⋅ft (407 N⋅m) of torque for the SC 400 and 225 hp (168 kW)/220 lb⋅ft (298 N⋅m) of torque for the SC 300. Tests conducted on the new engines showed an acceleration for the SC 400 for years 1992–1995 of 0–60 mph in 6.9 seconds, years 1996–1997 in 6.7 seconds, and years 1998–2000 in 6.1 seconds. For the SC 300 an acceleration 0–60 mph in 6.8 seconds with the 5-speed manual and 7.2 seconds with the 4-speed automatic for all years. This 1997 upgrade included the replacement of the four-speed automatic on the SC 400 to a five-speed unit. With the replacement of the five-speed unit those models also got a new differential with a final drive of 3.27 improving both fuel economy and top speed.
Sales of the automatic transmission SC 300 and SC 400 models formed the vast majority of models purchased. The Lexus SC 400 was never officially sold in the British Isles, but many examples found their way across the Atlantic as personal imports.
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Lexus Sc300 model years
Common Lexus Sc300 problems
The Lexus SC300 is a luxury sports coupe that has been praised for its powerful engine and sleek design. However, like any vehicle, it is not immune to issues and problems. Here are some of the most common issues with the Lexus SC300, based on complaints from owners of this car:
- Engine Oil Leaks: One of the most common issues with the Lexus SC300 is engine oil leaks. These leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, including worn-out gaskets, damaged seals, and faulty oil pans. If left unaddressed, engine oil leaks can lead to more serious problems, such as engine damage and reduced performance.
- Electrical Problems: The Lexus SC300 is also prone to electrical problems, such as issues with the VSV actuator, which controls the heat flow into the cabin. When the VSV actuator fails, it can prevent any warm air from entering the cabin, making it difficult to keep the car warm during the winter months.
- Suspension and Steering Issues: Another common issue with the Lexus SC300 is suspension and steering problems, such as worn ball joints, tie rod ends, and shocks and struts. Regularly inspecting these components and replacing them when necessary can improve the vehicle's handling and ride comfort.
- Ignition System Failures: Engine misfires in the Lexus SC300 can be caused by a faulty ignition system, including issues with the spark plugs, ignition coils, or spark plug wires. These issues can lead to reduced performance, decreased fuel efficiency, and increased emissions.
- Transmission Problems: Some Lexus SC300 owners have reported transmission problems, such as slipping, jerking, and difficulty shifting. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including low transmission fluid levels, worn-out clutch plates, and faulty solenoids.
- Fuel System Issues: Fuel system problems, such as issues with the fuel pump, fuel injectors, and fuel pressure regulator, can also be common in the Lexus SC300. These issues can lead to reduced performance, decreased fuel efficiency, and increased emissions.
- ABS System Malfunctions: Some Lexus SC300 owners have reported issues with the ABS system, including the ABS warning light coming on and the ABS system not working properly. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty sensors, damaged wiring, and low brake fluid levels.
- Power Steering Leaks: Power steering leaks are also a common issue with the Lexus SC300. These leaks can be caused by worn-out seals, damaged hoses, and faulty power steering pumps.
- Exhaust Manifold Cracks: Exhaust manifold cracks are a common issue with the Lexus SC300, particularly in the 2JZ-GE engine. These cracks can be caused by a variety of factors, including engine overheating, high exhaust temperatures, and engine vibrations.
When purchasing a used Lexus SC300, it is important to be aware of these common issues and to thoroughly research the car's history. Checking for rust and body damage, as well as getting a pre-purchase inspection, can help ensure that you're making a sound investment. By staying on top of maintenance and addressing common issues, the Lexus SC300 can provide a luxurious and reliable driving experience for years to come.
Is the SC300 reliable?
Most reliable car I have ever owned & my 2nd SC300
I have owned this car for 20 years & love it. Very little parts replaced. Latest is power steering high pressure hose-which I had custom made since it was $700 if I ordered it from parts house. Rating breakdown (out of 5):
How long do SC300 engines last?
With proper maintenance and care, an SC300 can easily surpass 200,000 miles. There are even reports and stories from owners who have pushed their SC300s beyond 300,000 miles and still enjoy a solid driving experience. The key to reaching these high mileage milestones lies in regular maintenance and timely repairs.
What is the 0 60 mph of a Lexus SC300?
For the SC 300 an acceleration 0–60 mph in 6.8 seconds with the 5-speed manual and 7.2 seconds with the 4-speed automatic for all years.
Does the SC300 have a 2JZ?
Toyota fans will recognize the SC300's 2JZ-GE 225-hp inline-six as being shared with the Supra. The most crucial difference between the SC300 and SC400 isn't just the engine: Only the SC300 offered a manual transmission, and only through 1997. The SC also shares a platform with the fourth-gen Supra.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Lexus Sc300 years
We have researched Lexus problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Lexus Sc300 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Lexus Sc300 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Lexus Sc300 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Lexus Sc300 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Lexus Sc300 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Lexus Sc300 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Tires problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Air bags problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Lexus Sc300 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Sc300 model years
A total of 5 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Sc300 model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Sc300 model years
There were a total of 4 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 29 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Lexus Sc300 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Lexus Sc300 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Lexus Sc300 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-12
- Date Complaint: 2016-06-19
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL THE PEEDOMETER NEEDLE AND NUMBERS ARE GOING BLACK.THIS IS ALL THE TIME.
Lexus Sc300 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-08
- Date Complaint: 2014-08-01
- VIN: JT8JZ31C0S0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE INDICATOR NEEDLE ON THE SPEEDOMETER WENT DARK, RESULTING IN A BLACK ON BLACK SPEEDOMETER READING. THE LEXUS DEALER SAYS NEITHER THE LIGHT NOR THE NEEDLE CAN BE REPLACED. PROTOCOL CALLS FOR THE COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THE INSTRUMENT BOARD AT A COST OF $3000, ACCORDING TO LEXUS USA. THIS IS NOT A WEAR AND TEAR QUESTION BUT A RESULT OF POOR DESIGN. DRIVING AN AUTO WHOSE SPEED CANNOT BE DETERMINED IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Lexus Sc300 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2011-10-07
- Date Complaint: 2011-10-10
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CLUTCH PEDAL (5 SPD. MANUAL) BROKE IN HALF NEAR PIVOT POINT, AND FELL ON FLOOR. *KB
Lexus Sc300 1997
- Date Of Incident: 2005-03-05
- Date Complaint: 2005-06-03
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT8CD32ZXV1
- Components: POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CONTACT STATES: DRIVER COULD NOT PLACE CAR IN PARK AS SHE PULLED INTO A PARKING SPOT, INSTEAD VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD, STRIKING A TREE. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, TOTAL DAMAGE TO FRONT OF CAR. WOULD NOT GO INTO PARKING MODE THEREFORE, THE KEYS COULD NOT BE REMOVED FROM IGNITION. REPAIRMAN DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. *AK THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED AFTER THE SHIFT WOULDN'T GO INTO PARKING MODE. *SC *JB
Lexus Sc300 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-09
- Date Complaint: 2005-05-11
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT8JZ31C9N0
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A SLIGHT DECLINE. THE CONSUMER'S WIFE WAS OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE WHEN IT STARTED MOVING. THE CONSUMER'S WIFE JUMPED INTO THE MOVING VEHICLE TRYING TO STOP IT. THE CONSUMER IS AWAITING THE SERVICE DEALER TO COME TO THE INCIDENT LOCATION.
Lexus Sc300 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-09
- Date Complaint: 2004-07-06
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: VEHICLE'S TIRE HAD SIDEWALL FAILURE AND WOULD NOT HOLD AIR.*MR WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER NOTICED A SLIGHT PULL TO THE LEFT. ANOTHER MOTORIST INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT HIS LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS FLAT. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE TIRE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. LATER IN THE MONTH THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED ANOTHER TIRE FAILURE ON THE LEFT FRONT TIRE ON THE SIDEWALL WHERE A BULDGE THE SIZE OF SOFTBALL WAS LOCATED. IN DEC OF 2003 THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE. *JB
Lexus Sc300 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2004-03-22
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A POWER WINDOW PROBLEM. WINDOWS WENT DOWN BUT WON'T GO UP. DRIVER WAS TOLD THAT THE MOTOR WAS BAD, AND REPLACEMENTS WILL COST $1000.00. *AK
Lexus Sc300 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-09
- Date Complaint: 2004-01-28
- VIN: JT8JZ31C0P0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I PURCHASED 4 NEW GOODYEAR AQUATRED 3 TIRES ON NOV,21 2001. APPROXIMATLY SEPT. 9 2003 WITH 36K ON THE TIRES THE LEFT FRONT TIRE WENT FLAT ON THE FREEWAY. THE GOODYEAR STORE SHOWED ME THE FAILED SIDE WALL AND THE TIRE WOULD NOT HOLD AIR.I RECEIVED A 50% ADJUSTMENT . THE LEFT REAR TIRE WAS PUT ON THE LEFT FRONT AND THE NEW TIRE ON THE LEFT REAR. ON OCT. 1 2003 WHILE ON THE FREEWAY I FELT A VIBARATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL FOLLOWED BY A FLAPPING NOISE. THE INSIDE OF THE LEFT FRONT TIRE BALLONED OUT THE SIZE OF A SOFT BALL. THE TIRE STORE ADJUSTED THE TIRE. ON OR ABOUT DEC.15 2003 THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE FAILED THE SAME WAY ON THE FREEWAY THERE WAS A LARGE BULGE ON THE OUTSIDE SIDE WALL. I CALLED GOODYEAR CUSTOMER RELATION THEY WERE NOT CONCERNED AND SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE AQUATRED. THE DEALER SAID HE WILL TRY TO ADJUST OUT THE REMAING GOOD TIRE THE RECENT FAILED TIRE AND THE TWO NEW TIRES,BUT WOULD HAVE TO GET AUTHORITY FROM GOODYEAR THEY COULD NOT GIVE ME A TIME TABLE THE AUTO IS REQIRED IN MY WORK AND I REFUSE TO PUT GOODYEAR ON THE CAR. I WENT TO A DIFFERENT TIRE STORE AND JUNKED THE TWO NEW AQUATREDS AND PURCHASED 4 PIRELLS.*AK
Lexus Sc300 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-01
- Date Complaint: 2003-08-14
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT8JZ31C8N0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AT 50 MPH. THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT PUSHED THE VEHICLE INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER. NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED, AND DRIVER'S HEAD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK
Lexus Sc300 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-09
- Date Complaint: 2003-07-28
- Fire: 1
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
Lexus Sc300 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2003-07-16
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO GET KEYS OUT OF THE LOCK POSITION AFTER BEING PUT INTO THE IGNITION. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE IGNITION, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.*AK
Lexus Sc300 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2003-04-21
- Date Complaint: 2003-04-21
- VIN: JT8VK13T3N0
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE VEHICLES GAUGES WERE HARD TO SEE DURING THE DAY. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *NLM *TS
Lexus Sc300 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-10
- Date Complaint: 2002-04-11
- VIN: JT8J231CXR0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THE LEFT REAR TIRE BLEWOUT FROM THE SIDEWALL, CAUSING VEHICLE TO FISHTAIL, AN AGENT WAS SENT TO EXAMINE THE TIRE AND STATED THAT THE TIRE WAS FLAT AND THE RIM-WHEEL HAD SOME CHIPS, CONSUMER STATES THAT THE AGENT IGNORED THE OBVIOUS, THE TIRE WAS TOYO, P225-60R15 95V, NO OTHER TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN.
Lexus Sc300 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-10
- Date Complaint: 2002-04-11
- VIN: JT8J231CXR0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING, THE LEFT REAR TIRE BLEWOUT FROM THE SIDEWALL, CAUSING VEHICLE TO FISHTAIL, AN AGENT WAS SENT TO EXAMINE THE TIRE AND STATED THAT THE TIRE WAS FLAT AND THE RIM-WHEEL HAD SOME CHIPS, CONSUMER STATES THAT THE AGENT IGNORED THE OBVIOUS, THE TIRE WAS TOYO, P225-60R15 95V, NO OTHER TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN.
Lexus Sc300 1997
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2002-03-26
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS EXHAUST TO VEHICLE IS DEFECTED, CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN THE BRACKET GETS HOT IT EXPANDS, THIS CAUSES THE BRACKET TO CRACK, DEALER STATES IT WAS POORLY DESIGNED. NLM
Latest positive Lexus Sc300 car reviews
Are you having problems with your Lexus Sc300?
Colin Ullrich 2024-11-24
Vehicle year: 1995
I absolutely adore my 5 speed 300 like it's my own child. I have always treated it with the utmost care and it has rewarded me with being the best car I have ever owned. I am confident that it will continue to serve me well beyond 150,000 miles and I will be just as thrilled. It's truly a stunning vehicle! Can you believe that the new model costs over $60M? It's not even as well-designed as the 300/400!
Dangelo Moore 2024-11-16
Vehicle year: 1993
Your SC300 5 speed manual sounds like a real gem! It's amazing that it still runs so well after all these years and miles. I'm impressed by your love for power and speed, and it's great to hear that your car still surprises you and others. It's understandable that you've had to replace a few parts over the years, but it's clear that your car is still a definite keeper. I'm glad to hear that you've decided to start babying it - it deserves all the love and care you can give it!
Adalberto Bogan 2024-11-15
Vehicle year: 1997
I now have 140k on my coupe, and it has been virtually trouble free. I had to replace the power steering unit. It has been a pleasure to drive every day. It is comfortable, and I feel safe in the car. It corners well, and it's quick off the line.
Brooks Koss 2024-11-15
Vehicle year: 1992
This car is wonderful to drive. The fit and finish of this Lexus does not show its age either. It's the best car I've ever owned, and I'm even looking into getting a second Lexus. The five-speed manual transmission makes it a very fun car to drive.
Arden Jacobson 2024-11-11
Vehicle year: 1993
Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience as the original owner of my SC300. Over the past 13 years, I've only had to replace the starter (rebuilt for about $300) and some gasket seals. The rest of the time, I've just kept up with the standard maintenance at the recommended intervals (the big ones are at 60K and 90K). This was my first Lexus purchase, and I have to say, I'm a Lexus fan for life now. Not only does the car still look sharp, but you can get the full Lexus ownership experience for around $5-6K when buying used. I truly believe you won't find a better vehicle out there for that price. Thanks for listening!