1992 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 The third generation Soarer sport coupe, largely identical to the SC 430, was superseded by its Lexus counterpart in Japan when the Lexus marque débuted there in 2005.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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Common 1992 Lexus Sc300 problems
The 1992 Lexus SC300 is a popular luxury sports car known for its reliability and performance. However, like any vehicle, it can experience certain issues over time. Here are some of the most common problems with the 1992 Lexus SC300 based on owner complaints:
- Trunk and Hood Struts: Over time, the struts that support the trunk and hood of the SC300 can weaken, causing them to fail. This can make it difficult to open and close the trunk or hood, and may even cause damage to the vehicle if not addressed .
- Interior Trim Pieces: Some owners have reported issues with the interior trim pieces of their SC300, such as the dashboard or door panels, becoming loose or falling off. This can be a cosmetic issue, but it can also affect the functionality of certain controls .
- VSV Actuator / Interior Heating: The VSV (Vacuum Switching Valve) actuator, which controls the interior heating system of the SC300, can fail over time. This can result in issues with the heating and cooling system, such as the air conditioning not working properly or the fan not blowing air .
- Faded Headlamps: The headlamps of the SC300 can fade over time, reducing their effectiveness and making it more difficult to see at night. This can be a safety issue and may require replacement of the headlamps .
- Window Regulators: The window regulators in the SC300 can fail over time, causing the windows to move unevenly or not at all. This can be a frustrating issue, but it is relatively easy to fix by replacing the faulty regulator .
- Climate Control Display / Gauge Cluster: The LEDs in the climate control display and gauge cluster of the SC300 can burn out over time, causing the display to become dim or inoperable. This can be a cosmetic issue, but it can also affect the functionality of certain controls. In some cases, the entire cluster may need to be replaced .
- Power Steering Leaks: The power steering system of the SC300 can develop leaks over time, which can cause the power steering fluid to leak out and the system to fail. This can be a serious issue, as it can make the vehicle difficult to steer and may require replacement of the faulty component .
- Alternator: The alternator in the SC300 can fail over time, which can cause the battery to die and the vehicle to stall. This can be a serious issue, as it can leave the driver stranded and may require replacement of the alternator .
- Lower Control Arms: The lower control arms in the SC300 can wear out over time, which can cause the vehicle to handle poorly and may require replacement of the faulty component. This can be a costly repair, but it is necessary to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle .
In conclusion, while the 1992 Lexus SC300 is a reliable and high-performing vehicle, it can experience certain issues over time. By being aware of these common problems, owners can take steps to prevent or address them and ensure the longevity and reliability of their vehicle.
Is a Lexus 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.
How many miles per gallon does a 1992 SC300 get?
19.95
Based on data from 13 vehicles, 475 fuel-ups and 146,685 miles of driving, the 1992 Lexus SC300 gets a combined Avg MPG of 19.95 with a 0.35 MPG margin of error.
What engine is in a 1992 Lexus SC300?
3.0 L 6-cylinder1992 Lexus SC 300 / Engine
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.
Does SC300 have same engine as Supra?
The SC300 had the same 2JZ-GTE I6 engine as the supra, which is one of the main reasons the Supra is famous for due to its tuning potentional.
1992 Lexus Sc300 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lexus Sc300 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Visibility problems
- Air bags problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1992 Lexus Sc300 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1992 Lexus Sc300 complaints
The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1992 Lexus Sc300.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-10-07
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CLUTCH PEDAL (5 SPD. MANUAL) BROKE IN HALF NEAR PIVOT POINT, AND FELL ON FLOOR. *KB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-09
- 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.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- 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
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-01
- 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-09
- Fire: 1
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT8JZ31C3N0
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: GAS FUMES DETECTED IN CAR AND TRUCK. TOOK TO LEXUS OF ANNAPOLIS, MD. IN JULY 2001. THEY REPLACED THE GAS TANK AS IT HAD A LEAK ON 7-23-01. I AM RETURNING THE CAR TO LEXUS OF ANNAPOLIS AS I AM STILL DETECTING FUMES IN THE CAR ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2001 FOR A NEW INSPECTION OF THE PROBLEM. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT HOW THE FUMES HAVE AFFECTED ME.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-01
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CD PLAYER DOES NOT FUNCITON PROPERLY, OTHERS HAVE REPORTED SAM PROBLEMS TO ME ; SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE WILL NOT LIGHT UP AND CAN NOT TELL SPEED DUE TO THE LIGHTING SETUP OF INSTRUMETN PANEL SAME PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TO ME BY FRIENDS WHO OWN SAME CAR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-04
- VIN: JT8JZ31CXN0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN FOOT BRAKE IS DEPRESSED IT REACHES THE SAME HORIZONTAL PLANE AS THE ACCELERATOR, VEHICLE WILL ON OCCASION ACCELERATE, ONCE RESULTING IN A MINOR ACCIDENT.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-18
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT8JZ231CYN
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DURING REAR IMPACT, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBACK FELL BACKWARDS. *AK
Positive 1992 Lexus Sc300 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1992 Lexus Sc300 problems:
SCFAQ: Common problems experienced with the SC300 & SC400 ...
Jan 17, 2005 ... Common problems experienced with the SC300 & SC400 · Blacked-out needles: · Blacked-out Displays: · Leaking power steering pump: · Worn leather ...
92 Lexus sc300 problems. HELP FAST! | Supra Forums
Jan 1, 2012 ... Prolly the injector driver in the ecu went bad. Really common problem. See about borrowing a good ecu from a flawless running car and see if ...
common problems with the SC300 (please sticky this) - ClubLexus ...
Dec 11, 2018 ... ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion. common problems ... (1992-2000); /; Performance & Maintenance. common problems with the SC300 (please sticky ...
Lexus Sc400 Common Problems? - 92 - 00 Lexus SC300 / SC400 ...
Sep 25, 2010 ... Luna Vyohr · 1) Lower control arm bushings, check for play, replace with Daizan bushings from TM Engineering or replace with Supra 94-98. · 2) ...
Lexus SC300 Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
Top Lexus SC300 Problems · Dashboard Gauges May Have LED Problems. 48 people have reported this. 24 · Heating and AC Control May Fail Intermintently. 41 people ...
Other years of Lexus Sc300
Are you having problems with your 1992 Lexus Sc300?
Brooks Koss 2024-11-15
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.
Oscar Ratke 2024-10-06
This is a wonderful car!! I'm so glad to hear that you've been enjoying it and that it's been reliable for you. It looks great, rides smoothly, and holds its value really well. Lexus truly is a fantastic car.
Presley Heller 2024-10-02
Can't say much! It's just great!
Michael Paucek 2024-09-18
Hey, these cars aren't cheap and it was a stretch to make the payments work. But I can say that it was money very well spent! This car is great!
Alexandre Lemke 2024-08-01
I've had this wonderful car for two years now and it never fails to amaze me. It's my favorite drive, even more than my Jaguar and Chrysler Crossfire. The supple luxury of this car makes me feel so comfortable and happy. I'm determined to reach my goal of driving it for 300,000 miles one day!