1990 Lexus Sc400 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 The third generation Soarer sport coupe, largely identical to the SC 430, was superseded by its Lexus counterpart in Japan when the Lexus marque débuted there in 2005.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 1990 Lexus Sc400 problems
Common problems reported by owners of the 1990 Lexus SC400 include issues with the ECU capacitors, power-steering pump leaks, cracks in the coolant overflow reservoir, and various electrical and mechanical concerns.
- Power-Steering Pump Leaks: Power-steering pump leaks are another common problem in the Lexus SC400. These leaks can potentially damage the alternator and lead to power-steering system malfunctions. Owners have reported the need for repairs to address these leaks and prevent further damage.
- Coolant Overflow Reservoir Cracks: Cracks in the coolant overflow reservoir have been identified as a recurring issue in the SC400. These cracks can result in coolant leaks, overheating, and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly. Regular inspection and maintenance of the cooling system are essential to prevent this problem.
- Electrical and Mechanical Concerns: Apart from the specific issues mentioned above, owners have reported various electrical and mechanical problems in the Lexus SC400. These may include issues with the dashboard displays, window regulators, control-arm bushings, and ball joints. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and thorough inspections can help mitigate these common concerns.
By addressing these common problems proactively and ensuring regular maintenance and inspections, Lexus SC400 owners can enhance the reliability and longevity of their vehicles. Regular monitoring of the ECU capacitors, power-steering system, coolant reservoir, and overall electrical and mechanical components can help prevent major issues and ensure a smoother driving experience.
Is the Lexus SC400 a reliable car?
This is the most reliable car I've owned
It's relatively rare and super reliable. Turn-key and go every single time. I have never been stranded on the road with this thing. It is also really comfortable and a great road trip car.
How long can a SC400 last?
With proper maintenance these cars will easily go 300,000 miles or more with little trouble. The engine is based on the old Toyota IRL racing engine, is durable, and built with forged internals!
Is the Lexus SC400 fast?
The coupe soars from zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds compared with 7.9 for the sedan. The coupe clears the quarter-mile in 15.2 seconds at 93 mph, versus the sedan's 15.9 at 90 mph. That performance also shuts down SC400 competitors such as the new Acura Legend coupe, the Mercedes 300CE, and the Cadillac Eldorado.
How much HP does a SC400 make?
The SC 400 produced 250 hp (186 kW)/260 lb⋅ft (353 N⋅m) from 1991 to 1995.
1990 Lexus Sc400 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lexus Sc400 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Lexus Sc400 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1990 Lexus Sc400 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Lexus Sc400.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WINDSHIELD HAS SPOTS ALL OVER, ALL ASPECTS OF WINDSHIELD SHOW VERY FINE SMALL FLASHES, BEST SEEN IN SUNLIGHT/ONCOMING LIGHTS AS YELLOW/SILVER REFLECTIONS. *AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1990 Lexus Sc400 problems:
All my crazy Lexus issues SOLVED!! (ECU-leaking capacitor ...
Sep 20, 2012 ... ○ Lexus LS400 - 1990-2000 (in 1997 and earlier models, the problem is extremely common) ○ Lexus SC300 - 1993-2000 ○ Lexus SC400 - 1992-2000
Engine Problems! - 92 - 00 Lexus SC300 / SC400 - Lexus Owners ...
Sep 30, 2008 ... A 1992 Lexus SC400 with 160,000 miles. Here are the problems...a leaking water pump. Then it overheats. No indications of blown gasket (milky or ...
common repairs for the SC400? - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum ...
Oct 11, 2001 ... hey papanature, I've heard powersteering leak is common problem on sc. gauge, needle neon go bad as well. it's not major problems but it gets ...
How To Replace a Lexus Antenna Mast on a LS400 or SC400 ...
If you own a 1UZ from 1990-1997, you really need to get this kit! ... A broken antenna mast is a very common problem for Lexus LS400 and SC400. ... Some of the cars ...
Lexus LS400 Common Problems: Expert Q&A
Sep 7, 2011 ... I have a problem that NOBODY can seem to help me with…including a LEXUS forum. Model: 1993 LS400 with 4.0 V8 Miles: 96K - Answered by a ...
Other years of Lexus Sc400
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