1994 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 The third generation Soarer sport coupe, largely identical to the SC 430, was superseded by its Lexus counterpart in Japan when the Lexus marque débuted there in 2005.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 1994 Lexus Sc400 problems
Based on the information gathered from the sources provided, here are the common problems with the Lexus SC400 1994 model based on complaints from owners:
- Window Regulators: Owners have experienced issues with window regulators, which can result in malfunctioning windows that may not operate smoothly or properly .
- Climate Control Display / Gauge Cluster: Problems with the climate control display and gauge cluster have been reported, impacting the vehicle's ability to provide accurate information to the driver .
- Power Steering Leaks: Common complaints include power steering leaks, which can lead to fluid loss, affecting steering performance and potentially causing damage to other components like the alternator.
- Alternator: The alternator has been identified as a part that may require attention, potentially due to issues like power steering leaks that can affect its performance .
- Lower Control Arms: Issues with lower control arms have been noted, which can impact the vehicle's suspension and handling, leading to potential safety concerns .
- Starter: The starter is highlighted as a problematic component to replace in the SC400, with difficulties in access and potential electrical issues associated with its replacement .
These common problems with the Lexus SC400 1994 model can vary in severity and may require professional attention for proper diagnosis and repair to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance and longevity.
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!
Why won t my 1994 Lexus SC400 start?
The most common reasons a Lexus SC400 won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
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.
1994 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Steering problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Lexus Sc400 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1994 Lexus Sc400 complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Lexus Sc400.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-03
- VIN: JT8UZ30CXR0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: COOLANT RESERVOIR TANK
STEERING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-18
- VIN: JT8UZ30CXR0
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Positive 1994 Lexus Sc400 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1994 Lexus Sc400 problems:
Lexus Sc400 Common Problems? - 92 - 00 Lexus SC300 / SC400 ...
Sep 25, 2010 ... 1) Lower control arm bushings, check for play, replace with Daizan bushings from TM Engineering or replace with Supra 94-98. · 2) Lower ball ...
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 ...
What Should I Keep In Mind If I Buy A 96 Sc400? - 92 - 00 Lexus ...
Aug 11, 2009 ... Other common problems are side view mirrors ... ok to clear up the HP issue not 100% sure on the 92-94. ... Lexus SC300 / SC400 / SC430 Club · 92 - ...
94 SC400 Electrical Nightmare - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion
Dec 26, 2013 ... SC- 1st Gen (1992-2000) - 94 SC400 ... (Again, the most common cause of this issue (fairly common ... lexus, occassion, problems, sc400, start.
1994 Lexus SC400 - my 1994 sc 400 has a51,52 code which means ...
Mar 16, 2012 ... i replaced both knock sensors and that did nothing to help the problem,i lost $400.00,plus labor,i had the computer re done,for $300.00, ...
Other years of Lexus Sc400
Are you having problems with your 1994 Lexus Sc400?
Samson Keebler 2025-02-16
I bought this car with slightly over 100K miles and now it has 204K miles. The only maintenance I have done is replacing the plugs and wires, 2 sets of brake pads, tires, and the alternator. All wear items have been replaced except for the alternator. The car runs like new! I drove a friend who owns a new Pontiac Grand Prix GTP and he couldn't believe that my 10-year-old car was more quiet, comfortable, and rattle-free than his new car. He was also impressed with the handling and acceleration. This car is supremely capable at 80mph+, which is important when you put on 50K miles per year. I bought the car for $9K 2-1/2 years ago and aside from my Kawasaki cycle and my 4wd Turbo Celica, it's the best money I've spent. I highly recommend this vehicle as it is as close to bulletproof as it gets.
Javon Crist 2025-02-05
I was looking for a used vehicle to commute 40 miles one way and this car has been very reliable. I've had this vehicle for a year with no serious problems and it still runs like a champ with 158k miles on it. It's a really fun car to drive with great horsepower. If you come across someone selling a sc400, I highly recommend researching it and going for it!
Royce Hammes 2025-01-29
I bought this car as a winter beater, not intending to keep it. However, it has grown on me and I can't imagine ever letting it go! Even with 190K miles, it starts up smoothly, shifts like a dream, all the electronics work perfectly, and it drives like a dream after I replaced the steering rack bushings ($55 + my labor - 30 minutes). The interior only has minor wear on the seats and I replaced the gauge lighting for $12, otherwise it is as it left the showroom almost 20 years ago! The paint is fading, but the panel fit is still extraordinary. I plan to paint it this coming spring and maybe even get some rolling jewelry for it too! You should definitely take it for a spin, you won't regret it!
Regan Hirthe 2025-01-20
Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my SC400. I've had it since it was brand new in 1994 and it's been such a joy to own. I've test-driven other cars over the years, but nothing has come close to my beloved Lexus. It handles like a dream, even at high speeds, and I've never had any issues with it other than routine maintenance like tires, brakes, and wiper blades. Thanks for letting me share!
Wilson Kozey 2024-11-16
I bought this car in 1997 when it had 70K miles. Now, with 137K miles, I still love it! It's a powerful and well-handling sport coupe. I always wanted a Lexus since it first debuted as a 1990 model. Finally, I could afford a used one and I'm happy I did. I've only had usual used-car stuff, no major problems. I plan to drive it until the wheels fall off, or until my 13-year-old nephew is old enough to drive (whichever comes first)...and I truly believe my car will last far beyond my nephew's 16th birthday!!!