1996 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 The third generation Soarer sport coupe, largely identical to the SC 430, was superseded by its Lexus counterpart in Japan when the Lexus marque débuted there in 2005.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 1996 Lexus Sc400 problems
The 1996 Lexus SC400 is known for several common problems that have been reported by its owners. One of the most common issues is with the interior pieces cracking, particularly around the dashboard and door panels
. This can be due to age, exposure to sunlight, and the quality of the materials used.
Another common problem is with the VSV Actuator, which can affect the interior heating system
. This can cause issues with the heater not working properly, or the air conditioning not blowing cold air. This can be a significant problem, especially in extreme weather conditions.
The coolant overflow reservoir is also known to cause issues in the SC400. This can result in leaks, which can lead to engine overheating and other related problems
. It is essential to address this issue promptly, as it can cause severe damage to the engine if left unattended.
Window regulators are another common problem in the SC400. This can cause the windows to stop working properly, or to fall down into the door
. This can be a significant inconvenience, especially in inclement weather.
The climate control display and gauge cluster can also cause issues in the SC400. This can result in the display not working properly, or the gauges not providing accurate readings
. This can be a safety issue, as it can affect the driver's ability to monitor the car's performance.
Power steering leaks are also a common problem in the SC400. This can result in a loss of power steering, which can make the car difficult to maneuver
. It can also cause damage to other components of the car, such as the alternator.
The alternator itself is also known to cause issues in the SC400. This can result in the car not starting, or the battery dying
. It is essential to address this issue promptly, as it can cause severe damage to the car's electrical system if left unattended.
Lower control arms can also cause issues in the SC400. This can result in a loss of control, which can be a safety issue
. It is essential to address this issue promptly, as it can cause severe damage to the car's suspension system if left unattended.
The starter is another common problem in the SC400. This can result in the car not starting, or the starter failing altogether
. This can be a significant inconvenience, especially if the car is needed for transportation.
In summary, the 1996 Lexus SC400 is known for several common problems that have been reported by its owners. These include issues with the interior pieces cracking, the VSV Actuator, the coolant overflow reservoir, window regulators, the climate control display and gauge cluster, power steering leaks, the alternator, lower control arms, and the starter. It is essential to address these issues promptly, as they can cause severe damage to the car if left unattended.
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?
With shorter gearing and 246 fewer pounds of mass than the LS, the SC400 managed a zero-to-60-mph time of 6.7 seconds, 1.2 seconds better than the sedan. The 1997 SC400 added 10 horsepower, and the '98 gained even more power (reaching 290 horses) and an extra gear (now a five-speed automatic).
What is the mpg of a 1996 Lexus SC400?
Based on data from 5 vehicles, 323 fuel-ups and 101,828 miles of driving, the 1996 Lexus SC400 gets a combined Avg MPG of 19.15 with a 0.22 MPG margin of error.
1996 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:
- Tires problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Latches/locks/linkages problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Lexus Sc400 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1996 Lexus Sc400 complaints
The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Lexus Sc400.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-03-21
- VIN: JT8CH32YXT0
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: ON TWO OCCASIONS JUST BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP AT A SIGNAL, THE CAR SUDDENLY LURCHED FORWARD FOR NO REASON, AND I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THIS MOTION WITH THE BRAKES, SO I QUICKLY PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL, AND NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS RACING AT 6,000 RPM. AFTER THIS OCCURRED THE SECOND TIME, WHEN PARKING IN THE GARAGE, I NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE RPMS WOULD CHANGE BY ABOUT 200-300 RPMS ABOUT EVERY 5TH TIME WHEN JUST APPLYING THE BRAKES WHILE CAR WAS IN PARK. A POSSIBLE PROBLEM COULD BE RELATED TO THE FACT THAT WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR 2/20/06, I NOTICED THAT THE REAR MOUNTED HIGH BRAKE LIGHT LED BUILT INTO THE REAR WING WAS NOT WORKING. THE DEALER REPAIRED THIS BY LOCATING A BROKEN (CUT?) WIRE IN THE WIRING HARNESS. THIS REPAIR WAS DONE ON 3/20/06, AND FROM THE TIME I HAD BOUGHT THE CAR, (2/20/06) THERE HAD BEEN NO PROBLEM UNTIL 3/21 WHEN THE PROBLEM FIRST SHOWED UP. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED IN JUST THE SAME WAY WAS THE EVENING OF 3/29 WHILE AT A STOP SIGNAL. EACH TIME, I WAS ABLE TO PUT CAR INTO NEUTRAL TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I AM NOT QUITE SURE WHAT I DID EACH TIME TO SLOW THE ENGINE BACK DOWN. *JB
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-21
- VIN: JT8BH22F6T0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED BOTH PASSENGERS AND DRIVER REAR TIRES TREAD SEPARATED. CONSUMER TOOK THE TIRES TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THE TIRES WERE WORN OUT. *AK PLY SEPARATION OCCURED ON THE INSIDE OF BOTH TIRES. THE PROBLEM WAS FOUND DURING THE INSTALLATION OF NEW TIRES. THE TIRE HAD 3/32 TREAD REMAINING. *NM
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-06-21
- VIN: JT8BH22F6T0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER REAR TIRES TREAD SEPARATED. CONSUMER TOOK THE TIRES TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE TIRES WERE WORN OUT. *AK THERE WAS 3/32 TREAD REMAINING ON THE TIRE. THE PLY'S SEPARATED ON THE INSIDE OF BOTH TIRES. THIS PROBLEM WAS FOUND DURING THE INSTALLATION OF NEW TIRES. *NM
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-05-03
- VIN: JT8CH32YXT0
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: PASSENGER DOOR LOCK ASSEMBLY FAILED AND WOULD NOT ALLOW DOOR TO BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE, ONLY WOULD OPEN FROM THE INSIDE; CAUSING A OVER $500 REPAIR BECAUSE A SMALL PIECE OF METAL IN THE ASSEMBLY BROKE. LEXUS COULD/WOULD NOT REPLACE JUST THE SMALL METAL PIECE, AND THE ENTIRE ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED CAUSING A VERY COSTLY REPAIR; THIS OCCURED IN 2003. IN MAY OF 2004, THE DRIVER'S DOOR THEN FAILED, AND ALSO WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE, WOULD ONLY OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. THIS TIME THEY WERE ABLE TO CORRECT WITH A $7.00 PART AND A $120 LABOR COST TO REPLACE.*AK
1996 Lexus Sc400 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1996 Lexus Sc400.
- Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CO., LTD.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
- Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE TERMINAL FOR THE STARTER MOTOR MAGNETIC SWITCH, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT CAN OCCUR IF ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE LIQUID, SUCH AS ROAD SPLASH WITH DEICING SALT, ENTERS THIS AREA.
- Consequence: A STARTER MOTOR NO-START CONDITION OR AN UNDERHOOD FIRE CAN RESULT.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE MAGNETIC SWITCH.
Positive 1996 Lexus Sc400 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 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 control unit (in the steering column, not the doors), Rear trunk hold-open cylinders, trunk mounted ...
Thinking about getting a Lexus SC400 (1991-00). Thoughts? : r/Lexus
Oct 8, 2019 ... The SC400 has a common issue with the power steering pump where if it leaks, it leaks directly into the alternator. (This is not an issue on ...
All my crazy Lexus issues SOLVED!! (ECU-leaking capacitor ...
Sep 20, 2012 ... ... problem is extremely common) ○ Lexus SC300 - 1993-2000 ○ Lexus SC400 - 1992-2000 ○ Lexus GS300 - 1993-1996 ○ Toyota Celica GT - 1985 ...
Other years of Lexus Sc400
Are you having problems with your 1996 Lexus Sc400?
Thaddeus Blanda 2024-10-14
I've got a 187,000 miles on my SC400 and it's never required anything other than routine maintenance and a new timing belt. I'm sure that with proper care, this car could easily reach over 300,000 miles!
Herman Kovacek 2024-08-24
I owned a Honda for 12 years, but now I've stepped up to the big boys. This is the greatest sports car out there! I wish I had gotten one sooner. It's very fast yet smooth, and it's also a real looker. Every day someone tells me, 'That's a sweet car!'
Nils Terry 2024-07-02
This is a great automobile! You won't have to think twice before buying one. I would love to buy another one, maybe the newest model, a 1999/2000. I would just take it out on Sundays...
Jamel Romaguera 2024-06-19
This is the best car I've ever owned. It has been extremely reliable, with the exception of a radiator repair. Although it is an 11-year-old car, I have only experienced minor issues, such as fuses and relays that control the internal electronics. The Nakamichi stereo system is the best I have ever heard in a car. As an audiophile, I usually replace stock stereo equipment in cars to meet my musical expectations, but I didn't have to do that with the Nakamichi because it sounds so good. The car handles like a true sports car with nice power. I have even taken this car over 140 mph and it was smooth and quiet.
Brian Wiza 2024-06-12
The Lexus SC400 is a fast and elegant sports car. Despite being in a bad accident with one, I walked away without a scratch thanks to the car's exceptional safety features. It's clear that this car is designed to protect its passengers and I have no doubt in its ability to do so.