2000 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 The third generation Soarer sport coupe, largely identical to the SC 430, was superseded by its Lexus counterpart in Japan when the Lexus marque débuted there in 2005.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.
Social links
Common 2000 Lexus Sc400 problems
The Lexus SC400, particularly the 2000 model, has been associated with several common problems reported by owners. Here is a detailed list of these issues:
- Power Steering Leaks: The power steering system in the SC400 is prone to leaks, mainly from the power steering pump. This can lead to fluid leaking onto the alternator, causing damage. The high-pressure line and the seal inside the power steering pump are common areas of leakage.
- Starter Issues: Replacing the starter in the SC400 can be challenging due to its location under the intake of the engine. Accessing the starter involves dealing with numerous bolts, especially if the intake and EGR components are intact.
- Hydro Fan Problems: The SC400 comes with a hydraulically actuated fan, which can develop leaks over time. These leaks can lead to cooling system issues and affect the engine's performance.
- Window Regulator Failures: The window regulators in the SC400 are known to fail, requiring the removal of the entire glass and door panel for replacement. Issues with the cable tangling up or the motor wearing out are common.
- Door Handle Clips: The clips for the door handles are prone to breaking, making it difficult to open the door from the outside. When these clips fail, they can also affect the window operation, necessitating the replacement of the entire mechanism.
- Fuel Pump ECU: The fuel pump ECU in the SC400 can stop providing the necessary voltage to the fuel pump, leading to fuel delivery issues. Owners often resort to bypassing the ECU to ensure proper fuel pump operation.
- Wheel Well Harness: Lowering the SC400 can cause the wheel to rub against the harness in the wheel well, damaging the wiring that runs to the engine bay. Relocating the harness is a common solution to prevent wiring damage.
These problems are recurrent among Lexus SC400 owners and can impact the car's performance, reliability, and overall driving experience. Addressing these issues promptly and with proper maintenance can help mitigate potential complications and ensure the longevity of the vehicle.
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 SC400 fast?
The SC400 weighs 246 pounds less than the sedan. It puts the power multiplied by its shorter first-gear and final-drive ratios to good use. 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.
What is the top speed of the 2000 Lexus SC 400?
Performance
| 0 - 100 kph | 6.3 s |
|---|---|
| Top speed | 250 kph (155 mph) |
2000 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
The graph below shows statistics for all 2000 Lexus Sc400 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2000 Lexus Sc400 complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2000 Lexus Sc400.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-01
- VIN: JT6GF10U8Y0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I HAVE ENGINE DAMAGE DUE TO SLUDGE IN MY ENGINE. LEXUS IS CLAIMING THE CAR WASN'T PROPERLY MAINTAINED (REGULAR OIL CHANGES), BUT THAT IS NOT TRUE. THEY ARE CLAIMING THAT THIS MAKES MY ENGINE WARRANTY IN EFFECTIVE AND VOID.
Positive 2000 Lexus Sc400 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2000 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 to Buy: 1992–2000 Lexus SC300/SC400
Mar 19, 2022 ... Common issues include cracked dash vents, broken window regulators, dead LCD displays and gauge-cluster lights, and worn lower control-arm ...
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 ...
Lexus SC400 Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
Top Lexus SC400 Problems · Dashboard Gauges May Have LED Problems. 52 people have reported this. 23 · Heating and AC Control May Fail Intermittently. 41 people ...
Other years of Lexus Sc400
Are you having problems with your 2000 Lexus Sc400?
Conrad Lind 2025-01-09
Being an owner of one of less than 500 cars made is such an exciting opportunity! I'm thrilled with my purchase. This car just begs to be driven hard and is so responsive. Mine has TSC and ETC, which are must-haves in the northern climate. The comfort is amazing, and I've been pleasantly surprised by the gas mileage - I've been getting over 20 mpg! Of course, if you drive hard, it does get a little thirsty.
Jamal Kozey 2024-10-17
This car represents luxury and performance wrapped up in one bundle. Driving it is an experience all by itself. With the windows up and driving, you absolutely feel isolated from the outside world. The handling has a nice blend of luxury and sportiness, and the interior is laid out nicely. The build quality is superb. People ask me how we like the car all the time. I can't say anything negative about this vehicle. You'll have to drive it for yourself to see what all the hype is about the Lexus SC400.
Connor Trantow 2024-10-10
This is the most beautiful car in the world. And with its 290 horsepower VVT-i engine, it doesn't fall short in the performance field. It's a Lexus and it hasn't caused me any problems in the 2 years that I've owned it. Thanks for reading, Andre!
Quentin Waelchi 2024-09-17
The Lexus SC400 embodies all the expectations of a discerning motorist seeking the best in the automotive industry. It boasts bulletproof reliability, exceptional engineering, top-notch craftsmanship, premium materials, and outstanding performance. Furthermore, Lexus enhances the experience with an excellent, attentive, and professional dealership network. While the quest for perfection might sacrifice a bit of soulfulness, the resulting gains far outweigh this minor tradeoff.
Micah Dach 2024-07-27
Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with the SC300. This is actually my second one - my first, a 1995 model, drove up to 105,000 miles with no major problems. The only issue I had was with the leather on the side doors, which cracked due to a bad seam design. However, my 1998 model has been absolutely perfect! In fact, I'm now on the lookout for a 2000 SC300/400 to complete my collection. I really think Lexus made a mistake when they discontinued this car.