2005 Lexus Sc430 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 The third generation Soarer sport coupe, largely identical to the SC 430, was superseded by its Lexus counterpart in Japan when the Lexus marque débuted there in 2005.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 2005 Lexus Sc430 problems
The Lexus SC430, produced in the mid-2000s, is known for its reliability and performance. However, as with any vehicle, there are certain common problems that owners have reported.
- Water Leakage: Another common problem with the SC430 is water leakage into the trunk, particularly on the driver's side. This issue can be caused by misaligned drain tubes or debris in the seals. If left unchecked, this can lead to further damage to the electronics and amplifier in the boot .
- CD Changer Failure: The CD changer is a common failed item on the SC430. This issue can affect both the 2004 and 2005 models, and it is recommended to have it checked before purchasing the car, especially if you are a CD lover.
- Weak Brakes: The brakes on the SC430 are exceptionally weak, and it is recommended to upgrade them for better performance and safety. This issue is particularly relevant for those used to sports cars and may require a stiffer suspension setup.
- Flat Tires: The original SC430 came with flat tires, which some owners have criticized for providing a harsh ride. This issue may not be a common fault but is more of a preference for the owner, and it is worth considering if you are looking for a soft, comfortable ride.
- Electrical Issues: The SC430 has high equipment levels, which can lead to electrical problems. It is essential to ensure that any electrical issues are ironed out before purchasing the car, particularly on older models, which may be more vulnerable in this area.
- Roof Mechanism: The roof mechanism on the SC430 should fold back within 25 seconds. If the roof takes longer to fold back, it may indicate a problem with the roof mechanism, and it is worth getting it checked out before purchasing the car.
In summary, while the Lexus SC430 is known for its reliability, there are certain common problems that owners have reported. These include engine management light issues, water leakage, CD changer failure, weak brakes, flat tires, electrical issues, and roof mechanism problems. It is essential to check for these issues before purchasing the car to ensure that it is in good condition and to avoid any potential problems down the line.
Are Lexus SC430 expensive to maintain?
The annual maintenance cost of a Lexus SC430 is $462.
Does the 2006 Lexus SC430 have a timing belt or a timing chain?
SC430 2001-2010 has a timing belt and replacement interval recommended by Lexus is 90K miles or 7 years.
What is the top speed of a 2005 Lexus SC430?
- RWD. Transmission. Automatic, 5-speed.
- Brakes. Front Brakes. Disc Brakes. Cooling. Ventilated. Rear Brakes. Disc Brakes.
- Performance. Top Speed. 240 km/h. 6.1 sec. 149 mph. Acceleration, 0-60 mph. 5.9 sec.
Is Lexus SC430 a fast car?
The rear-wheel-drive SC 430 is propelled by a 4.3-litre, 32-valve aluminum alloy DOHC V8 engine that produces 300 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 325 lb/ft of torque at 3,400 rpm. Lexus claims a 0 - 100 km time of just 5.9 seconds.
2005 Lexus Sc430 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Lexus Sc430 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Service brakes problems
- Suspension problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2005 Lexus Sc430 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2005 Lexus Sc430 complaints
The NHTSA has received 12 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2005 Lexus Sc430.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-14
- VIN: JTHFN48Y950
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2005 Lexus SC430. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V741000 (Air Bags) and drove 5 hours to the only Lexus dealer in the State of Maine. The dealer informed the contact that they would need to repair the vehicle clockspring to clear the air bag warning light prior to completing the recall repair. The contact declined and the dealer refused to complete the recall repair. The contact drove back to his residence. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the air bag warning light had been illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the dealer should have completed the recall repair. The manufacturer advised the contact that they would assist with towing the vehicle to the dealer for the recall repair. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-03
- VIN: JTHFN48Y950
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: MY AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-08-03
- VIN: JTHFN48Y350
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-02
- VIN: JTHFN48YX50
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 2005 LEXUS SC430. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REPLACEMENT PARTS NOT AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE AIRBAG INFLATOR MODULE RECALL NOTICE. *SMD
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-16
- VIN: JTHFN48Y450
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO PROVIDE THE PART FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-16
- VIN: JTHFN48Y950
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V285000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIMEFRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE.
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-11-10
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 22254038292
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,WHEELS
- Summary: AUTO WAS PARKED IN LOT, IGNITION OFF "IN PARK". STARTED AUTO, PUT GEAR IN REVERSE AND AUTO ACCELERATED VERY RAPIDLY, UNCONTROLLED, DOWN ONE CURB, UP ANOTHER CURB AND FINALLY STOPPED IN GRASSY AREA HAVING GONE ABOUT 150 FEET.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-05-26
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: MY BRAKES FAILED COMPLETELY. IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS CAR. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-11-02
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTHFN48Y550
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 LEXUS SC430. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND SHE WAS APPLYING THE BRAKES WHEN IT SURGED FORWARD ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SURGE FORWARD UNTIL CRASHING INTO A LIGHT POST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 01/10/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED AS SHE WAS ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. SHE HIT THE GARAGE DOOR AND ADJACENT BRICK WALL. AT THAT POINT, THE GEAR SHIFT WENT INTO REVERSE, AND CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WENT BACKWARDS OUT OF THE GARAGE, MADE A U-TURN, AND HIT A LIGHT POLE WITH THE REAR BUMPER. THE VEHICLE THEN STOPPED AND THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK. UPDATED 02/28/12
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-11-17
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTHFN48Y350
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: MY WIFE WAS PULLING INTO OUR DRIVEWAY, AND MOVED HER FOOT FROM ACCELERATOR TO BRAKE ON HER LEXUS SC430. THE DRIVEWAY HAS A DOWNHILL STRETCH OF ABOUT 40 FEET WITH A LEFT TURN REQUIRED AT THE BOTTOM TO ENTER THE GARAGE. INSTEAD OF SLOWING, THE CAR TOOK OFF, WITH THE ENGINE RACING, AND CATAPULTED HER OVER THE EDGE OF THE DRIVEWAY DOWN INTO A RAVINE. SHE SUFFERED A SEVERE INJURY TO HER BACK, AND IS CURRENTLY IN GREAT PAIN. I BELIEVE HER STORY, AS I HAD A SIMILAR INCIDENT WITH THE SAME CAR ABOUT 4 MONTHS AGO, EXCEPT I WAS ABLE TO OVERCOME THE FORWARD MOTION OF THE CAR BY A VERY HARD APPLICATION OF THE BRAKE. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-05-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTHFN48Y750
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I AM AN OWNER OF A LEXUS SC-430, 2005 MODEL WITH 15428 MILES ON THE ODOMETER.THE CAR RECENTLY UNDERWENT A 15,000 MILE SERVICE. ON ARRIVING HOME AT 1:30 PM I STOPPED THE V CAR IN FRONT OF THE GARAGE AND THE DOOR WAS CLOSED. I WAS ABOUT TO REACH FOR THE GARAGE DOOR OPENER BUTTON IN THE CAR WHE IT SUDDENLY AND SPONTANEOUSLY ACCELERATED FULL THROTTLE , WITHOUT FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR. I APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT TO NO EFFECT. THE CAR DROVE THROUGH THE METAL GARAGE DOOR AND STOPPED WHEN IT HIT THE BACK OF THE GARAGE WALL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS SUMMONED TO OPEN THE DOOR ON MY SIDE . I WAS DRIVEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY PARAMEDICS BUT SUFFERED ONLY MINOR INJURIES , SUSTAINING CUTS FROM THE WINDSHIELD AND INJURIES FROM THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG. THE CAR HAD A 50-50 CHANCE OF BEING DECLARED A TOTAL WRITE OFF.*AK I HAVE REQUESTED MY INSURANCE COMPANY (MERCURY INSURANCE) TO HAVE THE CAR EXAMINED FORENSICALLY IN ORDER TO TRY TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTION. AS YET I DO NOT KNOW WHETHER THEY HAVE ACTED OR INTEND TO ACT UPON MY REQUEST. I AM A CARERFUL DRIVER AND HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT OR A MOVING TRAFFIC VIOLATION SINCE 1974.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-11-17
- VIN: JTHFN48Y850
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CONSUMER COMPLAINT REGARDING EXCESSIVE WEAR ON BRAKE PADS AND THE INSIDE OF ALL FOUR TIRES. *TS THE AUDIO SYSTEM WOULD SWITCH FROM CD TO RADIO INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM WOULD GO BLANK AT TIMES. THERE WAS A CRACKLING SOUND COMING FROM THE RIGHT REAR SPEAKER. *JB
2005 Lexus Sc430 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2005 Lexus Sc430.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Positive 2005 Lexus Sc430 car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2005 Lexus Sc430 problems:
Lexus SC 430 Common Faults, what to look out for before buying ...
Jun 30, 2020 ... Welcome to my 2004 Lexus SC430 and in this video I talk about some common faults/issues with the SC 430. The SC 430 is overall a reliable ...
SC430 Common Problems, if any?!? - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum ...
May 26, 2008 ... The CD changer is the most failed item on the car. A few other notes: The brakes are also exceptionally weak. Consider upgrading them. The ...
Here's Why The Lexus SC430 Is NOT "The Worst Car In The World ...
Apr 20, 2018 ... Thanks to a Top Gear special a few years ago, the SC430 is known ... 2005 Lexus SC430 Convertible Review and Test Drive by Bill - Auto Europa ...
Thinking about buying an SC430 - any tips - Lexus SC430 Club ...
Oct 6, 2020 ... You might find one that has improved suspension and a cat back exhaust as these are common mods as are staggered fitment alloys. Apart from that ...
Lexus SC430 Problems and Complaints - 7 Issues
Top Lexus SC430 Problems · Volume Control Problems With Premiun Stereo System · Creaking Type Noise From Front Suspension · Electric Trunk Release May not Function ...
Other years of Lexus Sc430
Are you having problems with your 2005 Lexus Sc430?
Judah Hansen 2025-01-08
I have thoroughly enjoyed driving this car. It is exceptionally smooth, comfortable, and a true pleasure to drive. While I have experienced some difficulty inserting the key into the ignition on a few occasions, I will bring this to the attention of the dealer. I am confident that any issue is likely due to user error, as there is nothing else wrong with this outstanding vehicle. It is worth noting that I am achieving a combined 19.8 miles per gallon in both city and highway driving.
Alec Gerhold 2025-01-06
I bought this car knowing less than 1/3 of its capabilities. The more I drive it, the more amazed I am at what it can do. This car is so much fun!
Hilbert Gaylord 2024-11-21
We have two Lexus cars in our household and both of them are exceptional value. We test drove all German imports and found that the Lexus is superior in design, reliability and price. Even though we could afford any traditional vehicle under 150k, we have chosen Lexus as the clear winner when comparing to other cars in the same price range and even above. I used to be an S-class owner but after all the problems we had with a 90k dollar vehicle, I will NEVER go back to Benz. So, my advice to you is to compare wisely. If I had to pick a second choice, it would clearly be the Audi A-8 in the W12 configuration. The BMW doesn't even come close. Have fun with any purchase!
Julio Boyer 2024-11-14
I must say, this has been the best car I have ever owned. The only issue is that people tend to want to talk to you when you have the top down and are stopped at a light, just to compliment how nice the car looks.
Hayley Bogisich 2024-11-05
Over the past 40 years, I've had the pleasure of trying out 29 different cars and trucks. Unfortunately, the 66' 427 vette and the 2000 MBkompressor SLK didn't quite meet my expectations. However, the 2002 Lexus SC430 and the 2004 Lexus LX470 were absolutely fantastic, and worth every penny. When it comes to dealerships, I've had some less than ideal experiences. Acura was particularly disappointing, with poor service and dishonest practices. Meanwhile, MB dealerships were quite arrogant and deceptive, and didn't quite live up to the quality of other dealerships in the same price range. Overall, I've had some ups and downs, but I'm grateful for the great experiences I've had with the best vehicles.