2006 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 The third generation Soarer sport coupe, largely identical to the SC 430, was superseded by its Lexus counterpart in Japan when the Lexus marque débuted there in 2005.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 2006 Lexus Sc430 problems
The Lexus SC430, produced in 2006, is generally considered a reliable vehicle, with many owners praising its dependability
. However, there are some common issues that potential buyers should be aware of.
- CD Player Failure: A common fault across all Lexus models of this era is the failure of the six-disc CD changer. This can be a significant issue for those who rely on CDs for their music, so it's essential to check the CD player's functionality before purchasing .
- Control Arm Issues: Some owners have reported issues with the control arm, which can be a problem if the part is discontinued. In such cases, finding a replacement part might require some effort, as it may need to be sourced from other suppliers or dealers.
- Water Pump Leaks: Another common issue is leaks in the water pump, which can lead to damage to other components, such as the passenger side control arm. This can be a significant concern, especially if the vehicle is still under warranty, as some providers may not cover pre-existing conditions.
- Timing Belt and Timing Chain: Some owners have reported issues with the timing belt or timing chain, which can lead to more severe engine problems if not addressed promptly. It's essential to check the service records to ensure that the timing belt or chain has been replaced as recommended by the manufacturer, typically every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
In conclusion, while the Lexus SC430 is generally considered a reliable vehicle, potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and check for them during the purchasing process. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent many of these problems, ensuring the vehicle remains in good condition and providing a pleasant driving experience.
Are Lexus SC430 expensive to maintain?
The annual maintenance cost of a Lexus SC430 is $462.
Does a 2006 Lexus SC430 have a timing belt?
SC430 2001-2010 has a timing belt and replacement interval recommended by Lexus is 90K miles or 7 years.
What engine is in the Lexus SC430?
Engine Type (3UZ-FE) V8 Displacement 4.3 litres (4293 cc) Valvetrain DOHC 32 valves, Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) and Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i), Ultra- Low Emission Vehicle (U-LEV) Bore x Stroke 91.0 x 82.5 mm (3.6 x 3.2 in. ...
What is the top speed of a 2006 Lexus SC430?
Top speed of the SC 430 is electronically limited to 143 mph.
2006 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
- Electrical system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2006 Lexus Sc430 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2006 Lexus Sc430 complaints
The NHTSA has received 7 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2006 Lexus Sc430.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-08-27
- VIN: JTHFN48Y369
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA INFLATORS OR POTENTIAL OF RUPTURED INFLATOR ON PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. I HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED REGARDING THIS RECALL AS OF YET AND I DO SEE THIS RECALL WAS ISSUED IN MAY OF 2015. PLEASE NOTE NOTHING HAS HAPPENED BUT MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY COMMUNICATION ON THE RECALL AS OF YET.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-12-01
- VIN: JTHFN48Y969
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 15V285 RECALL NOTICE WAS ISSUED 6/15/15. .AS OF 12/1/15 LEXUS HAS NOT PROVIDED SUFFICIENT PARTS TO THE LAS VEGAS DEALER TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR.. 20 CARS ARE AHEAD OF MY REPAIR AND IT WILL BE SEVERAL WEEKS. MEANWHILE NO ONE SHOULD BE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. UNACCEPTABLE!
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-05-13
- VIN: JTHFN48Y069
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 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: 2015-06-16
- VIN: JTHFN48Y369
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 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: 2015-08-21
- VIN: JTHFN48Y069
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: RECEIVED SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. SAFETY RECALL WARNED NOT TO USE THE PASSSENGER SIDE SEAT. CALLED DEALER. DEALER ADVISED THAT THE FIRST AVAILABLE TIME THAT THEY COULD FIX THE RECALL WAS JUNE 1ST, 2016. THIS RENDERS THIS VEHICLE UNLESS FOR ALMOST A YEAR. IN THE MEAN TIME WHAT ARE SUPPOSED TO DRIVE?
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-31
- VIN: JTHFN48Y669
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LEXUS SC430. WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE VOLUME AND THE CRUISE CONTROL ON THE STEERING WHEEL WERE ACTIVATED AND THE RADIO AND NAVIGATION FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-10-26
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTHFN48Y269
- Components: AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LEXUS SC430. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DECELERATE AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD. CONSEQUENTLY HE CRASHED INTO 2 IRON GATES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 16000.
2006 Lexus Sc430 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2006 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.
Negative 2006 Lexus Sc430 car reviews
Positive 2006 Lexus Sc430 car reviews
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The Lexus SC430 is a car that is often misunderstood in the automotive community. I have owned over two hundred cars, and owning two of these has been an absolute pleasure. The car is incredibly reliable, and it offers a smooth and quiet ride. Additionally, it has a convertible top that can be used virtually year-round, and the HVAC and heated seats are lovely features. My first SC430 took me to 165k miles, and I only replaced it with a newer model with 50k miles. In between, I owned a G37 Convertible, which was much noisier and harsher than the lovely SC430. While it may not be a sports car, this car is a luxury touring car that I would honestly take anywhere. These cars have aged well, and I receive compliments on mine daily. The fit and finish are next to none, and Toyota maintenance costs are reasonable since I have the car serviced at the Toyota dealer. When I'm driving down the highway with the stereo on, I feel like I'm floating, and my stress fades away...
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This is a great small convertible for the mature adult.
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This is a fantastic hard-top convertible! It has lots of power, great handling, and is a really sexy looking car!
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When parking, it can be difficult to see the nose and rear end of the car. Additionally, there are no bumpers on the doors to prevent dings. While the exterior paint quality could be improved, I was most disappointed with it. After purchasing the car, I noticed some zinc oxide had rubbed off on the interior arm rests, and Lexus was unsure of how to address the issue. I imagine other Lexus convertible owners who use sunscreen may experience a similar problem. On the bright side, the car is very quiet and comfortable even with the top down.
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This automobile is the best I've had in my 24 years of driving experience. The ride is very well balanced and the attention to detail in the interior is uncompromising. The engine is very powerful and has great torque. Most importantly, there is no wind at 90 mph on freeways! I just love it!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2006 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 ... 2006 Lexus SC430 Review - A Misunderstood Luxury Coupe ... Lexus SC 430. Rev ...
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 SC 430 current problems - YouTube
Jun 6, 2020 ... Hey, Welcome to my 2004 Lexus SC 430 and all the issues that the car currently has! Sadly after a few days of ownership the SC required a ...
Other years of Lexus Sc430
Are you having problems with your 2006 Lexus Sc430?
Amparo Grant 2024-08-01
I do not recommend this model due to its rough ride and difficulty getting in and out. Based on my experience, I have decided not to consider this model any further.
Fabian Jast 2024-06-18
We chose this car mainly because of the hardtop convertible feature. Although the performance and drive are not very impressive, the design and comfort are very nice. The car seems to have been designed for an older driving population who want the look of a convertible in a Lincoln Town Car frame. The technology and nav system can be a bit counterintuitive, as the entire system is disabled while driving, so you'll need to park the car before using your nav system or Bluetooth phone. It's important to be aware of Lexus dealers who may not be truthful about this feature. Overall, this car may be somewhat disappointing, but if you're looking for a convertible look that drives like a sedan, then it's the right car for you.
Axel Hagenes 2024-01-14
After only 6k miles, I have noticed 11 paint chips on the hood of my vehicle. Lexus claims it is due to road hazards, but I feel like every stone or pebble on the highway must be hitting me. I have only driven 1k miles on the highway, so how is it possible? Additionally, I have noticed two chips on the chrome around the grill and on the painted plastic. Needless to say, I am very disappointed!