Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 1997 Lexus LS400, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Vehicle speed control3
- Service brakes, hydraulic2
- Power train2
- Tires2
- Electrical system2
- Engine2
- Steering1
- Air bags1
- Latches/locks/linkages1
- Visibility1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 3 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
In the United Kingdom
113 cars built in 1997 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 163 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 158 of these cars first registered in 1997 took their annual MOT test. 69% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 1997 the figure was 64%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 1997 |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 13.3% | 12.2% |
| Brakes | 10.1% | 11.8% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 8.9% | 16.1% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 6.3% | 7.2% |
| Tyres | 5.1% | 3.7% |
| Body, chassis, structure | 3.8% | 9.7% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In New Zealand
17 1997 cars are on the New Zealand register; 35% arrived as used imports, 59% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Recalls
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Lexus told its dealers about the 1997 Lexus LS400: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 619796 | SUBJECT REGARDING STEERING WHEELNUT SERVICE SPECIFICATION. *TT |
| 619119 | SUBJECT REGARDING NEW SEAT BELT TONGUE PLATE STOPPER SERVICE PARTS. *TT |
| 619113 | SUBJECT REGARDING RETRO-FIT INTERNAL TRUNK RELEASE KITS. *TT |
| 612528 | SUBJECT REGARDING SEAT HEATER REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *TT |
| 611200 | INFORMATION ON THE SEAT HEATER REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *MJS |
| 600995 | STARTER SWITCH SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN . *YC |
| 600355 | VEHICLE EXPERIENCING STATIC NOISE ON WEAK AM STATIONS. *YC |
| 52028 | PUBLICATION CORRECTION INFORMATION. *JD |
| 10214355 | Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022 |
| 10207945 | POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Lexus.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well. |
| 10205352 | Windshield Wiper Blade Maintenance and cleaning |
| 10205346 | Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions |
| 10205331 | Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset |
| 10205330 | Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset |
| 10205329 | Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset. |
| 10205319 | Brake Pedal Force Gauge SST for Parking Brake Inspection. |
| 10176283 | Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements |
| 10174889 | TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates |
| 10174888 | TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, PG002-90, L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003 93, and PG002-90. The aforementioned bulletins are obsolete, and any printed versions should be discarded. Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1990 ? 2020 model year vehicles may be available provided the r |
| 10133923 | Lexus vehicles are equipped with SRS, including various airbags and in some models, seat belt pre-tensioners, to help reduce the risk of injury in a collision. If a customer expresses any concerns that the SRS airbags or pretensioner devices did not per |
| 10133849 | A new Special Service Tool (SST 09709-00002) has been introduced to aid in the inspection procedure for certain vehicles equipped with a floor pedal-type parking brake system. This bulletin references the correct method for installing the Brake Pedal Force Gauge. Refer to the appropriate Repair Manual for parking brake pedal travel inspection and adjustment specification. |
| 10132734 | TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. |
| 10132726 | TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. |
| 10132108 | This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0082-14. |
| 10132083 | Adhesive & sealant cross reference Information |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
UNINTENDED ENGINE SPEED INCREASE/SA
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation