1990 Lexus LS400
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Lexus › LS400 › 1990
These records cover every 1990 Lexus LS400. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1990 Lexus LS400. Newest first.
Lamp housing of center high mounted stop lamp could become distorted after prolonged illumination, particularly under high temperatures.
Risk and remedy
Remedy
Replace lamp housing with one of higher temperature resistant material.
Owner complaints
24 complaints6 involved a crash1 involved a fire6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling · Exterior lighting · Fuel system, gasoline · Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Power train · Structure › Body › Hood · Suspension · Visibility · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
S10 appropriate handling - enclosing an agenda report service history may 2014 - may/june 2016 on black 1990 lexus LS 400. *smd the consumer stated each time the repair shop performed services on her vehicle, it led to another problem(s). A clamp was missing. A wire left dangling, a hose was not…
S10 appropriate handling - enclosing an agenda report service history may 2014 - may/june 2016 on black 1990 lexus LS 400. *smd the consumer stated each time the repair shop performed services on her vehicle, it led to another problem(s). A clamp was missing. A wire left dangling, a hose was not placed on correctly or it was the wrong hose and/or a good hose was torn, broken or tattered. A screw was left missing. A part or component was not put in properly. The consumer stated she was afraid to drive the vehicle more than 10 miles, because it would smoke and leak fluid. the starter was replaced, the door would not close completely, the hood would not shut completely, the fuel gauge did not work, despite having a full tank of gas, the defroster did not work. Also, the oil showed a quart low, the interior gauges on the steering panel went haywire, the interior turn switches were not working as they should, the transmission mount needed to be replaced, the transmission stick was loose, the brake hose and ignition cylinder, control arms and window regulators were replaced. *Jb updated 04/10/2017*js *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
My car, made by toyota, has all the same problems, faulty parts, as the cars that were recalled for sudden acceleration. I have had the sudden acceleration problem happen twice and I am currently unable to drive the car because of a faulty resistor that controls the fuel feed tot the fuel pump…
My car, made by toyota, has all the same problems, faulty parts, as the cars that were recalled for sudden acceleration. I have had the sudden acceleration problem happen twice and I am currently unable to drive the car because of a faulty resistor that controls the fuel feed tot the fuel pump keeps causing the car to act like it IS running out of gas. very dangerous. lexus has refused to fix it even though I am willing to pay. they want nothing to do with cars with the same parts as sudden acceleration.
- Vehicle speed control
In approximately 1995, I experienced the "sudden acceleration" problem twice with my lexus LS. at the time, no one had ever heard of it and the dealer said he could not reproduce it and could do nothing. after that I was more careful with the floor mats and thought I had solved the problem.…
In approximately 1995, I experienced the "sudden acceleration" problem twice with my lexus LS. at the time, no one had ever heard of it and the dealer said he could not reproduce it and could do nothing. after that I was more careful with the floor mats and thought I had solved the problem. for the last 7 to 8 years, the car suddenly slows and stalls. I have repeatedly complained to new country lexus but they just say that they cannot reproduce the problem and don't know what it IS. in june, it happened again and I had to be towed by aaa. at this time I researched "lexus LS stalling problem" and got hundreds of hits. one lexus site perfectly explained the problem, how to reproduce it and how to fix it. the posting on the lexus site was dated 2005, ten years ago. The tow truck driver reproduced the problem within an hour but new country lexus would not sell him the required resistor to fix it. I took the car to new country lexus, just north of albany ny, and they have had it since june. they keep saying that they cannot reproduce the problem. they keep telling me that they cannot reproduce the problem but I keep giving them the print-out from the lexus site and the bill from the towing company explaining exactly how to reproduce and fix the problem. finally yesterday joe moran said that he could fix it but "as soon as anyone brings up anything to do with sudden acceleration" I am told to stop and do nothing." he said "it IS not in the best interest of the company to fix it." they clearly seemed to be telling me that this resistor (or sensor) IS part of the rapid acceleration problem with toyota vehicles and, although my vehicle IS not on the list of vehicles indicated for a "special protocol," this particular part IS traced to the rapid acceleration and they want nothing to do with it.
- Steering
Bends after driving on a crown road......3x.....bcp in smyrna de will not give me another changed left and right tie rod ends twiice and still cannot keep the vehicle on the road.
- Electrical system · Latches/locks/linkages
TL* the contact owns a 1990 lexus ls400. The contact stated that the front drivers side door failed to unlock from the inside or outside of the vehicle. The contact attempted both automatically and manually but the door failed to unlock and open. The contact stated that he had no alternative but…
TL* the contact owns a 1990 lexus ls400. The contact stated that the front drivers side door failed to unlock from the inside or outside of the vehicle. The contact attempted both automatically and manually but the door failed to unlock and open. The contact stated that he had no alternative but to exit through the passengers side door. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was unable to be replicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 130,000.
- Electrical system · Vehicle speed control
Accelerator pedal sticks and engine continues to accelerate. I can only stop it by pushing on the brake hard, putting it in neutral or turning off engine. Sometimes if I have room in front of my car, I can stop it by pumping the brake. This has occurred several times. I cannot tell what causes it. Definitely not floor mat. *tw
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Pump
I have a 1990 lexus LS 400 and I have had to change my alternator and power steering pump 3 times due to the power steering pump having a leak and there are millions having the same problem and it cost a lot of money I think lexus should have recalled their pumps to correct this problem please help…
I have a 1990 lexus LS 400 and I have had to change my alternator and power steering pump 3 times due to the power steering pump having a leak and there are millions having the same problem and it cost a lot of money I think lexus should have recalled their pumps to correct this problem please help me this IS becoming ridiculous. Every year I have to change my pump due to this problem they cost 600 dollars just the part someone should take some kind of notice to this major problem. *Tr
- Tires › Bead
The right rear tire had a bubble. consumer took the vehicle to dealer ,and they stated that vehicle was involved in a collision. consumer stated that vehicle had not been involved in any collision.*ak
- Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments
When closing the front doors the handle separated from the frame.*ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
Instrument panel lights don't work (speedometer) on 90 lexus ls400. apparently it's happened to all of them or IS happening to all of them. cost $2000 to repair! Not safe driving without seeing speed. (Entire cluster IS electronic so can't see even in daylight.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Consumer stated while traveling at 30 mph, another vehicle ran a light and the consumer hit the vehicle. consumer's vehicle was totaled. The driver side airbag did not deployed. the passengers neck and back was injured as a result. Passengers were wearing seat belts. *ph *ts *jb
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Passenger door lock mechanism on my 1990 lexus ls400 has failed to the point where door will not open from outside nor inside. lexus dealer wants $800 to fix the problem and the possibility of damaging door panel and scratching window. this IS clearly a safety hazard that lexus (toyota) should…
Passenger door lock mechanism on my 1990 lexus ls400 has failed to the point where door will not open from outside nor inside. lexus dealer wants $800 to fix the problem and the possibility of damaging door panel and scratching window. this IS clearly a safety hazard that lexus (toyota) should pay for. I have asked them to pay for it they refused. I am also adding the fact that the dealership has had other ls400's that they've fixed for this specific safety problem.
- Air bags › Frontal
While driving 30mph another vehicle pulled in front of consumer, and consumer rearended vehicle. Consumer's airbag didnot deploy.*ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Rear compartment/trunk
The wiring harness along the trunk keeps breaking. depending on which wire breaks each time, the effects range from loss of rear tailight functions to jerking of car when touching the brakes to sudden jump in rpm when moving gearshift. I have had the harness repaired. *Ak
- Unknown or other
Instrument gauge lighting (needles and gauge face) started to fail in nov. now I have no gauge lighting at all! panel IS what I think IS called electrolluminescent. lexus wants approximately $1500.00 to fix. I feel that this IS an extemely dangerous situation, since I can not see how fast I am traveling. I feel that the manufacturer should cover the expense of repair, at least partially, if not totally. *Ak
- Structure › Frame and members
Speed was about 20-35 mph. engine raced and car surged forward into car ah ead, pushing the car ahead forward. braking was very difficult. the air bag did not deploy. my mechanic inspected the car and found that the transmission mount bracket was sheared in two which caused the transmission to shift forward accelerating the car.
- Air bags › Frontal
When driver swerved to avoid hitting a animal in the road, the vehicle crashed into a telephone pole head-on, and the driver's side air bag did not deploy. The vehicle IS being repaired. *ak
- Seat belts
Both front seat belts do not fully retract.
- Seat belts
The two front seat belts do not retract properly against the body and hang loosely. Problem not corrected at this time. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Brakes failed, causing accident. *Sd
- Air bags › Frontal
Other: leather covering of driver's air bag cracked. *Sd
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Retractor fails to retract shoulder belts, resulting in belts getting caught in doors. *Dsh
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
The engine caught on fire while the vehicle was parked. Cause unknown. Please describe. tt
- Air bags › Frontal
Air bag deployment was violent, resulting in an injury. *ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10214355Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022
- 10207945POL: 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.
- 10205352Windshield Wiper Blade Maintenance and cleaning
- 10205346Auto matic Transmission Replacement kPrecautions
- 10205319Brake Pedal Force Gauge SST for Parking Brake Inspection.
- 10176283Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
- 10174889TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates
- 10174888TSB: 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 requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin.
- 10133923Lexus 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
- 10133849A 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.
- 10132108This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0082-14.
- 10132083Adhesive & sealant cross reference Information
- 10132006This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0092-13.
- 10132004The following procedures are recommended during routine maintenance or in the event of a customer concern for wiper performance.
- 10131964Lexus vehicles are equipped with Supplemental Restraint Systems (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 pre-tensioner devices did not perform as expected (including an unintended deployment event), please follow the steps in the recommendations section below.
- 10131653TSB: Replacement Certification Labels. OBSOLETE NOTICE November 28, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0179-17.
- 10111398LSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
- 10111205LSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may contaminate electrical contacts, and therefore increase electrical resistance and decrease switch performance. The use of any cleaners or fluids may increase the risk of further damage to electrical components.
- 10109447TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE-October 16, 2014: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0082-14.
- 10109445TSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle assembly replacement. Incorrect torque converter bolts or missing washers can cause damage to the torque converter assembly. Use the information in this bulletin when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly.
- 10109444TSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or transmission damage. Use the information in this bulletin when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly.
- 10000251Suspension ball joint inspection method.
- 619796Subject regarding steering wheelnut service specification.
- 619119Subject regarding new seat belt tongue plate stopper service parts.
- 41099Radiator reservoir tank sub-assembly and supply parts.
Every Lexus LS400 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.