1993 Lexus LS400
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Lexus › LS400 › 1993
These records cover every 1993 Lexus LS400. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
65 complaints5 involved a crash1 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Vehicle speed control
The first time my ecu failed was when I was parked I want to drive and the engine would not go above 1000rmps. I got the ecu replaced this was around 2013. The second time was a month ago. I was driving home from work had a huge thud in the engine and the same thing my car could no longer go above…
The first time my ecu failed was when I was parked I want to drive and the engine would not go above 1000rmps. I got the ecu replaced this was around 2013. The second time was a month ago. I was driving home from work had a huge thud in the engine and the same thing my car could no longer go above 1000rpms and couldn't get threw the intersection. The car behind me had to slam on there breaks because my car had lost all power. I made it home and was able to get a tow truck. By the time the tow truck arrived the car would start but then completely die. Took it to a mechanic they had it for a week said it fixed itself. One hour after I got it the car started to act up again. The car IS back in the shop. They had to send the ecu out to get repaired. I did some research and apparently the parts lexus used on the ecu are faulty and leek. Causing the motherboard to short. I still have not gotten my car back and don't know if the car will be fixed once they get the computer back. Please research more as this IS not a cheap fix and for it to happen twice....which I'm sure you already know IS not something common to have to repair on a car let alone twice. Will send more documentation once I get my car back. Or feel free to contact me.
- Electrical system
Dash functions don't work at times. speed, fuel level,etc are not indicated when car IS at rest or moving. this has been a recurring problem with the result that I fear driving the car and won't sell it as it IS now. at around $1800 to repair with no guarantee the replacement IS not buggy, I feel betrayed and dismissed by toyota.
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owned a 1993 lexus ls400. While driving at a low rate of speed, the vehicle accelerated at a high rate of speed when the brake pedal was depressed. As a result, the vehicle drove over a curb and crashed up a slope near a wooded area. There were no injuries and a police report was…
TL* the contact owned a 1993 lexus ls400. While driving at a low rate of speed, the vehicle accelerated at a high rate of speed when the brake pedal was depressed. As a result, the vehicle drove over a curb and crashed up a slope near a wooded area. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. in addition, there was an abnormal noise heard near the engine compartment and front end of the vehicle as the vehicle surged at an extremely high rate of speed. The failure was reported to the insurance company and the manufacturer. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a collision center. The contact was waiting on a response from the manufacturer regarding the unintended acceleration failure. The approximate failure mileage was 201,600.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
Recently the car began to stumble under acceleration while driving up a hill or merging into traffic or maintaining speed while driving on the interstate. I initially thought it was a fuel supply issue so I changed out the fuel filter, without any improvement in the problem. I was going to…
Recently the car began to stumble under acceleration while driving up a hill or merging into traffic or maintaining speed while driving on the interstate. I initially thought it was a fuel supply issue so I changed out the fuel filter, without any improvement in the problem. I was going to change the fuel pump also and while researching on the internet I learned of a problem with bad electrolytic capacitors inside the car's ecu (engine computer) which can mimic a fuel supply problem. I am a trained electronics technician, so I removed and disassembled the vehicle's ecu and replaced 2 capacitors (cost, less than $1) that I could see were bad (leaking electrolyte fluid). I test drove the car and the "fuel supply problem" was gone, it drove normally again and did not stumble when the accelerator pedal was pressed. I ordered the other 5 or 6 electrolytic capacitors in the ecu (from an outside source, the dealer will only sell a complete ecu for $2000 plus) to hopefully prevent future occurrences. in conclusion, it appears the bad capacitors are the result of a "large-scale industrial espionage foul-up". not a joke! this resulted in defective capacitors being used in many electronic assemblies (consumer electronics, automotive, household, etc.) until the issue was discovered, see www.badcaps.net for the story. I forget where I learned of the capacitor problem on the ls400, but it was just by searching online. so basically, lexus IS charging customers over $2000 to repair a safety issue (that IS caused by less than $5 worth of parts (retail cost) and a little soldering skills/labor) that was the result of improperly designed/manufactured electronic components from their supplier. *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
While traveling on the interstate at night-time, the lighting on the instrument panel went completely dark and it became impossible to read any of the cars instrumentation such as vehicle speed and warning indicators. at various times since then the gauges in the instrument panel have also become…
While traveling on the interstate at night-time, the lighting on the instrument panel went completely dark and it became impossible to read any of the cars instrumentation such as vehicle speed and warning indicators. at various times since then the gauges in the instrument panel have also become unreliable, these include the fuel level gauge, the speedometer, and the tachometer. at times they will not move from their "0" setting, such as when the vehicle IS powered off, until they warm-up or you bang the dash with your hand and at other times they will not work at all. the lighting problem still occurs on the instruments also. the dealer said all they could do was replace the instrument panel and components in the dash at a cost of over $2000 plus labor, so often I just have to guess how fast I am driving or how much fuel IS in the car as the repair would be almost as much as I paid for the car (the instruments were working when I purchased the car). *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
While driving or when first starting the vehicle the whole dash will go dark and not light back up or keep flickering. you are unable to see how fast you are going or any warning lights and the gas gauge does not work when the dash lights go out. driving alone IS unsafe and even with our 2…
While driving or when first starting the vehicle the whole dash will go dark and not light back up or keep flickering. you are unable to see how fast you are going or any warning lights and the gas gauge does not work when the dash lights go out. driving alone IS unsafe and even with our 2 children makes it very unsafe not knowing how fast you are going and fuel gauge not working so you could run out of fuel and left stranded with kids on the road. many complaints have been made about this problem and lexus refuses any acknowledgement of this problem and something really needs to be done! *tr
- Electrical system
My 1993 lexus ls400 dashlights went out while driving from atlanta, ga to miami, fl on january 8TH, 2011. I could not see the speedometer or any gauges! I have sent the circuit boards to a licensed electrical engineer to get it fixed. Everything IS good now but almost crashed at night and almost got a ticket because I could not see the gauges! *tr
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Electrical problem: instrument panel. *Tr
- Electrical system
The gauge cluster lighting on my 1993 lexus ls400 does not come on unless it IS above 75 degrees or so outside or in the passanger compartment. The lighting of the gauge cluster IS not just needed at night. With the gauges being electronicly lit you can't see your speed, revs, engine temp, or fuel…
The gauge cluster lighting on my 1993 lexus ls400 does not come on unless it IS above 75 degrees or so outside or in the passanger compartment. The lighting of the gauge cluster IS not just needed at night. With the gauges being electronicly lit you can't see your speed, revs, engine temp, or fuel level day or night unless the car IS fully warmed up or it's hot outside. Needless to say that in the winter even during the day, the lights are no where neer warm enough to light up. Lexus has no suggestions other than replace the unit with an expensive brand new one that will have the same problem in a few years. They have not made any change to the circutry or lighting in order to accomadate for their problem.
- Electrical system
1993 lexus ls400 cluster light failure resulting in the dashboard lights being completely unreadable. unable to determine speed, gas level or any warning lights. read in the lexus forums that this IS very common and lexus refuses to recall even though death or injury could result. *Tr
- Electrical system
Speedometer - instrument cluster lighting failure. Because of some faulty condenser spillage cluster lighting fails. *Tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
1993 lexus LS 400 dash lights don't work, including speedometer. *Tr
- Electrical system
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 lexus ls400. while driving approximately 40 mph on normal road conditions, the instrument cluster failed to display readings for the speedometer, tachometer, and fuel gauge. there were no warnings prior to these failures. the vehicle was taken to an independent…
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 lexus ls400. while driving approximately 40 mph on normal road conditions, the instrument cluster failed to display readings for the speedometer, tachometer, and fuel gauge. there were no warnings prior to these failures. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing and it was confirmed that the instrument cluster required replacement. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were unknown.
- Electrical system
My lexus 1993 ls400 instrument panel does not light up when car IS started. it takes about 25 minutes of the car running until the lights start to flicker and finally come on. when they aren't on, we cannot tell how fast we going, how much gas we have and etc. I have been on many sites about…
My lexus 1993 ls400 instrument panel does not light up when car IS started. it takes about 25 minutes of the car running until the lights start to flicker and finally come on. when they aren't on, we cannot tell how fast we going, how much gas we have and etc. I have been on many sites about this and it seems to be a very big problem with these cars. the dealers want about 2-3 grand to fix. why hasn't a recall been done about this problem. these cars are notorious for this problem. When driving at night its completely dark in the car and if we were to get pulled over for not knowing how fast we are going, we could get a ticket for the dash board lights not working. "um, sir, I am not sure how fast I was going because the dash lights don't work", that's not a good answer!! lexus has fumbled the ball on this one! these are expensive cars, they need to be held responsible for putting crap parts in them. please help. *Tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
My instrument cluster lighting does not illuminate when the car IS started, but sometimes will come on after several minutes. the problem has just recently started, but seems to be getting worse (taking longer for the lights to come on if at all). no steps have been taken yet to repair, but given…
My instrument cluster lighting does not illuminate when the car IS started, but sometimes will come on after several minutes. the problem has just recently started, but seems to be getting worse (taking longer for the lights to come on if at all). no steps have been taken yet to repair, but given the severity of the impact, safety concerns will probably force me to pay a significant service bill at the dealer soon. when I drive at night, the entire instrument cluster and center console IS dark. even during full daylight, I can not tell how fast I am going, the fuel level, etc. the lexus club forum indicates that many others have experienced the same problem and have registered complaints with both lexus and this site. *Tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
'93 lexus ls400 instrument cluster does not illuminate until car IS warm (30-60 minutes) unable to see how fast I am going. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
No light in instrumental cluster. Empty fuel tank. outside temperature off. Odometer and trp off. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 lexus ls400. the contact stated that the instrument cluster was vibrating and the gauges displayed inaccurate readings. the contact believed that it was a safety hazard. the vehicle was taken to a dealer and they stated that the cluster needed to be replaced. the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1993 lexus ls400. the contact stated that the instrument cluster was vibrating and the gauges displayed inaccurate readings. the contact believed that it was a safety hazard. the vehicle was taken to a dealer and they stated that the cluster needed to be replaced. the contact replaced it approximately four years ago, but the failure still exists. the powertrain and purchase date were unknown. the current mileage was approximately 200,000 and failure mileage was 190,000.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
1993 lexus ls400--failure of dash lights--started with flicking and proceeds to no lights at all--no way to read speed and other information. car has less then 50,000 miles and has been maintained well. *cn
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Instrument cluster flickers or goes blank makeing it impossible to know how fast or slow you are going and how much gas IS in the car. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
1993 lexus ls400 malfunctioning front display panel customer IS asking for a recall to be done**cc the defective panel at times lights up initially and immediately goes off. the consumer IS unable to read odometer, fuel level and temperature gauges. *jb
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Dash lights do not work when cold. *ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
The instrument panel on my '93 LS 400 IS not functioning properly. sometimes when it IS cold it won't light up. in addition, the speedometer and the tachometer only work sporadically. I understand that this has been a problem with lexus vehicles for years and I want to lend my voice to the many…
The instrument panel on my '93 LS 400 IS not functioning properly. sometimes when it IS cold it won't light up. in addition, the speedometer and the tachometer only work sporadically. I understand that this has been a problem with lexus vehicles for years and I want to lend my voice to the many who have already experienced this problem. this has to do with a design flaw in the manufacturing of this component and should be recalled. the dealer wants almost $2000 to repair a problem that should never exist. the worst part about that IS that the new module will have the same design flaw that the old one has. even my '58 chevy had a speedometer that worked. I believe that lexus has taken a head in the sand attitude toward this problem and should be made accountable.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Instrument cluster does not come on until the car warms up, sometime it takes 30 minutes. You can not see how fast your going,fuel level or anything related to dash lights. *jb
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Digital dashboard problems this IS my second lexus LS , and on both cars the dash lights have failed to work . this IS a safety issue because you can not see how fast your are going , and if there IS a problem with the srs or ant locking system the driver has no way of knowing there IS a problem until it IS to late. *nm
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.
- 619113Subject regarding retro-fit internal trunk release kits.
- 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.