1996 Lexus LS400
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Lexus › LS400 › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Lexus LS400. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1996 Lexus LS400. Newest first.
Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the passenger vehicles listed above. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. the recall began on july 1, 2006. owners may contact ck motorsport at 1-909-610-7211.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A starter motor no-start condition or an underhood fire can result.
Remedy
Dealers will repair the magnetic switch.
Owner complaints
19 complaints4 involved a crash1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling
Per lexus technical service bulletin eg002-97, which doesn't appear on the nhtsa website but which can be found online by clicking on the link from post #77 at this web page: http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/topic/15699-9596-ls400-low-idle-engine-dies-and-jerking-thre/page-6 my '96 ls400…
Per lexus technical service bulletin eg002-97, which doesn't appear on the nhtsa website but which can be found online by clicking on the link from post #77 at this web page: http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/topic/15699-9596-ls400-low-idle-engine-dies-and-jerking-thre/page-6 my '96 ls400 has the same engine-stall-at-idle-after-continuous-long-drive problem as every other early production car made with vins before [xxx]. go on the highway, drive 50 miles, exit, the car idle speed drops to where the car stalls out. put it into neutral, turn the key, it starts right back up, no more problem. or, drive on the highway, drive 50 miles, encounter stop-and-go traffic, the idle speed drops to where the car stalls out. put it into neutral, turn the key, it starts right back up, no more problem. I got tapped by the car behind me when at 1 mph I was coming to a red light exiting the freeway and the car died, the light turned green and it took me a frantic moment to try putting the car into neutral and restarting it while stopped in the middle of traffic. this IS a clear safety issue that lexus clearly knows about (see eg002-97) but which the nhtsa has done nothing about vis-a-vis a recall, even though lexus themselves fixed the problem in later-production '96 ls400s. the problem IS in the engine control module software, resulting in a fix and a new part # for the ecm, going from 89661-50302 to 89661-50303. doing a google search one can find many forums where people describe having the problem and fixing it with the changed ecm. I just bought the car used and had no idea this problem existed. lexus corporate refuses to pay for the swapout, saying the warranty period IS past. the same problem affected '95 ls400's -- see nhtsa complaints 10692841, 10483633, 10438716, 10067491, etc. nhtsa - help, make them do a recall & give us the fix. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Unknown or other
The nhtsa website for reporting/displaying vehicle safety problems for my 96 lexus ls400 (safercar.gov) shows there were only 12 service bulletins, yet in fact there were many many more not shown on the nhtsa site. going to the site www.alldatadiy.com/tsb/31/96310210.html one can see a complete…
The nhtsa website for reporting/displaying vehicle safety problems for my 96 lexus ls400 (safercar.gov) shows there were only 12 service bulletins, yet in fact there were many many more not shown on the nhtsa site. going to the site www.alldatadiy.com/tsb/31/96310210.html one can see a complete list of service bulletins, 108 by my count. a similar disparity in lists applies to the nhtsa website for the 95 ls400, which on www.alldatadiy.com/tsb/31/95310210.html shows 128 service bulletins apply, but a nhtsa website safercar.gov search only shows 12, same number it shows for 96. now obviously the two years aren't in reality going to have the exact same number of service bulletins, yet that IS what the nhtsa site shows, 12 each year, both way short of the real numbers of 128 and 108 bulletins, respectively, for the 95 and 96 model years. this issue of incomplete data at the nhtsa makes it difficult to reference a particular service bulletin when reporting a serious safety issue with a particular car because it seems the nhtsa has no knowledge of all the relevant bulletins and so cannot verify that the manufacturer knows about and has a fix for a particular problem but has nonetheless failed to elevate it to the level of a recall, leaving the poor owners to fend for themselves if they bring in a car with a problem and the dealer fails to diagnose the problem as one described in one of their own service bulletins. nhtsa needs to get its data-updating process fixed so all the service bulletins for a vehicle appear on their own safercar.,gov site, for use by people creating complaints as well as by the nhtsa investigators themselves, so people can request that nhtsa elevate serious safety problems (like the one in lexus technical service bulletin eg002-97, where cars stall when idling on the freeway) to the level of a recall and not just a bulletin given to dealers.
- Electrical system · Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1996 lexus ls400. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 116,000. updated 02/23/16*lj updated 05/04/18*jb *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Driving vehicle down freeway started smelling gasoline odor. Drove straight to nearest toyota dealer. To make a long story short, the seams of the fuel tank had split open. Since the fuel tank IS located in the trunk the fuel drained into the cabin of the vehicle and also was spilling out on the…
Driving vehicle down freeway started smelling gasoline odor. Drove straight to nearest toyota dealer. To make a long story short, the seams of the fuel tank had split open. Since the fuel tank IS located in the trunk the fuel drained into the cabin of the vehicle and also was spilling out on the drive of the dealership when I arrived. Tejas toyota in humble, tx. The dealer personnel immediately took the vehicle to a remote location on their lot due to the great possibility of an explosion. I contacted lexus to notify of the situation, received an incident number. Car was repaired, when complete I notified lexus, they seemed not to care much, offered to make me an appointment at a lexus dealership to verify the toyota dealer had installed the new parts correctly for a charge. That IS after paying over $2,300.00 for a new fuel tank. They closed the incident report much to my dismay. the money IS not the issue but my concern that this might be an age issue that could affect others. I had put out a cigarette just before a full tank of fuel emptied into the vehicle. Oh and yes I had filled the tank just before the incident. I do possess this original defective tank. Tejas toyota can verify all of this information and the tank IS available for inspection at my home. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 1996 lexus ls400. The contact attempted to start the vehicle when the battery caught on fire at the positive post. He stated that he was able to extinguish the fire yet the vehicle would no longer start. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for the failure where the…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 lexus ls400. The contact attempted to start the vehicle when the battery caught on fire at the positive post. He stated that he was able to extinguish the fire yet the vehicle would no longer start. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for the failure where the mechanic advised him of a recall under nhtsa campaign ID number: 98v016000 (electrical system; starter assembly). He then called the manufacturer and was advised that the recall work had previously been performed on the vehicle. The mechanic advised him that the starter, battery and battery cables would need to be replaced. The contact also stated that he was unable to shift gears. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 170,000.
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor
Vehicle was having a problem with the seat belts retracting. The seat belt did not go back into its original position after it was extended. Provide further details. *nm
- Vehicle speed control
Sudden acceleration. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
There was a strong fuel smell inside vehicle. Vehicle was inspected by dealer 5 times before fuel tank was replaced.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
The brake rotors are experiencing premature warping. *mjs
- Visibility › Windshield
As highway speed IS increased frontal/side wind off windshield caused at two different times for me to have to realign the car on the roadway due to this problem, also as the speed increases the inside of the car IS noisy.*ak
- Tires · Tires › Tread/belt
Left rear tire had a separated tread and a buldge causing the vehicle to vibrate while driven. nlm bridgestone (dot eal6146 size 225/60r16-97v ER-33)
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
After making a complete stop vehicle rolled for about 4-5 feet causing a rearend collision. dealer could not determine the cause. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Timing belt off on tooth causing poor performance (hard starts).
- Wheels › Rim
Wheel rims rusted resulting in failure.
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery
Battery failed.
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
Driver's exterior rear view mirror vibrates while driving, distorting driver's vision.
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc. · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Poor radio reception.
- Unknown or other
Cannot read clock and temperature display due to sunshine/potential hazard if driver if concentrating on trying to read display rather than the road.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Low beams are incorrectly adjusted. *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.
- 619113Subject regarding retro-fit internal trunk release kits.
- 612528Subject regarding seat heater replacement procedure.
- 611200Information on the seat heater replacement procedure. *Mjs
- 600995Starter switch special service campaign .
- 600355Vehicle experiencing static noise on weak am stations.
- 52245Evap charcoal canister noise.
- 52244Window regulator popping noise.
- 52035Driveability improvement.
- 52028Publication correction information.
Every Lexus LS400 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.