1998 Lexus LS400
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Lexus › LS400 › 1998
These records cover every 1998 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 1998 Lexus LS400. Newest first.
Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain 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
Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. the recall began on april 3, 2006. owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.
Owner complaints
45 complaints7 involved a crash3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system › Starter assembly
TL* the contact owns a 1998 lexus ls400. While stationary, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the vehicle started after several attempts were made. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 lexus ls400. While stationary, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the vehicle started after several attempts were made. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer (arrowhead lexus in peoria, arizona) was made aware of the failure and stated that an unknown recall on the vehicle had closed/expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The recall information was not provided. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
Twice, with two different drivers, this vehicle has accelerated/surged at a stop. the vehicle was able to be held steady by pressing the brake as hard as possible, but vehicle still surged and tried to move forward. on the first incident, the vehicle was put in neutral and continued to rev…
Twice, with two different drivers, this vehicle has accelerated/surged at a stop. the vehicle was able to be held steady by pressing the brake as hard as possible, but vehicle still surged and tried to move forward. on the first incident, the vehicle was put in neutral and continued to rev momentarily. after the first incident, the lexus oem floor mat (standard, not all season) was removed. the same event occurred again tonight with a different driver and the floor mat still removed. I am quite concerned this may be related to other toyota recalls. *tr
- Air bags · Suspension
The airbags in the front of the car dropped and it weighs the front of the car down so I need to warm up the car so that the front engine rises and doesn't scrape when you turn the wheel. please advise if this can be checked by lexis for safety reasons free of charge. thank you for your prompt…
The airbags in the front of the car dropped and it weighs the front of the car down so I need to warm up the car so that the front engine rises and doesn't scrape when you turn the wheel. please advise if this can be checked by lexis for safety reasons free of charge. thank you for your prompt attention to this inquiry. kind regards, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1998 lexus ls400. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. The vehicle traveled into a residential garage and crashed into a wall. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The shop…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 lexus ls400. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. The vehicle traveled into a residential garage and crashed into a wall. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The shop technician diagnosed the wrong problem. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 153,000 and the current mileage was 160,000. Updated 07/22/14 ma
- Structure › Body › Hood › Hinge and attachments
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 lexus ls400. The contact stated that the hood of the vehicle was fully opened in a secured position and without warning, it suddenly released in a downward position and closed. The hood released on the contacts left hand and caused injury to the middle finger. The contact…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 lexus ls400. The contact stated that the hood of the vehicle was fully opened in a secured position and without warning, it suddenly released in a downward position and closed. The hood released on the contacts left hand and caused injury to the middle finger. The contact planned to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the failure mileage was approximately 111,000. updated 01/24/11 *bf the consumer stated the hydraulic pistons which were supposed to keep the hood securely and fully opened failed suddenly, while his hand was under the hood. The consumer was unable to move his hand in time. Updated 03/22/11
- Unknown or other
On september 27,2005, my1998 lexus LS 400 rammed into the car in front of me. I was stopped in traffic with my foot on the brake. my car accelerated not once, but twice into the car in front of me. when the police and firemen came, the policeman stood next to my window and asked me to put the…
On september 27,2005, my1998 lexus LS 400 rammed into the car in front of me. I was stopped in traffic with my foot on the brake. my car accelerated not once, but twice into the car in front of me. when the police and firemen came, the policeman stood next to my window and asked me to put the car in neutral so that the firemen could push the car out of the road. the car accelerated in reverse and almost ran over the firemen. the policeman noted this in his report. I was on airport blvd. Within 1 mile of the mobile airport. My car was taken to lexus of mobile where they could not reproduce the problem. I never drove the car again because I had no confidence in it. I felt that this information might be of help to someone looking into the toyota problems.
- Vehicle speed control
Acceleration stuck, rpms lock in at about 2000. Failure occurs about once or twice day, but usually only if the air condition IS turned off. this has been going on for years now with my vehicle. I turn off vehicle and restart it to correct the problem and regain control of the accelerator, it…
Acceleration stuck, rpms lock in at about 2000. Failure occurs about once or twice day, but usually only if the air condition IS turned off. this has been going on for years now with my vehicle. I turn off vehicle and restart it to correct the problem and regain control of the accelerator, it almost always returns after restart. I believe this may be caused by fault in lexus electronic throttle system and since you all are finally investigating this I thought I should report it in case you would like to examine my vehicle since it occurs so often. I was told by lexus I should purchase a new throttle body, I haven't done so because I do not see how that will correct my accelerator from sticking in one position during driving and I believe this IS more of a serious safety issue now with the recalls finally being done. *Tr
- Air bags › Frontal
This happened with no warning. steering wheel was hard to turn counter clockwise and would bind when turned almost all the way. I turned it all the way and there was a loud "snap" sound. I then noticed the air bag light came on in the dash. After the "snap" it was easier to turn the steering wheel…
This happened with no warning. steering wheel was hard to turn counter clockwise and would bind when turned almost all the way. I turned it all the way and there was a loud "snap" sound. I then noticed the air bag light came on in the dash. After the "snap" it was easier to turn the steering wheel clockwise and counter clockwise. I don't know what IS wrong but will take the car to the dealer to check this out. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
Time, date and location: monday, may 19 at approximately 3:30 pm at the blockbuster parking lot in stafford, va vehicle: 1998 lexus ls400 I was pulling into a parking space in front of the blockbuster. I had my foot on the brake to slowly pull into the space. suddenly, the engine revved and…
Time, date and location: monday, may 19 at approximately 3:30 pm at the blockbuster parking lot in stafford, va vehicle: 1998 lexus ls400 I was pulling into a parking space in front of the blockbuster. I had my foot on the brake to slowly pull into the space. suddenly, the engine revved and the car jumped the curb and repeatedly hit the front of the blockbuster. I pushed down hard on the brake, but it would not respond. I put the car in park and the car stopped. *tr
- Electrical system › Starter assembly
1. Vehicle has trouble starting. 2. Starter failure. have to turn ignition several times (15-20) to get the starter to rotate. I know there was a nhtsa campaign 98v016000 on the 1995 through 1997 lexus ls400 for the starter assembly due to improper assembly of the terminal for the magnetic…
1. Vehicle has trouble starting. 2. Starter failure. have to turn ignition several times (15-20) to get the starter to rotate. I know there was a nhtsa campaign 98v016000 on the 1995 through 1997 lexus ls400 for the starter assembly due to improper assembly of the terminal for the magnetic switch. my question IS can my vehicle be covered under this campaign considering the 1998 ls400 was built in 1997. also can this cause an underhood fire in my vehicle while I'm continuing to start my vehicle with this problem persisting? thank you for your time. 3. Vehicle has not been repaired yet. *jb
- Unknown or other
The vehicle was damaged with altered paper and the rear passenger panel was scraped behind the tire. it appeared as though this damage was pre-existing. *bf the damages occurred while being sipped from florida to new jersey. *sc
- Suspension › Front › Stabilizer bar
Driving at 25 mph I heard a beeping sound and the vsc off light on the dash came up along with the check engine light. I believe my vehicle then went into fail safe mode because the vehicle would no longer allow me to accelerate with gas pedal. however vehicle would move approximately 12(mph) on…
Driving at 25 mph I heard a beeping sound and the vsc off light on the dash came up along with the check engine light. I believe my vehicle then went into fail safe mode because the vehicle would no longer allow me to accelerate with gas pedal. however vehicle would move approximately 12(mph) on its own when I release constant pressure from the brake pedal. when I placed in neutral or park position, rpm's would rise to about 2000(rpm). turned off power to vehicle and restarted, still vehicle would only move 12(mph) on its own. again powered down vehicle and restarted then turned off the vsc before the car would scan for trouble and this action returned to me control over the vehicle. I noticed the gs300 and gs400 lexus was recalled april 16, 1998-nhtsa campaign ID number 98v080000. my question IS if the same vsc system IS on the ls400, I believe it should receive equal treatment if perhaps this problem IS related in some odd way to the yaw rate sensor.*ak
- Vehicle speed control
Stopped at a red light and the car accelerated to the point it was spinning tires. car was put into park and the car was brought under control. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Vehicle speed control
Consumer states while applying brakes suudenly vehicle surged forward. Dealer notified. *Ak
- Vehicle speed control
While trying to park, vehicle suddenly surged forward and ran into a store before stopping. consumer had brakes applied. Contacted dealer. *Ak jlg
- Vehicle speed control › Linkages
While parking vehicle at 5 mph, and without warning, vehicle suddenly lunged foward, slamming into a wall. vehicle was towed to a body shop. please provide any further information.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components · Vehicle speed control
At a stop vehicle lurched out of control and accelerated without touching gas pedal. brakes did not stop vehicle, and rearended another vehicle. damaged hood and grill on vehicle. contacted dealer and vehicle was repaired.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Driving under normal conditions, traction control warning beeper and light would come on, car would swerve as brakes and accellerator would actuate without input from driver. this happened four times over the past year. each time car was taken to dealership. they say they can't duplicate the…
Driving under normal conditions, traction control warning beeper and light would come on, car would swerve as brakes and accellerator would actuate without input from driver. this happened four times over the past year. each time car was taken to dealership. they say they can't duplicate the problem so take car back and bring it in when it does it again. we have done that 4 times now. problem does not get fixed. while we can't predict when it will occur, the swerving was more pronounced on this last episode and almost caused veering into on-coming traffic. this car IS now in the dangerous lives threatening problem category. while everyone at lexus we have contacted IS polite, etc. the problem does not get solved and they want us to take the car back and, "bring it in when it happens again." that IS not a solution, it IS a hand back the problem to the customeraction. we are concerned that problem will cause a serious accident, ant think that the maufacturer should take the car back, change out every computer, sensor, and chip related to any system that could actuate the traction control system phenomena we are experiencing. we have contacted lexus of us in torrance, ca. And the dealership here in melbourne f we also contacted nhtsa by phone and spoke to a rep who assigned an ID# 607064 and said forms would be sent to us by mail. we have not yet received anything. this IS to ask for help in getting this problem fixed before someone gets killed or seriously injured.l.tem that. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) · Suspension › Front
Automatic traction control light comes on, there IS a beeping sound, and vehicle swerves like it IS going into a curve, usually to left. problem will occur randomly over 40 mph, weather conditions do not play a factor in defect. *ak consumer states when problem occurs, the accelerator…
Automatic traction control light comes on, there IS a beeping sound, and vehicle swerves like it IS going into a curve, usually to left. problem will occur randomly over 40 mph, weather conditions do not play a factor in defect. *ak consumer states when problem occurs, the accelerator, brakes, and steering are actuated without any input from the driver and problem IS not weather related, dealer has kept vehicle long periods of time, one instance for almost 1 month, always comes back and can not figure out the problem, consumer feels the problem IS related to computer or sensor defect. *slc
- Tires
The bridgestone tires on the vehicle experienced two flats on both right rear and left rear within 4 months, consumer replaced all the bridgestone tires due to problems, tires were replacement tires not original equipment. *mjs
- Vehicle speed control
Vehicle experienced sudden acceleration, causing an accident where no one was injured, the vehicle was towed to dealer who could find no problem even though this happened twice in one day. *slc
- Tires
No summary
- Tires › Tread/belt
PE00 020; consumer was traveling about 85mph on highway and it was a 100 degrees. she heard a bumping noise. tire was hitting up against the vehicle. right rear tire tread had came apart. bridgestone e33255/60yr16 high speed.*ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
Tread separation while driving. was able to stop before the tire blew out. sears called bridgestone about the defect and they replaced it free of charge, since they knew about the problem with that tire. however, they would not rplace the remaining three tires, which could incurr the same separation and potential blow out.*ak( dot number: tire size: p22560v16 )
- Vehicle speed control › Linkages
Sudden acceleration when applying brakes to bring vehicle to a stop, causing vehicle to rear end another vehicle in front of consumer. Driver received a sprained waist. Dealer notified. *ak *ML
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Unintended engine speed increase/sa
On may 13, 2003 the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) received an april 25, 2003 letter from mr. Peter boddaert petitioning the agency to conduct a petition analysis of certain 1997 through 2000 model year lexus 300 and 400 series vehicles for problems of vehicle speed control linkages which…
On may 13, 2003 the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) received an april 25, 2003 letter from mr. Peter boddaert petitioning the agency to conduct a petition analysis of certain 1997 through 2000 model year lexus 300 and 400 series vehicles for problems of vehicle speed control linkages which results in sudden, unexpected excessive (vehicle) acceleration even though there IS no pressure [sic]applied to the accelerator pedal.in support of his petition, mr. Boddaert cites a number of odi reports concerning vehicle speed control linkages in the subject vehicles.included amongst the thirty-six reports he cites IS one involving a lexus that collided with five other cars in the space of one-half mile before it could be stopped.odi found no data indicating the existence of a defect trend related to the petitioner's allegations at this time.therefore, there IS no reasonable possibility that an order concerning the notification and remedy of a safety-related defect would be issued as a result of granting mr. Boddaert's petition.consequently, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa's limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition IS denied.
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
- 10205331Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset
- 10205330Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset
- 10205329Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset.
- 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.
- 10132734TSB: 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.
- 10132726TSB: 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.
- 10132108This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0082-14.
- 10132083Adhesive & sealant cross reference Information
- 10132074Beginning in 1998, Lexus introduced side airbags as optional equipment. Lexus does NOT recommend replacement of original seat covers with non-Lexus leather or other seat cover materials on vehicles due to the following: Seat covers NOT recommended by Lexus may affect side airbag performance, in general or in part, during an accident. Modifications that negatively affect side airbag performance can result in severe occupant injuries. Seat covers are an integral part of this safety system. Replacing fabric seat covers with non-Lexus leather or other seat cover materials may compromise the effectiveness of this safety system. The design of the seat is complex, integrating safety and strength with comfort and luxury. Lexus strongly discourages modifying original equipment seats that have optional side airbags. Additionally, Lexus strongly advises against the installation or use of aftermarket seat covers, which could impair the performance of the side airbags in the event of an accident.
- 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.
- 10109384TSB: 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.
- 10054797Lexus: information regarding the seat cover replacement, equipped with side air bags, the modifications that might negatively affect side air bag performance can result in severe injuries.
- 10005800Steering column noise. (2004 lexus ls430)
- 10000251Suspension ball joint inspection method.
- 6088671Subject regarding blower motor improve durability.
- 627095Subject regarding air conditioner indicators malfunction. *Slc
- 627088Subject regarding miles since refuel display resetting. *Slc
- 622300On some vehicles, the miles since refuel display may reset to zero even though vehicle has not been refueled.*jb
- 622172On some vehicle the multifunction-info display reset to zero even though the vehicle had not been refueled.jb
- 622015Subject regarding repair manual corrections.
- 619796Subject regarding steering wheelnut service specification.
- 619119Subject regarding new seat belt tongue plate stopper service parts.
- 619113Subject regarding retro-fit internal trunk release kits.
Every Lexus LS400 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.