1999 Lexus LS400
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Lexus › LS400 › 1999
These records cover every 1999 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 1999 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
22 complaints7 involved a crash102 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1999 lexus ls400. The contact stated that while driving 15 mph, he applied the brake due to traffic. However, the vehicle accelerated independently and crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The crash caused damage to both vehicles as well as an injured knee of the driver…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 lexus ls400. The contact stated that while driving 15 mph, he applied the brake due to traffic. However, the vehicle accelerated independently and crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The crash caused damage to both vehicles as well as an injured knee of the driver of the vehicle that was struck. The failure had recurred numerous times. The dealer was notified and he was informed the throttle body would probably need to be replaced. Also, he was informed that due to the type of failure he would have to contact the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that the legal department would have to be notified but offered no other assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000 and current mileage was 145,000. updated 02/19/13
- Structure › Body › Hood
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 lexus ls400. the contact stated that while working under the hood it started closing creating a safety hazard. The vehicle was repaired by a local mechanic. Toyota was not contacted. the vin was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. the current mileage was 120,000.
- Electrical system
Our 1999ls400 lexus IS experiencing malfunctions with the electronics in the dash. the odometer and the speedometer are working intermittently. Lexus wants 1200.00 to pull out dash and send away to repair. I am concerned this IS a huge safety issue. I don't know whose replacing what and are…
Our 1999ls400 lexus IS experiencing malfunctions with the electronics in the dash. the odometer and the speedometer are working intermittently. Lexus wants 1200.00 to pull out dash and send away to repair. I am concerned this IS a huge safety issue. I don't know whose replacing what and are they certified lexus mechanics??? are these early model ls400's having electronics problems or IS this just a single case? Please let me know. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Vehicle speed control
I am reporting this because it might provide a clue to the toyota racing engine problem. on each of two days before I took my 1999 lexus 400 to the dealer for repairs, the engine would race at an estimated 4,000+ rpms and emitted a grinding sound as the car was started. After turning off the…
I am reporting this because it might provide a clue to the toyota racing engine problem. on each of two days before I took my 1999 lexus 400 to the dealer for repairs, the engine would race at an estimated 4,000+ rpms and emitted a grinding sound as the car was started. After turning off the engine with the key, the car would restart without a problem. strangely, the dealer did not record this particular complaint, but stated that diagnosis revealed that starter was failing. I was charged $990 for replacement and repairs. I could not get a satisfactory answer as to why a faulty starter would cause the engine to race. I have driven the car over 10,000 miles since then without a problem. *Tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 lexus ls400. When the contact started the vehicle she noticed that the dashboard panel would no longer function. The vehicle was taken to the dealership where the contact was informed that the entire dashboard panel needed to be replaced. There were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 90000. updated 07/07/10.*jb
- Electrical system · Interior lighting
1999 400ls lexus dash panel defective. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
I'm writing this in the hopes that it may be of some help in toyotas brake problem. My 1999 lexus ls400 would loose throttle control, the engine speed would drop to idle regardless of what was done to the throttle itself. After 3 trips to the dealer, they found that the throttle position sensor would not work if it had become wet. They replaced the tps and that cured the problem. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
1999 lexus LS 400. Sudden acceleration. *Tr
- Seat belts · Steering
The seat belts on my car do not retract or stay tight on me anymore. they continue to loosen as I drive. they are stiff almost brittle. the steering wheel does not move out like it used to. now it moves away from the dash in an upward direction toward my face. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
We have owned 3 lexus and all 3 of them have had problems with the digital radio print out. We took it to a dealer and they would replace it for over $500.00. we also contacted the customer service dept. And they would do nothing to replace it. It seem to me that such an expensive vehicle should have a radio that works.
- Power train
While slowly pulling into a shoppping center parking place that was perpendicular to the street, I had my foot on the brake when my vehicle suddenly accelerated and lunged over the curb and across the sidewalk into a building. lexus has been notified and intimated they would investigate. *nm
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Lexus LS 400 1999 model. Dangerous hesitation upon acceleration. Further after driving this car for two years, I have neck pains from the daily whiplash. toyota IS igrnoring this system wide. It IS an outrage. Its damaging peoples necks all over the country. They will not fix it - they claim its normal. Other dealers are telling customers about it - - my wife refuses to drive my car - it's dangerous!
- Structure › Body › Hood
While working on the vehicle, the hood fell down on the consumer. *jb the pistons in the hood were not sufficient enough to hold the weight of the hood. *sc
- Vehicle speed control
While driving 2 mph, the vehicle accelerated uncontrollably. the consumer was unable to maintain control of the vehicle and crashed into a building. upon impact, both frontal air bags failed to deploy. the vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. *ak the consumer was pulling into a…
While driving 2 mph, the vehicle accelerated uncontrollably. the consumer was unable to maintain control of the vehicle and crashed into a building. upon impact, both frontal air bags failed to deploy. the vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. *ak the consumer was pulling into a parking space, slowly, with his foot on the brake when the vehicle suddenly accelerated, went over the curb and into the side of the building. *sc *jb
- Vehicle speed control › Linkages
Petition seeking nhtsa to investigate the lexus vehicles model years 1997 to 2000 which have experienced problems with speed control linkages resulting in sudden acceleration. *mr the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning which caused the vehicle to rear end the vehicle ahead of his. as…
Petition seeking nhtsa to investigate the lexus vehicles model years 1997 to 2000 which have experienced problems with speed control linkages resulting in sudden acceleration. *mr the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning which caused the vehicle to rear end the vehicle ahead of his. as a result the consumer received a police citation. the dealer was unable to duplicate the problem (odi# 760680). *scc *nlm
- Tires
Right rear tire had a blowout while driving at 30 mph on a 1999, lexus ls400. Original equipment, tire size p225/60r16, dot# ELA6 cbc528. Manufacturer and tire dealer were notified.*ak *yh
- Vehicle speed control
The throttle sensor failed causing the vehicle to suddenly stop while driving or causing it to start but the car would not rev when depressing the accelerator, the consumer was told that the grease from the throttle cable assembly can migrate down onto the throttle sensor interfering with its operation. nlm
- Vehicle speed control
Engine revs to extremely high rpm ( ~5000 ) with no throttle input from driver. This problem has occurred twice on this vehicle recently . The second time this occurred was after engaging reverse gear. Fortunately the breaks were able to restrain the vehicle. In neither incident was my foot on the accelerator.*ak
- Vehicle speed control
It was raining and I was entering highway, I had my left turn signal on and started to accelerate. The car started to fish tail and when into a 360 degree spin, maybe twice, at least 1 1/2 times. When I came out of spin I crashed into the cement median. At no time did the vsc (vehicle skid control)…
It was raining and I was entering highway, I had my left turn signal on and started to accelerate. The car started to fish tail and when into a 360 degree spin, maybe twice, at least 1 1/2 times. When I came out of spin I crashed into the cement median. At no time did the vsc (vehicle skid control) activate. It IS something that you can't miss. A lound warning sound comes on and the dashboard lights up with a skid warning. It had happened once before in the snow.*ak
- Tires › Sidewall
Firestone turanza original equipment on a lexus ls400 1999. while driving 75mph right rear tire's air went out. tread was still on the tire, but sidewall was gone. *ak the tire IS dot ELA6 (cbc 218) # 035629 made in japan. it failed due to poor material, poor adhesive and workmanship. *Yh
- Vehicle speed control
When skid control light IS on throttle disables, causing vehicle not to accelerate at any speed, and vehicle still idles. Driver has to turn off the engine. dealer cannot determine the cause of the problem. please provide further information. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components · Vehicle speed control
While making a u-turn the vehicle suddenly accelerated. Driver put the brakes on, and the brakes squealed and did not stop vehicle. It lost control and hit the side of the wall. dealer have been contacted, but cannot determine the problem. *ak please provide further information and vin#.
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.
- 10205383Spots in Window Glass - vehicle exterior
- 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.
- 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.
- 6088670Subject regarding tilt / telescopic steering noise / smoothness improvement.
- 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.
Every Lexus LS400 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.