1992 Lexus SC400
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Lexus › SC400 › 1992
These records cover every 1992 Lexus SC400. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1992 Lexus SC400. Newest first.
The anti-lock brake/traction control computer logic program was incomplete, resulting in the trapping of brake fluid pressure in the rear brake lines. Failure to release the rear brake line pressure causes a condition where brake pedal application results in activation of the front brake only, and continual rear brake drag.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Failure to release the hydraulic pressure in the rearbrake lines causes the rear brakes to "drag" and a condition where only thefront brakes are applied when the brake pedal IS depressed by operator. Thisresults in early wear of the rear brake lining, increases of stopping distances,and possible loss of vehicle control and a possible accident.
Remedy
Replace the defective anti-lock brake/traction control computer, and if any brake system IS damaged from the defective operation of the anti-lock brake/traction control system, repair the damage at no cost.
Owner complaints
30 complaints5 involved a crash1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
Dash instrument speed, tach, gas, and temperature needles no longer illuminate. therefore, you can not view them at night and, often, during the day. no adequate repair IS available. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
Unintended acceleration, my 1992 lexus sc400 accelerated to nearly 90 mph on a 50 mph rd. After going through a yellow light. When I was near the speed limit of 50 mph I let up off the accelerator but the car was climbing in speed as if I was still on the accelerator, I applied the brakes twice and…
Unintended acceleration, my 1992 lexus sc400 accelerated to nearly 90 mph on a 50 mph rd. After going through a yellow light. When I was near the speed limit of 50 mph I let up off the accelerator but the car was climbing in speed as if I was still on the accelerator, I applied the brakes twice and each time I did it felt like I was being pushed from behind so I put on "n" only to hear the rpm's rev really high. I don't have floor mats but I had the car serviced earlier that day but when I took it to the automotive department of the college I was attending they found nothing wrong, it has never happened again since then despite the fact I constantly take my foot off the accelerator to see if it slows down. There was no crash and therefore no injuries. *Tr
- Power train
1. The last time my car had sudden acceleration was at a service station when I shift the gear from "d" to "r". I hold the brake real hard and shifted the gear in "n" and the engine rpm back to normal. The whole event caused about two second and almost hit a car behind my car, smoke was generated…
1. The last time my car had sudden acceleration was at a service station when I shift the gear from "d" to "r". I hold the brake real hard and shifted the gear in "n" and the engine rpm back to normal. The whole event caused about two second and almost hit a car behind my car, smoke was generated from tire spinning. 2. Sudden acceleration problem occurred about 2 times a year at random. 3. Nothing have done to my car because repair shop can not find any problem, and every time the problem occur, I just put the gear in "n" and the engine will back to normal. The problem appeared mostly when the gear IS in "d", and happened once in "r". Did not keep record on incident date, date should below IS estimate. *Tr
- Electrical system
My car IS a used 1992 lexus sc400 and I bought it from a private owner and I didn't have the car for a week and the car caught on fire. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Tl*the contact owns a 1992 lexus sc400. while driving 35 mph, the hydraulic braking system trapped the brake fluid pressure and the rear brake line. as a result, the rear brakes began to drag and only the front brakes could be used. the dealer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa…
Tl*the contact owns a 1992 lexus sc400. while driving 35 mph, the hydraulic braking system trapped the brake fluid pressure and the rear brake line. as a result, the rear brakes began to drag and only the front brakes could be used. the dealer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 92v046000 (service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components). the purchase date was unknown. the current mileage was 191,000 and failure mileage was 185,000.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Tl*the contact owns a 1992 lexus sc400. while driving 40 mph the traction control light remained illuminated. when the brake pedal was depressed there was a popping noise in the rear brakes. the road conditions were not a factor. the current and failure mileage were 230,000. *Ak the rear brakes would lock up when coming to a full. Updated 05/04/07*tr
- Engine and engine cooling
TL* - the contact stated that the 1992 lexus sc400, accelerated rapidly to about 50 mph while in the driveway. she stated that while backing into a driveway at about 2 mph the vehicle accelerated. This was early morning of 01/31/06, the weather and driveway conditions were dry. the gas pedal…
TL* - the contact stated that the 1992 lexus sc400, accelerated rapidly to about 50 mph while in the driveway. she stated that while backing into a driveway at about 2 mph the vehicle accelerated. This was early morning of 01/31/06, the weather and driveway conditions were dry. the gas pedal accelerated and pressed to the floor. she applied the brakes with force, but the vehicle didn't stop. the contact stated that the vehicle hit another vehicle in the driveway. this also happened to her husband last month, and he almost ran into the a garage. *Ak
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel · Interior lighting
The instrument cluster of my 1992 sc400 IS going out and at night, I have to use a flash light to see my gauges. lexus option IS to replace the whole cluster with an improved design for around $1500! *jb
- Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm · Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
Lower control arm ball joint separated while vehicle was moving at approx 30mph, rusulting in loss of vehicle control. major damage to fender weld, wheel and tire. No person were injured due to low speed and no traffic.*ak
- Vehicle speed control
Vehicle accelerates when brakes are applied. *mr when the consumer stepped on the brake pedal, the vehicle accelerated instead of stopping. the service dealer stated that there was no problem. *sc *jb
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
The instrument panel gauge lights on my 1992 SC40 began going bad at around 75,000 miles [1999]. By 95,000 miles 50% of lights are out. By design the panel/needles must be replaced which IS a very expensive procedure. I have been putting it off because my wife usually only drives the sc400 during…
The instrument panel gauge lights on my 1992 SC40 began going bad at around 75,000 miles [1999]. By 95,000 miles 50% of lights are out. By design the panel/needles must be replaced which IS a very expensive procedure. I have been putting it off because my wife usually only drives the sc400 during the daylight hours, but now my son would like to take it over and the problem of safety during night driving comes into play. Toyota/lexus should be ashamed of building such a great car with a monumental flaw such as this. I am not the only owner with this problem nor IS it restricted to the lexus brand of the parent toyota motor company. *Jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Traction control failed. consumer was concerned that ABS brakes malfunctioned. A recall was issued. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *ak
- Electrical system · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
The vehicle has had an on going problem with the traction control lights coming on and off. The problem has worsened over time and now the light remains on. There was a hydraulic brakes recall 92v046000 on this issue but the manufacture IS indicating that the vin number isn't included. the…
The vehicle has had an on going problem with the traction control lights coming on and off. The problem has worsened over time and now the light remains on. There was a hydraulic brakes recall 92v046000 on this issue but the manufacture IS indicating that the vin number isn't included. the consumer had the vin number run by alldata and a mechanic who indicated that the vin number was included. *nm the all data description of the recall indicated that the rear brake pads would be stressed because of the malfunctioning traction control and ABS system. the rear pads were replaced at 15000 miles. *nm
- Exterior lighting › Headlights · Unknown or other
Front headlamps fill with moisture reducing night visability to next to nothing. all years of this sc400 model have the same problem. The dealer wants $500.00 per light and labor. this IS a safety defect!!!. a seal should be made available and installed by the dealer at no cost. spending 1K…
Front headlamps fill with moisture reducing night visability to next to nothing. all years of this sc400 model have the same problem. The dealer wants $500.00 per light and labor. this IS a safety defect!!!. a seal should be made available and installed by the dealer at no cost. spending 1K every few years IS a rip off. the front dash splits at air vent. the am radio does not work properly. *ak the cd player does not work properly. there are many factory defects not addressed by the manufacturer and lives at stake with a headlamp problem. just one person getting injured or dieing IS too much. I need to drive my car at night!
- Electrical system · Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.
My lexus sc400 1992 has a cracked center ac vent, bad cd changer and almost all of the dash lights are burned out. These problems occur on almost every sc400 in the early model years and I believe they are due to design faults by the lexus company.*jb
- Electrical system
The electronic speedometer needle does not light up and you cannot tell the speed of your vehicle. lexus made the replacement part ridiculously expensive to replace. It sells for around $1000. this should be investigated. *jb
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting › Headlights · Interior lighting · Unknown or other
Headlamp lens fog up, reducing illumination dramatically and causing a saftey hazard when driving at night. have noted much newer models with the same problem, so it IS obvious to me that this IS a manufactuer's defect and not normal wear and tear. other issues include premature: speedometer needle light failure, cd changer failure, and cracked dash air vent frames.
- Vehicle speed control
Ts
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
While driving dash gauge needles for all gauges did not illuminate to indicate speed/ gas. Please provide any further information, an dvehicle identification number.
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc. · Exterior lighting › Headlights
Cd changer has been replaced twice, for the same problem of errors and the bad part IS that there IS no solution for adapters to get new units. the dealer IS the only place to get a unit from at horrible prices $700. for a new one and around $450.00 for a refurbish one that will probably fail in…
Cd changer has been replaced twice, for the same problem of errors and the bad part IS that there IS no solution for adapters to get new units. the dealer IS the only place to get a unit from at horrible prices $700. for a new one and around $450.00 for a refurbish one that will probably fail in a year right after the warr. go by www.clublexus.com and go by the sc or any of the forums this IS a major problem.. the headlights hold condinsation that blurs vision at night, the pwer steeringpump if leaks some directly on the alternator causes premature failure my alt. Has been replaced before and I just found out why it has been failing by a lexus techician. And the dash vent cracks without a cause on many of the cars and the price to replace that center ABS peice IS $460.00 only from lexus. Why IS it cracking in the first place? many cars have this problems.... older and newer... .
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Moisture accumulation in both low beam assemblies has reduced light output to unsafe level.
- Power train
The speedometer needle does not illuminate making it impossible to see especially during daytime driving. nlm
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
Gauge needles burne dout. Replaced gauge cluster. *ak
- Unknown or other
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Low beam headlights condense large amounts of moisture,making low beam lumination inadequate. *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
- 10132082Spots in Window glass
- 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 SC400 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.