Model year record

1996 Lexus LS400

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 24 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V016000

Electrical system: starter assembly

Component
Electrical system: starter assembly
Manufacturer
TOYOTA MOTOR CO., LTD.
Vehicles affected
47,525
Reported to NHTSA
1998-01-27
Owners notified
1998-02-09

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

A STARTER MOTOR NO-START CONDITION OR AN UNDERHOOD FIRE CAN RESULT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE MAGNETIC SWITCH.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Electrical system2116,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor2
Unknown or other2116,000 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery1
Engine1116,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling1116,500 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine1
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.1
Exterior lighting: headlights1
Fuel system, gasoline1109,489 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly1
Seat belts: front: retractor1100,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system1
Tires1
Tires: tread/belt1
Vehicle speed control183,231 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior1
Visibility: windshield1
Wheels: rim1

The 1995 model has about half as many complaints as this one. The 1997 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.