Model year record

1997 Lexus LS400

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 23 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
Engine2198,000 mi
Tires220,000 mi
Vehicle speed control225,000 mi
Air bags: frontal1
Air bags: side/window1
Electrical system1198,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood1
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch1
Power train1198,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission125,000 mi
Service brakes1230,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor1
Steering125,000 mi
Structure1
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm1
Unknown or other1
Vehicle speed control: cruise control1
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices1

The 1996 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 1998 model has about half as many 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.