1993 Lexus Ls400 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 83 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.1 times the median Ls400 year — the 1993 model ranks #1 of 12 Ls400 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 54% of all reports (45 of 83), far ahead of lighting at 7.
83
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1993 compare to other Ls400 years?
What are the most common 1993 Lexus Ls400 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 45 | 54% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 7 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 6 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 5 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 4 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Other | 3 | 4% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 2 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Engine | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“MY 1993 LEXUS LS400 DASHLIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING FROM ATLANTA, GA TO MIAMI, FL ON JANUARY 8TH, 2011. I COULD NOT SEE THE SPEEDOMETER OR ANY GAUGES! I HAVE SENT THE CIRCUIT BOARDS TO A LICENSED ELECTRICAL ENGINEER TO GET IT FIXED. EVERYTHING IS GOOD NOW BUT ALMOST CRASHED AT NIGHT AND ALMOST…”
“INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS DOES NOT TURN ON IN THE MORNING, AN IT TAKES 30-45 MIN TO FLICKER AND LIGHT UP. THE COST TO INSTALL AT THE LEXUS DEALERSHIP FOR NEW MOTHERBOARD AND LABOR IS ~$1,100. THIS SHOULD BE A MAJOR RECALL ITEM BY LEXUS. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT OTHER OWNERS HAVE DONE WITH SIMILAR…”
“I DROVE MY CAR TO WORK ON THURSDAY. AFTER WORK WHILE I WAS DRIVING HOME, I SMELLED GAS. WHEN I GOT HOME THE CAR WAS SMOKING UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. MY SON ALMOST OPENED THE HOOD TO CHECK THE SMOKE; HE BURNED HIS FINGER. A PASSERBY TOLD HIM NOT TO OPEN IT BECAUSE IT WAS ON FIRE. MY SON CALLED 911. I…”
“CAR WAS IN A PARKING LOT. STARTED, PUT IN REVERSE, THEN PUT IN DRIVE AND CAR TOOK OFF STEERED TO THE RIGHT AND HIT TWO OTHER PARKED CARS BEFORE I GOT CAR IN NEUTRAL. MOTOR STILL REVING TILL IGNITION TURNED OFF. CAR ONLY TRAVELLED ABOUT 25 YARDS BUT WAS LITERALLY UNCONTROLLABLE FROM AN ACCELERATOR…”
“THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS INOPERATIVE. *JB THE VEHICLE HAD TAKEN 30 MINUTES OF WARMING BEFORE THE PANEL TURNED ON AND THE CONSUMER FOUND THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 93 AND 94 MODEL LS 400'S. *SCC *JB”
1993 Lexus Ls400 — common questions
Is the 1993 Lexus Ls400 reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 83 complaints put the 1993 model at #1 of 12 Ls400 years. It is one of the Ls400 years to avoid.
What are the most common 1993 Ls400 problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (45 complaints), lighting (7 complaints), fuel system (6 complaints).
Does the 1993 Lexus Ls400 have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1993 Lexus Ls400.
Which Lexus Ls400 years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ls400 years to avoid are 1993, 1994, 1998, 1995. The cleanest record among Ls400 years belongs to 2001.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.