VehicleVerdict

1996 Lexus Ls400 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 24 complaints on file for the 1996 Lexus Ls400 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

24

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Ls400 years?

Ls400 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted83 complaints1990: 36 complaints1991: 27 complaints1992: 10 complaints1993: 83 complaints1994: 76 complaints1995: 48 complaints1996: 24 complaints1997: 23 complaints1998: 52 complaints1999: 27 complaints2000: 16 complaints2001: 2 complaints
Ls400 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ls400 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Lexus Ls400 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes417%
Electrical System417%
Engine313%
Tires & Wheels313%
Visibility & Wipers28%
Fuel System28%
Other28%
Speed Control14%
Steering14%
Seat Belts14%
Lighting14%

Does the 1996 Lexus Ls400 have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

Defect

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE 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.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

98V016000Electrical SystemJanuary 27, 1998 · 47,525 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE MAGNETIC SWITCH.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 LEXUS LS400. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BATTERY CAUGHT ON FIRE AT THE POSITIVE POST. HE STATED THAT HE WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE YET THE VEHICLE WOULD NO LONGER START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR THE FAILURE WHERE THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 31, 2011 · fire

“PER LEXUS TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN EG002-97, WHICH DOESN'T APPEAR ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE BUT WHICH CAN BE FOUND ONLINE BY CLICKING ON THE LINK FROM POST #77 AT THIS WEB PAGE: HTTP://US.LEXUSOWNERSCLUB.COM/FORUMS/TOPIC/15699-9596-LS400-LOW-IDLE-ENGINE-DIES-AND-JERKING-THRE/PAGE-6 MY '96 LS400 HAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 7, 2015 · crash

“LEFT REAR TIRE HAD A SEPARATED TREAD AND A BULDGE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VIBRATE WHILE DRIVEN. NLM BRIDGESTONE (DOT EAL6146 SIZE 225/60R16-97V ER-33)”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · March 30, 1999

“AS HIGHWAY SPEED IS INCREASED FRONTAL/SIDE WIND OFF WINDSHIELD CAUSED AT TWO DIFFERENT TIMES FOR ME TO HAVE TO REALIGN THE CAR ON THE ROADWAY DUE TO THIS PROBLEM, ALSO AS THE SPEED INCREASES THE INSIDE OF THE CAR IS NOISY.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · October 1, 1999

1996 Lexus Ls400 — common questions

Is the 1996 Lexus Ls400 reliable?

The record is thin — 24 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1996 Ls400 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (4 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints), tires & wheels (3 complaints).

Does the 1996 Lexus Ls400 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Lexus Ls400. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.