VehicleVerdict

1998 Lexus Ls400 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 52 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Ls400 year — the 1998 model ranks #3 of 12 Ls400 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Speed Control leads the complaint categories with 14 reports (27% of the total).

52

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Ls400 years?

Ls400 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 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, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ls400 years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Lexus Ls400 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Speed Control1427%
Electrical System917%
Tires & Wheels612%
Other510%
Brakes48%
Airbags36%
Lighting36%
Suspension36%
Transmission24%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Fuel System12%
Body & Structure12%

Does the 1998 Lexus Ls400 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN 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

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TIME, DATE AND LOCATION: MONDAY, MAY 19 AT APPROXIMATELY 3:30 PM AT THE BLOCKBUSTER PARKING LOT IN STAFFORD, VA VEHICLE: 1998 LEXUS LS400 I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN FRONT OF THE BLOCKBUSTER. I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO SLOWLY PULL INTO THE SPACE. SUDDENLY, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE CAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 19, 2008 · crash

“1. VEHICLE HAS TROUBLE STARTING. 2. STARTER FAILURE. HAVE TO TURN IGNITION SEVERAL TIMES (15-20) TO GET THE STARTER TO ROTATE. I KNOW THERE WAS A NHTSA CAMPAIGN 98V016000 ON THE 1995 THROUGH 1997 LEXUS LS400 FOR THE STARTER ASSEMBLY DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE TERMINAL FOR THE MAGNETIC SWITCH.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 1, 2005

“TREAD SEPARATION WHILE DRIVING. WAS ABLE TO STOP BEFORE THE TIRE BLEW OUT. SEARS CALLED BRIDGESTONE ABOUT THE DEFECT AND THEY REPLACED IT FREE OF CHARGE, SINCE THEY KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM WITH THAT TIRE. HOWEVER, THEY WOULD NOT RPLACE THE REMAINING THREE TIRES, WHICH COULD INCURR THE SAME…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 25, 2000

“ON SEPTEMBER 27,2005, MY1998 LEXUS LS 400 RAMMED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. MY CAR ACCELERATED NOT ONCE, BUT TWICE INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. WHEN THE POLICE AND FIREMEN CAME, THE POLICEMAN STOOD NEXT TO MY WINDOW AND ASKED ME TO PUT THE CAR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 27, 2005 · crash

“AT A STOP VEHICLE LURCHED OUT OF CONTROL AND ACCELERATED WITHOUT TOUCHING GAS PEDAL. BRAKES DID NOT STOP VEHICLE, AND REARENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. DAMAGED HOOD AND GRILL ON VEHICLE. CONTACTED DEALER AND VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 20, 2001 · crash

1998 Lexus Ls400 — common questions

Is the 1998 Lexus Ls400 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 52 complaints put the 1998 model at #3 of 12 Ls400 years. It is one of the Ls400 years to avoid.

What are the most common 1998 Ls400 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (14 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints), tires & wheels (6 complaints).

Does the 1998 Lexus Ls400 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Lexus Ls400. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1998 Lexus Ls400 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.