Most common 1996 Lexus LS400 problems
Share of the 19 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Lexus LS400 complaints by model year
Best LS400 years: 2000, 1997. Years to avoid: 1998. Compare all years →
1996 Lexus LS400 recalls (1)
Electrical system › Starter assembly
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.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the magnetic switch.
What 1996 Lexus LS400 owners say
Electrical system
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 mechanic advised him of a recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 98V016000 (electrical system; starter assembly). He then called the manufacturer and was advised that the recall work had previously been performed on the vehicle. The mechanic advised him that the starter, battery and battery cables would need to be replaced. The contact also stated that he was unable to shift gears. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 170,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Lexus LS400. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 116,000. Updated 02/23/16 updated 05/04/18
Engine & cooling
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 the same engine-stall-at-idle-after-continuous-long-drive problem as every other early production car made with vins before [redacted]. Go on the highway, drive 50 miles, exit, the car idle speed drops to where the car stalls out. Put it into neutral, turn the key, it starts right back up, no more problem. Or, drive on the highway, drive 50 miles, encounter stop-and-go traffic, the idle speed drops to where the car stalls out. Put it into neutral, turn the key, it starts right back up, no more problem. …
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Lexus LS400. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 116,000. Updated 02/23/16 updated 05/04/18
1996 Lexus LS400 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 24 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Lexus LS400 a good car?
Based on 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 LS400 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the LS400 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Lexus LS400?
The brakes — 3 complaints, 16% of all complaints for this model year, most often about foundation components. Next are the electrical system (3) and engine & cooling (3).
How many recalls does the 1996 Lexus LS400 have?
There is 1 recall for the 1996 Lexus LS400, the most recent from January 27, 1998 (starter assembly). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Lexus LS400?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2000 and 1997. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1998. See the full Lexus LS400 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 Lexus LS400 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 116,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.