Most common 1997 Lexus LS400 problems
Share of the 13 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 →
1997 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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1997 Lexus LS400:
Unintended engine speed increase/sa
On May 13, 2003 the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) received an April 25, 2003 letter from mr. Peter boddaert petitioning the agency to conduct a petition analysis of certain 1997 through 2000 model year Lexus 300 and 400 series vehicles for problems of vehicle speed control linkages which results in sudden, unexpected excessive (vehicle) acceleration even though there is no pressure…
What 1997 Lexus LS400 owners say
Brakes
As I was driving, my vehicle started accelerating on it's own. When I had previously checked the speed odometer it said 50. All of a sudden the vehicle started gaining speed. I took my foot off of the gas pedal and the speed kept accelerating. I pressed the brakes and the brakes did not work! The vehicle kept accelerating. I saw a side road and turned onto it. I kept trying to stop the vehicle and it kept going. I thought to pull the emergency brake and it slowed the vehicle considerable, but it kept moving. The engine continued to accelerate. I kept pumping the breaks with the emergency brake on and the car was still moving. It finally stop, but the engine was still accelerating. I put the vehicle in park and the more the engine accelerated. I put back in drive and it continued to accelerate. The vehicle started smoking. …
A fire started in engine compartment while vehicle was parked in the garage. Manufacturer was notified via letter. Consumer states that 1 week prior to the fire, all the lights on the instrument panel illuminated, the radio died and the windshield wiper died, the problem was then diagnosed as a faulty alternator. An investigator concluded after inspecting vehicle that the fire was caused by an overcurrent at the ABS controller voltage conductor, the 10 gauge cable is unprotected and has 12 volt, or battery, power potential when the engine is not running and the engine is in the off position, an overcurrent will eventually produce sufficient heat and metl the connector that was secured to the bracket on top of the controller unit, once the plastic melts, a direct connection between battery voltage and ground is attained which produces a short circuit and the resultant fire. …
Speed control & acceleration
While driving my 1997 Lexus LS400 in ca on the 605 fwy, west toward 210 fwy, all systems on the car locked (steering wheel, brakes, gas pedal) as I was changing lanes. I had no control of the car and after spinning several times ran into the center divider. I was very lucky not to go over the divider into oncoming traffic and be killed. I sustained neck and head injuries and the car was totaled. I was very lucky that I survived and that no other cars or people were involved. Early in 1998 I received a recall notice and took the car in to Lexus on 2/24/98. The recall was for a "starter plug problem". I trusted that after the repair I wouldn't have any problems with my Lexus. In fact, just over a month later I had the accident and the car was totaled. I very happily drove Lexus cars from 1992 until the accident and they were my favorite cars. …
As I was driving, my vehicle started accelerating on it's own. When I had previously checked the speed odometer it said 50. All of a sudden the vehicle started gaining speed. I took my foot off of the gas pedal and the speed kept accelerating. I pressed the brakes and the brakes did not work! The vehicle kept accelerating. I saw a side road and turned onto it. I kept trying to stop the vehicle and it kept going. I thought to pull the emergency brake and it slowed the vehicle considerable, but it kept moving. The engine continued to accelerate. I kept pumping the breaks with the emergency brake on and the car was still moving. It finally stop, but the engine was still accelerating. I put the vehicle in park and the more the engine accelerated. I put back in drive and it continued to accelerate. The vehicle started smoking. …
1997 Lexus LS400 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Lexus LS400 a good car?
Based on 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 LS400 rates average: 31% fewer complaints than a typical year of the LS400 at the same age. It is one of the best LS400 years by this measure. 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 1997 Lexus LS400?
The brakes — 3 complaints, 23% of all complaints for this model year, most often about foundation components › disc › rotor. Next are the speed control & acceleration (3) and electrical system (2).
How many recalls does the 1997 Lexus LS400 have?
There is 1 recall for the 1997 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 1997 Lexus LS400 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 198,000 miles; 50% 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.