Most common 1999 Lexus LS400 problems
Share of the 22 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 →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1999 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 1999 Lexus LS400 owners say
Speed control & acceleration
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Lexus LS400. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, he applied the brake due to traffic. However, the vehicle accelerated independently and crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The crash caused damage to both vehicles as well as an injured knee of the driver of the vehicle that was struck. The failure had recurred numerous times. The dealer was notified and he was informed the throttle body would probably need to be replaced. Also, he was informed that due to the type of failure he would have to contact the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that the legal department would have to be notified but offered no other assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000 and current mileage was 145,000. Updated 02/19/13
While driving 2 MPH, the vehicle accelerated uncontrollably. The consumer was unable to maintain control of the vehicle and crashed into a building. Upon impact, both frontal air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. The consumer was pulling into a parking space, slowly, with his foot on the brake when the vehicle suddenly accelerated, went over the curb and into the side of the building.
Electrical system
Tl contact owns a 1999 Lexus LS400. When the contact started the vehicle she noticed that the dashboard panel would no longer function. The vehicle was taken to the dealership where the contact was informed that the entire dashboard panel needed to be replaced. There were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 90000. Updated 07/07/10.
Our 1999ls400 Lexus is experiencing malfunctions with the electronics in the dash. The odometer and the speedometer are working intermittently. Lexus wants 1200.00 to pull out dash and send away to repair. I am concerned this is a huge safety issue. I don't know whose replacing what and are they certified Lexus mechanics??? Are these early model LS400's having electronics problems or is this just a single case? Please let me know.
1999 Lexus LS400 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Lexus LS400 a good car?
Based on 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 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 1999 Lexus LS400?
The speed control & acceleration — 12 complaints, 55% of all complaints for this model year, most often about linkages. Next are the electrical system (4) and wheels & tires (2).
How many recalls does the 1999 Lexus LS400 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1999 Lexus LS400. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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 1999 Lexus LS400 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 89,000 miles; 25% 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.