MotorDeets

1990 Lexus LS400: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1990 Lexus LS400: 1 recall, 24 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
24owner complaints
6mention a crash
18best combined mpg
No free-license photo yet

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Exterior lights Vehicle recall #89V212000 · 1989 · 10,234 vehicles

What's wrong: Lamp housing of center high mounted stop lamp could become distorted after prolonged illumination, particularly under high temperatures.

Why it matters:

The fix: Replace lamp housing with one of higher temperature resistant material.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical6
Airbags5
Seat belts3
Body & structure3
Latches & locks3
Engine & cooling2
Steering2
Speed control / throttle2

What owners describe

The 1990 Lexus LS400 has 24 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 12 LS400 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 28). Complaints peaked in 1996 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 12 years old, at a median of 125,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1991 (21 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.0 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive162218Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1990 Lexus LS400.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1990 Lexus LS400 manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 1990 Lexus LS400 manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 1990 Lexus LS400 manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1990 Lexus LS400 manual

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FAQ

Does the 1990 Lexus LS400 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1990 Lexus LS400. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 1990 Lexus LS400 problems?

Owners have filed 24 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (6), airbags (5), seat belts (3).

What gas mileage does the 1990 Lexus LS400 get?

EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1990 Lexus LS400 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other LS400 years

199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001