1996 Lexus LS400: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Lexus LS400: 1 recall, 19 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #98V016000 · 1998 · 47,525 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A starter motor no-start condition or an underhood fire can result.
The fix: Dealers will repair the magnetic switch.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E049000 · 2006 · 27,176 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain ck motorsports combination headlights, clear corner, bumper, and side marker lights sold as replacement lamps for use on the 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.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Ck motorsport will notify owners and replace the noncompliant lamps free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (3): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Electrical (3): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
- Other / unknown (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1996 Lexus LS400 has 19 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 12 LS400 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 28). Complaints peaked in 1997 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 116,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (39 complaints, 1 recalls), 1997 (13 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | Premium |
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 1996 Lexus LS400.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Lexus LS400 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 1996 Lexus LS400, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. 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 1996 Lexus LS400 problems?
Owners have filed 19 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (3), electrical (3), other / unknown (2).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Lexus LS400 get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (4.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 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.