NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 44 owner complaints for the 1998 Lexus LS400. Most complaints involve vehicle speed control (14) and electrical system (9). The EPA rates it 19 mpg combined.
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN 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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“TWICE, WITH TWO DIFFERENT DRIVERS, THIS VEHICLE HAS ACCELERATED/SURGED AT A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE HELD STEADY BY PRESSING THE BRAKE AS HARD AS POSSIBLE, BUT VEHICLE STILL SURGED AND TRIED TO MOVE FORWARD. ON THE FIRST INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN NEUTRAL AND CONTINUED TO REV MOMENTARILY. AFTER THE FIRST INCIDENT, THE LEXUS OEM FLOOR MAT (STANDARD, NOT ALL SEASON) WAS REMOVED. THE SAME EVENT OCCURRED AGAIN TONIGHT WITH A DIFFERENT DRIVER AND THE FLOOR MAT STILL REMOVED. I AM QUITE CONCERNED THIS MAY BE RELATED TO OTHER TOYOTA RECALLS. *TR”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 LEXUS LS400. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WERE MADE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STARTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER (ARROWHEAD LEXUS IN PEORIA, ARIZONA) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT AN UNKNOWN RECALL ON THE VEHICLE HAD CLOSED/EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE RECALL INFORMATION WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 151,000.”
“THE BRIDGESTONE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TWO FLATS ON BOTH RIGHT REAR AND LEFT REAR WITHIN 4 MONTHS, CONSUMER REPLACED ALL THE BRIDGESTONE TIRES DUE TO PROBLEMS, TIRES WERE REPLACEMENT TIRES NOT ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. *MJS”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LS 400 Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | $4,200 | 468 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 44 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are vehicle speed control (14), electrical system (9), tires (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1998 Lexus LS400 at 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).