Owners have filed 23 complaints
about the 1997 Lexus LS400 with NHTSA between 1997 and 2019.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 8 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 26
Against the median year of the Lexus LS400. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
56.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 68
40% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1997 Lexus LS400
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Brakes
417.4%
0 crashes, 2 fires · median 230,000 mi
Acceleration & Cruise Control
313.0%
1 crashes, 1 fires · median 127,500 mi
Tires
28.7%
Median failure at 20,000 miles
Airbags
28.7%
2 crashes, 0 fires
Electrical System
28.7%
Median failure at 198,000 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
28.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 111,500 mi
Engine & Cooling
28.7%
Median failure at 214,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
14.3%
Doors, Latches & Locks
14.3%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
14.3%
Suspension
14.3%
Body & Structure
14.3%
Steering
14.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 25,000 mi
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
110.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
330.0%
150,000+ miles
660.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 1997peak 3May 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 1997 Lexus LS400
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
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 [SIC]APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.IN SUPPORT OF HIS PETITION, MR. BODDAERT CITES A NUMBER OF ODI REPORTS CONCERNING VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL LINKAGES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.INCLUDED AMONGS...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 25,000 milesArcadia, CACrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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. I HAVE 2 FRIENDS WHO HAD THE SAME MALFUNCTION WITH A 1996 AND A 1997 LEXUS LS 400. I FEEL IT IS MY DUTY TO PROVIDE THIS INFORMATION TO MAKE SURE IT'S INCLUDED IN STUDIES AND HISTORICAL DATA THE NHTSA KEEPS. I HOPE THE INFORMATION WILL BE PUT TO GOOD USE TO PREVENT FUTURE ACCIDENTS, INJURIES AND DEATHS, REGARDLESS OF THE AUTO MANUFACTURER. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEMS TOYOTA IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING ARE PROBABLY HAPPENING WITH OTHER AUTO MANUFACTURERS.
NHTSA complaint #10313402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesArcadia, CACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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. I HAVE 2 FRIENDS WHO HAD THE SAME MALFUNCTION WITH A 1996 AND A 1997 LEXUS LS 400. I FEEL IT IS MY DUTY TO PROVIDE THIS INFORMATION TO MAKE SURE IT'S INCLUDED IN STUDIES AND HISTORICAL DATA THE NHTSA KEEPS. I HOPE THE INFORMATION WILL BE PUT TO GOOD USE TO PREVENT FUTURE ACCIDENTS, INJURIES AND DEATHS, REGARDLESS OF THE AUTO MANUFACTURER. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEMS TOYOTA IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING ARE PROBABLY HAPPENING WITH OTHER AUTO MANUFACTURERS.
NHTSA complaint #10313402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesArcadia, CACrash1 injured
STEERING
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. I HAVE 2 FRIENDS WHO HAD THE SAME MALFUNCTION WITH A 1996 AND A 1997 LEXUS LS 400. I FEEL IT IS MY DUTY TO PROVIDE THIS INFORMATION TO MAKE SURE IT'S INCLUDED IN STUDIES AND HISTORICAL DATA THE NHTSA KEEPS. I HOPE THE INFORMATION WILL BE PUT TO GOOD USE TO PREVENT FUTURE ACCIDENTS, INJURIES AND DEATHS, REGARDLESS OF THE AUTO MANUFACTURER. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEMS TOYOTA IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING ARE PROBABLY HAPPENING WITH OTHER AUTO MANUFACTURERS.
NHTSA complaint #10313402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Castor Valley, CAFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
A FIRE STARTED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED VIA LETTER. *AK 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. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FRONT BRAKE SHIMMY. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A ROUGH IDLE. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #8013665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Castor Valley, CAFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
A FIRE STARTED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED VIA LETTER. *AK 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. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FRONT BRAKE SHIMMY. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A ROUGH IDLE. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #8013665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Castor Valley, CAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
A FIRE STARTED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED VIA LETTER. *AK 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. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FRONT BRAKE SHIMMY. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A ROUGH IDLE. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #8013665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 20,000 milesBakersfield, CA
TIRES
CRASH CAUSED BY POOR WET TRACTION OF GOODYEAR INTEGRITY TIRES. ACCIDENT WAS PRECEDED BY NUMEROUS INSTANCES OF LOST LATERAL GRIP AND SLIPPING UNDER NORMAL ACCELERATION IN NORMAL DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #11207119 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 198,000 milesRiverhead, NY
POWER TRAIN
VEHICLE DOES NOT START WHEN HOT. STARTER DOES NOT TURN. VEHICLE WAS NEVER RECALLED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 98V016000. MY CAR HAS A PRODUCTION DATE OF 7/97. CUT OFF DATE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN WAS 6/97. I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE REPAIR OF THE MAGNETIC SWITCH IN THE STARTER. A NO START CONDITION EXISTS AND A FIRE CAN RESULT IF THE SOLENOID SHORTS OUT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.
NHTSA complaint #10761776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 198,000 milesRiverhead, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE DOES NOT START WHEN HOT. STARTER DOES NOT TURN. VEHICLE WAS NEVER RECALLED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 98V016000. MY CAR HAS A PRODUCTION DATE OF 7/97. CUT OFF DATE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN WAS 6/97. I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE REPAIR OF THE MAGNETIC SWITCH IN THE STARTER. A NO START CONDITION EXISTS AND A FIRE CAN RESULT IF THE SOLENOID SHORTS OUT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.
NHTSA complaint #10761776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 198,000 milesRiverhead, NY
ENGINE
VEHICLE DOES NOT START WHEN HOT. STARTER DOES NOT TURN. VEHICLE WAS NEVER RECALLED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 98V016000. MY CAR HAS A PRODUCTION DATE OF 7/97. CUT OFF DATE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN WAS 6/97. I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE REPAIR OF THE MAGNETIC SWITCH IN THE STARTER. A NO START CONDITION EXISTS AND A FIRE CAN RESULT IF THE SOLENOID SHORTS OUT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.
NHTSA complaint #10761776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 230,000 milesMT. Juliet, TN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO OR WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN TO THE VEHICLE. I TOLD MY SONS TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. I TURN THE ENGINE OFF, THE CAR JUMPED AND I RAN AWAY FROM THE CAR. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL SMOKING. I CALLED 911. THE CAR STOPPED SMOKING AND REMAINED IN PLACE. MY HUSBAND CAME AND STARTED THE VEHICLE IT ACCELERATED AND HE PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AND IT STOPPED. I DROVE THE CAR HOME AND PARKED IT. I AM NOT DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND THIS IS THE REASON THAT I HAVE NOT ENTERED A VIN NUMBER.
NHTSA complaint #10663131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 230,000 milesMT. Juliet, TN
ENGINE
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. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO OR WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN TO THE VEHICLE. I TOLD MY SONS TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. I TURN THE ENGINE OFF, THE CAR JUMPED AND I RAN AWAY FROM THE CAR. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL SMOKING. I CALLED 911. THE CAR STOPPED SMOKING AND REMAINED IN PLACE. MY HUSBAND CAME AND STARTED THE VEHICLE IT ACCELERATED AND HE PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AND IT STOPPED. I DROVE THE CAR HOME AND PARKED IT. I AM NOT DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND THIS IS THE REASON THAT I HAVE NOT ENTERED A VIN NUMBER.
NHTSA complaint #10663131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 230,000 milesMT. Juliet, TN
SERVICE 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. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO OR WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN TO THE VEHICLE. I TOLD MY SONS TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. I TURN THE ENGINE OFF, THE CAR JUMPED AND I RAN AWAY FROM THE CAR. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL SMOKING. I CALLED 911. THE CAR STOPPED SMOKING AND REMAINED IN PLACE. MY HUSBAND CAME AND STARTED THE VEHICLE IT ACCELERATED AND HE PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AND IT STOPPED. I DROVE THE CAR HOME AND PARKED IT. I AM NOT DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND THIS IS THE REASON THAT I HAVE NOT ENTERED A VIN NUMBER.
NHTSA complaint #10663131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesArcadia, CACrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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. I HAVE 2 FRIENDS WHO HAD THE SAME MALFUNCTION WITH A 1996 AND A 1997 LEXUS LS 400. I FEEL IT IS MY DUTY TO PROVIDE THIS INFORMATION TO MAKE SURE IT'S INCLUDED IN STUDIES AND HISTORICAL DATA THE NHTSA KEEPS. I HOPE THE INFORMATION WILL BE PUT TO GOOD USE TO PREVENT FUTURE ACCIDENTS, INJURIES AND DEATHS, REGARDLESS OF THE AUTO MANUFACTURER. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEMS TOYOTA IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING ARE PROBABLY HAPPENING WITH OTHER AUTO MANUFACTURERS.
NHTSA complaint #10313402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesArcadia, CACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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. I HAVE 2 FRIENDS WHO HAD THE SAME MALFUNCTION WITH A 1996 AND A 1997 LEXUS LS 400. I FEEL IT IS MY DUTY TO PROVIDE THIS INFORMATION TO MAKE SURE IT'S INCLUDED IN STUDIES AND HISTORICAL DATA THE NHTSA KEEPS. I HOPE THE INFORMATION WILL BE PUT TO GOOD USE TO PREVENT FUTURE ACCIDENTS, INJURIES AND DEATHS, REGARDLESS OF THE AUTO MANUFACTURER. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEMS TOYOTA IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING ARE PROBABLY HAPPENING WITH OTHER AUTO MANUFACTURERS.
NHTSA complaint #10313402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesArcadia, CACrash1 injured
STEERING
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. I HAVE 2 FRIENDS WHO HAD THE SAME MALFUNCTION WITH A 1996 AND A 1997 LEXUS LS 400. I FEEL IT IS MY DUTY TO PROVIDE THIS INFORMATION TO MAKE SURE IT'S INCLUDED IN STUDIES AND HISTORICAL DATA THE NHTSA KEEPS. I HOPE THE INFORMATION WILL BE PUT TO GOOD USE TO PREVENT FUTURE ACCIDENTS, INJURIES AND DEATHS, REGARDLESS OF THE AUTO MANUFACTURER. I BELIEVE THE PROBLEMS TOYOTA IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING ARE PROBABLY HAPPENING WITH OTHER AUTO MANUFACTURERS.
NHTSA complaint #10313402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Castor Valley, CAFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
A FIRE STARTED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED VIA LETTER. *AK 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. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FRONT BRAKE SHIMMY. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A ROUGH IDLE. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #8013665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Castor Valley, CAFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
A FIRE STARTED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED VIA LETTER. *AK 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. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FRONT BRAKE SHIMMY. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A ROUGH IDLE. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #8013665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Castor Valley, CAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
A FIRE STARTED IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED VIA LETTER. *AK 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. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FRONT BRAKE SHIMMY. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A ROUGH IDLE. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #8013665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUN City, AZCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A DRIVER SIDE FRONT FENDER COLLISION AT 50 MPH, AND BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS AND SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. *AK TOYOTA'S LEGAL DEPARTMENT CONFIRMED THAT THE DIRECT FRONTAL COLLISON FORCES WERE BELOW THE THRESHOLD FOR DEPLOYMENT, IMPACTING THE SOFTER PORTION OF THE LEFT FRONT CORNER OF THE VEHICLE, AND WAS NOT A DIRECT FRONTAL IMPACT, THEREFORE THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, TWO PEOPLE WERE INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #8003008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUN City, AZCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A DRIVER SIDE FRONT FENDER COLLISION AT 50 MPH, AND BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS AND SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. *AK TOYOTA'S LEGAL DEPARTMENT CONFIRMED THAT THE DIRECT FRONTAL COLLISON FORCES WERE BELOW THE THRESHOLD FOR DEPLOYMENT, IMPACTING THE SOFTER PORTION OF THE LEFT FRONT CORNER OF THE VEHICLE, AND WAS NOT A DIRECT FRONTAL IMPACT, THEREFORE THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, TWO PEOPLE WERE INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #8003008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Natick, MA
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
LEFT FRONT TIRE WAS WEARING OUT. THEN, SHIFTED THE TIRE TO RIGHT FRONT AND WEARING CONTINUED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP FOR ALIGNMENT. MECHANIC TOLD HIM THAT HE COULD DO THAT BECAUSE BALLJOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE BALLJOINT ARE MADE FROM SUBSTANCE THAT WOULD WEAR OUT AT CERTAIN MILEAGE.
NHTSA complaint #894426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Englewood Cliff, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
WHILE DRIVING, CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES AND HEARD AN EXTREMELY LOUD GRINDING NOISE, DEALER HAD TO SAND ROTORS TO REMOVE RUST. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #876939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laguna NIG, CA
TIRES
NEW TIRES WERE NEEDED AT 20,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #607196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Bethe, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DASHBOARD INDICATORS LIGHTS WORKING IMPROPERLY, ILLUMINATING WHEN NO PROBLEMS ARE FOUND.
NHTSA complaint #536958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Bethe, MD
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
REAR VIEW MIRROR SENSOR CREATES PROBLEMS IN VISIBILITY DUE TO DESIGN.
NHTSA complaint #536958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Delray Beach, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD IN THE ENGINE AREA. ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE HOOD AND THE ENGINE WAS BURNED OUT. *AK MR. DAVIS WROTE IN SAYING THIS IS NOT HIS VEHICLE, NOR HAS HIS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ANY PROBLEMS DESCRIBED, HE HAS NOT FILED ANY COMPLAINTS. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #815546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NEW Berlin, WI
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
DOORS NOT DESIGNED TO BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE, TRAPPING PASSENGERS WHO ARE LEFT IN VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #518672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lavallette, NJ
STRUCTURE
COTTER PINS ON THE UPPER FRONT 'A' FRAME WERE UNDERSIZED AND RUSTED.
NHTSA complaint #517033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.