- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. 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.
- The risk
- A starter motor no-start condition or an underhood fire can result.
- The fix
- DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE MAGNETIC SWITCH.
Vehicle safety record
1997 Lexus SC400 Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1997 Lexus SC400 with NHTSA, most often about the airbags (1). It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in January 1998 for the starter assembly. For comparison, the 1996 has 4 and the 1998 has 2.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical SC400 year, for its age
#338 most complained-about 1997 vehicle
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1997 Lexus SC400 problems
Share of all 1 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1997 Lexus SC400 recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
Be the first SC400 owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
1 complaints about the 1997 Lexus SC400
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Two weeks ago a red warning light appeared on the dash showing an air bag deficiency. The car was taken to lexus of wayzata for diagnostics and removal of the warning light. I later recalled the battery had drained due to a poor connection about the time the light came on. That was fixed but the light stayed on. Lexus wanted over $1600 to obtain a new air bag sensor module including labor costs, broken down into parts cost $1150 and labor $470. I furnished the used sensor on the internet for $95 and the light...
Read the full complaint
disappeared. Saved over $1000 by taking charge of repairs. There was no accident involving this car. My understanding is following research into the problem that certain software removal tools could have cleared the battery drainage event. I do not know if lexus attempted this repair. I have the original sensor in my possession and with the software tool application can probably ascertain if this was the precise problem.. Shouldn't the dealers be required to investigate potential repairs before replacement of sensors?
Lexus SC400: every year compared
All SC400 years1997 Lexus SC400 vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Lexus SC400 | 1 | 1 | C | |
| 1997 Lexus ES300 | 45 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Lexus LS400 | 13 | 2 | B | Compare |
| 1997 Lexus LX450 | 7 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 1997 Lexus SC300 | 5 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Lexus ES | 2 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 1997 Lexus Lexus | 1 | 0 | B | Compare |
| 1997 Lexus LS | 1 | 0 | B | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1997 Lexus SC400
Does the 1997 Lexus SC400 have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 1997 Lexus SC400: starter assembly (January 1998). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Lexus SC400?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the airbags (1).
How many complaints has the 1997 Lexus SC400 had?
1 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 13, 2017 and the latest on October 13, 2017. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1997 Lexus SC400 a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 50 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Lexus SC400 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Lexus SC400 years have the most complaints?
1992 (30), 1993 (9), 1995 (9). See every Lexus SC400 year compared.
What should I do if my 1997 Lexus SC400 has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data