1996 Lexus LS400 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 16%of 19 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 143,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Lexus LS400, 16% of the 19 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 143,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 1996 Lexus LS400. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 116,000. Updated 02/23/16 updated 05/04/18”
NHTSA complaint #10808803, filed 2015-12, 116,000 miles“The contact owns a 1996 Lexus LS400. The contact attempted to start the vehicle when the battery caught on fire at the positive post. He stated that he was able to extinguish the fire yet the vehicle would no longer start. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for the failure where the mechanic advised him of a recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 98v016000 (electrical system; starter assembly). He then called the manufacturer and was advised that the recall work had previously been performed on the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10394168, filed 2011-04, 170,000 milesRelated recalls
- 98V016000Jan 27, 1998Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Due to improper assembly of the terminal for the starter motor magnetic switch, an electrical short circuit can occur…Covers: Lexus LS400 1995–1997, SC400 1996–1997
Related service bulletins
- 10111398Apr 10, 2015LSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many…
- 10111205Apr 10, 2015LSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 3 | 25% |
| 1999 | 4 | 18% |
| 1998 | 9 | 20% |
| 1997 | 2 | 15% |
| 1996 | 3 | 16% |
| 1995 | 12 | 31% |
| 1994 | 44 | 65% |
| 1993 | 42 | 65% |
| 1992 | 2 | 25% |
| 1991 | 1 | 5% |
| 1990 | 6 | 25% |
Other parts of the 1996 Lexus LS400
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Lexus LS400
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology