1998 Lexus LS400 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 20%of 45 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 130,850miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Lexus LS400, 20% of the 45 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 130,850 miles.
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.
“1. Vehicle has trouble starting. 2. Starter failure. Have to turn ignition several times (15-20) to get the starter to rotate. I know there was a NHTSA campaign 98v016000 on the 1995 through 1997 Lexus LS400 for the starter assembly due to improper assembly of the terminal for the magnetic switch. My question is can my vehicle be covered under this campaign considering the 1998 LS400 was built in 1997. Also can this cause an underhood fire in my vehicle while I'm continuing to start my vehicle with this problem persisting? Thank you for your time. 3. Vehicle has not been repaired yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10144033, filed 2005-11, 110,700 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11092540, filed 2018-05, 151,000 milesRelated 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…
- 10205331Jul 7, 2014Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset
- 10205330Jul 7, 2014Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset
- 10205329Jul 4, 2014Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset.
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 1998 Lexus LS400
14 complaintsTires
6 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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