1990 Lexus Ls400 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. LAMP HOUSING OF CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP COULD BECOME DISTORTED AFTER PROLONGED ILLUMINATION, PARTICULARLY UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES.
What could happen:
The fix: REPLACE LAMP HOUSING WITH ONE OF HIGHER TEMPERATURE RESISTANT MATERIAL.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1990 LS400.
- Book a repair at any authorized Lexus dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 89V212000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Summary: LAMP HOUSING OF CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP COULD BECOME DISTORTED AFTER PROLONGED ILLUMINATION, PARTICULARLY UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES.
Consequence:
Remedy: REPLACE LAMP HOUSING WITH ONE OF HIGHER TEMPERATURE RESISTANT MATERIAL.
Notes: SYSTEM: STOP LAMP HOUSING / FMVSS 108.VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS.COSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: BULB MIGHT MOVE FROM ITS ORIGINAL POSITION DUE TODISTORTION, AFFECTING LUMINOUS INTENSITY REQUIRED BY FMVSS 108.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1990 Lexus Ls400 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (6), Airbags (5), Body / structure (3), Latches / locks (3), Seat belts (3).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
10/17/2016 · Suspension
S10 APPROPRIATE HANDLING - ENCLOSING AN AGENDA REPORT SERVICE HISTORY MAY 2014 - MAY/JUNE 2016 ON BLACK 1990 LEXUS LS 400. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED EACH TIME THE REPAIR SHOP PERFORMED SERVICES ON HER VEHICLE, IT LED TO ANOTHER PROBLEM(S). A CLAMP WAS MISSING. A WIRE LEFT DANGLING, A HOSE WAS NOT PLACED ON CORRECTLY OR IT WAS THE WRONG HOSE AND/OR A GOOD H…
10/06/2015 · Fuel system
MY CAR, MADE BY TOYOTA, HAS ALL THE SAME PROBLEMS, FAULTY PARTS, AS THE CARS THAT WERE RECALLED FOR SUDDEN ACCELERATION. I HAVE HAD THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION PROBLEM HAPPEN TWICE AND I AM CURRENTLY UNABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE OF A FAULTY RESISTOR THAT CONTROLS THE FUEL FEED TOT THE FUEL PUMP KEEPS CAUSING THE CAR TO ACT LIKE IT IS RUNNING OUT OF GAS. VE…
09/16/2015 · Vehicle Speed Control
IN APPROXIMATELY 1995, I EXPERIENCED THE "SUDDEN ACCELERATION" PROBLEM TWICE WITH MY LEXUS LS. AT THE TIME, NO ONE HAD EVER HEARD OF IT AND THE DEALER SAID HE COULD NOT REPRODUCE IT AND COULD DO NOTHING. AFTER THAT I WAS MORE CAREFUL WITH THE FLOOR MATS AND THOUGHT I HAD SOLVED THE PROBLEM. FOR THE LAST 7 TO 8 YEARS, THE CAR SUDDENLY SLOWS AND S…
09/04/2015 · Steering
BENDS AFTER DRIVING ON A CROWN ROAD......3X.....BCP IN SMYRNA DE WILL NOT GIVE ME ANOTHER CHANGED LEFT AND RIGHT TIE ROD ENDS TWIICE AND STILL CANNOT KEEP THE VEHICLE ON THE ROAD.
05/28/2014 · Electrical system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 LEXUS LS400. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE DOOR FAILED TO UNLOCK FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED BOTH AUTOMATICALLY AND MANUALLY BUT THE DOOR FAILED TO UNLOCK AND OPEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD NO ALTERNATIVE BUT TO EXIT THROUGH THE PASSENGERS SIDE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TA…
02/07/2010 · Electrical system
ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKS AND ENGINE CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE. I CAN ONLY STOP IT BY PUSHING ON THE BRAKE HARD, PUTTING IT IN NEUTRAL OR TURNING OFF ENGINE. SOMETIMES IF I HAVE ROOM IN FRONT OF MY CAR, I CAN STOP IT BY PUMPING THE BRAKE. THIS HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. I CANNOT TELL WHAT CAUSES IT. DEFINITELY NOT FLOOR MAT. *TW
04/28/2007 · Steering
I HAVE A 1990 LEXUS LS 400 AND I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE MY ALTERNATOR AND POWER STEERING PUMP 3 TIMES DUE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP HAVING A LEAK AND THERE ARE MILLIONS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND IT COST A LOT OF MONEY I THINK LEXUS SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THEIR PUMPS TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM PLEASE HELP ME THIS IS BECOMING RIDICULOUS. EVERY YEAR I HAVE TO CHANGE…
04/06/2005 · Wheels / tires
THE RIGHT REAR TIRE HAD A BUBBLE. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER ,AND THEY STATED THAT VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. CONSUMER STATED THAT VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY COLLISION.*AK