Model year guide

1996 Lexus SC 400

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1996 Lexus SC 400 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1996 Lexus SC 400 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1996 Lexus SC 400 at a glance

Safety recalls1

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1996 Lexus SC 400 recalls 1

Electrical System:starter Assembly NHTSA Campaign #98V016000 · 27/01/1998

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.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE MAGNETIC SWITCH.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

Dimensions & weight

Length
191.3 in
Width
70.5 in
Height
53.1 in
Wheelbase
105.9 in
Curb weight
3,616 lb
Front track
59.8 in
Rear track
60.2 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1996 Lexus SC 400. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Canadian recalls 1

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1996 Lexus SC 400. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Electrical

DUE TO IMPROPER ASSEMBLY OF THE TERMINAL FOR THE STARTER MOTOR MAGNETIC SWITCH (SOLENOID), AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT MAY OCCUR IF ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE LIQUID ENTERS THIS AREA. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A POSSIBLE UNDERHOOD FIRE. CORRECTION: THE STARTER MOTOR MAGNETIC SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.

Transport Canada #1998015 · Jan 1998

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Lexus SC 400

The Lexus SC is a two-door four passenger, front-engine, rear-drive grand touring coupe manufactured by Toyota and marketed by its luxury division, Lexus, for model years 1991–2010 across two generations. The first-generation SC debuted as the V8-powered SC 400 in 1991, and the I6-powered SC 300 was added in 1992, both manufactured until 2000. The second-generation model, the SC 430, went into production in 2001, as a retractable hardtop convertible coupe with a V8 engine. The first-generation SC was largely styled in California at Calty, and the second-generation SC was mainly conceived at design studios in Europe.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1996 Lexus SC 400 trims & engines on record

Trims
Base
Engines
4.0L 8-cyl 260 hp

1996 Lexus SC 400 vehicles on record

1996 Lexus SC 400 1996 Lexus SC 400 BaseJT8CH32Y9T0050859

Other Lexus SC 400 model years

1998 1995 1993 1992

1996 Lexus SC 400 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1996 Lexus SC 400 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1996 Lexus SC 400. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.