Model year guide

1997 Lexus sc400

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Lexus sc400 is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

1997 Lexus sc400 — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1997 Lexus sc400 at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints1

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

1997 Lexus sc400 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.

1997 Lexus sc400 common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 33

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 33.

Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022

Bulletin Safety Recall 22 · Equipment · Apr 2022

POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it.…

Bulletin Lexus PRO19-02 - · Tires, Wheels, Equipment · Jan 2022

Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements

Bulletin Lexus Safety Re · Equipment · May 2020

TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE April 06, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0008-20. Replacement Certification Labels and VIN Plates

Bulletin L-SB-0179-17 Obs · Equipment · Apr 2020

TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin Nos. L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003-93, PG002-90, L-SB-0048-08, PG007-07, PG016-01, PG015-01, PG004-97, PG003-97, PG003 93, a…

Bulletin L-SB-0008-20 · Equipment · Apr 2020

TSB: Replacement Certification Labels. OBSOLETE NOTICE November 28, 2017: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see L-SB-0179-17.

Bulletin L-SB-0048-08 Obs · Equipment · Dec 2017

TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.

Bulletin L-SB-0025-14 · Equipment · Jul 2015

LSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may…

Bulletin L-SB-0066-11 Rev · Electrical System, Equipment · Apr 2015

LSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many lubricants, cleaners, and automotive chemicals contain silicone or other compounds that may…

Bulletin L-SB-0066-11 Rev · Equipment, Electrical System · Apr 2015

TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.

Bulletin L-SB-0025-14 Rev · Equipment · Nov 2014

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the SC400. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

1997 Lexus sc400 trims & engines on record

Trims
400
Engines
4.0L 8-cyl 290 hp

1997 Lexus sc400 vehicles on record

Other Lexus sc400 model years

1997 Lexus sc400 — frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 Lexus sc400 have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 1997 Lexus sc400. 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.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Lexus sc400?

Across all 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags.

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