1997 Lexus LS: common problems and reliability

The 1997 Lexus LS has 15 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and vehicle speed control. Owners most often flag *ls460 generation:.

Safety record for the 1997 model year

15
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
2
Crash reports
2
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1997 Lexus LS vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

electrical system
3
vehicle speed control
3
service brakes
3
tires
2
power train
2

Recalls affecting the 1997 LS

exterior lighting

Campaign 06E049000

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBE…

electrical system:starter assembly

Campaign 98V016000

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 D…

What owners say across generations

The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep owner loyalty and satisfaction with the vehicle's core mission of providing unparalleled long-term comfort, refinement, and reliability. The LS is consistently described as a benchmark for a "deca

  • *LS460 Generation:
  • Control arm and suspension bushing wear — Requires replacement far too often, as frequently as every 60k miles, with costs exceeding $2,000. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Air suspension failures — Air struts and related components on Ultra Luxury (UL) models require replacement, representing a major maintenance cost. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Premature tire wear — Tires may last only 10k-15k miles due to vehicle weight and suspension alignment sensitivity. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Brake feel at low speeds — Described as "atrocious," "jerky and sensitive," detracting from the luxury experience. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the LS.

Other LS model years

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