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).

Is 1997 a good year for the LS?

Across the 13 LS model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (2017) to 182 (2008). With 15 complaints, the 1997 LS sits belowthe model's median of 21.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

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.

  • 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.

Owner insights cover all generations of the LS. See the full LS owner picture and every model year.

Other LS model years

Compare every LS year side by side to see how 1997 ranks against the rest.

Compare the LS against its rivals