1998 Lexus LS: common problems and reliability

The 1998 Lexus LS has 48 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are vehicle speed control and electrical system. Owners most often flag *ls460 generation:.

Safety record for the 1998 model year

48
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
7
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Lexus LS vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

vehicle speed control
15
electrical system
10
tires
6
service brakes
4
suspension
3

Recalls affecting the 1998 LS

exterior lighting

Campaign 09E012000

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMEN…

exterior lighting

Campaign 06E026000

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL T…

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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