1998 Lexus LS: common problems and reliability
48 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about vehicle speed control. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 1998 LS?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.
Safety record for the 1998 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Lexus LS vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1998 a good year for the LS?
Across the 27 LS model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2023) to 182 (2008). With 48 complaints, the 1998 LS sits above the model's median of 23.
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
Recalls affecting the 1998 LS
exterior lighting
Campaign 09E012000SABERSPORT 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 REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
exterior lighting
Campaign 06E026000CERTAIN 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 TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
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.
Owner insights cover all generations of the LS. See the full LS owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used LS listings typically run $35,857–$43,700.
Other LS model years
Compare every LS year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.
Compare the LS against its rivals
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