Lexus LS-400 / LS-430 Problems & Failures

Jebediah Kornworthy · 2007-03-30T00:15:38+00:00

I would like to buy a used Lexus LS-400 or a Lexus LS-430 in the next year or two perhaps (depending on my health.) I feel that they are a very well built car and I'm sure many of you feel the same way.I have been looking at many web sites and forums to find any and all known and reoccurring problems with the car. Any helpful input would be greatly appreciated.I have read that certain years had major problems with the air ride suspension and many people had it converted to a regular suspension. Problems were reported and fairly common with the instrument cluster circuit board failure in some years. I've read more than one post on different sites where the gauges work intermittently or not at all when it's cold and then start working again when it warms up inside the car.I've also read that the power steering pump can fail causing the alternator fail also. I have never heard of or read of any major engine or transmission failures but it doesn't mean that they don't exist.I know that no car is going to be perfect, and as a former Maintenance Mechanic, I understand the complexities of machinery. I know that any car will require regular service and maintenance. I also know that any car part can fail for a variety of reasons. I'm looking for patterns of failure on certain parts for different years.I'm trying not to be nit picking. I'm just trying to decide what year or years to stay away from that may have had some well-known and costly repair problems. And I know that the newer the car is, the less likely it will be to have major problems. I can't afford a new Lexus LS 460 unfortunately. Obviously the older the car is the cheaper it will be to buy it outright but it may be wiser to choose a different year of car that has less known problems.Is what I have read true? Do any of you agree that these are common problems or just a fluke? I've read many posts on these problems but that doesn't necessarily paint a true picture of known car problems when we are...

Mar 30, 2007 24 Replies

Rate this thread:

njbok 19 years ago

Regarding the problem with air suspension, is this a problem with LS430s as well as LS400s ? I'm not familiar with the problem, and since I've decided to look into buying a 2004 LS430, I want to familiarize myself with known problems with that car.

Is the suspension adjustable by a switch or knob on the dash or console on the 04 ? If so, I want to know where to look so that I'll know immediately if the car is so-equipped.

Thanks

Vote

Ray O 19 years ago

There is a ride height switch in vehicles with the air suspension.

Vote

njbok 19 years ago

Thanks Ray. I'll watch for that switch (I assume it's on the center console ?) walt

Vote

Ray O 19 years ago

In my '01 LS, the switch is near the bottom of the "stack" in the center of the dashboard that comes down to meet the console with the shifter. There is a horizontal row of buttons - one to select sport or normal ride, one for suspension height, one for the headlight washer, and one or two more that I can't recall offhand - I think they are for the rear sunshade and to return the rear seat to the upright position.

If you look in the rear wheel well, you will see a rubber bladder inside the coil spring.

Vote

elmarsa dice 19 years ago

I have a 1992 LS 400 which I bought in '94. It has 125k miles on it now and has been the best car I ever owned wrt comfort, driveability and reliability. I have had minimal problems with it. The problems were with the a-c that needed a complete overhaul at about 70k miles, a overheating problem caused by debris between the a-c condenser coils and the radiator coils, and a TRAC lite problem. Other than that the car has been really good. If and when I need another car it will definitely be a Lexus 400 class.

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required